Darzi Sribastab (Muslim traditions) in India

Introduction / History

The Darzi originally lived in Central Asia and migrated to India long ago. An Indian legend says that the god Parasurama was pursuing two brothers to destroy them and they found haven in a Hindu temple. A priest hid them and gave one brother the task of sewing dresses and the other dyeing cloth. The Darzi are said to be the descendants of the first brother and therefore, Darzis are most commonly tailors. Darzis occupy a middle ground of social status.

Though the majority are Hindu, about one-third have converted to Islam. That includes some from the Sribastab subgroup. Uttar Pradesh has the largest population of Darzis, but there are sizable populations in several states of India. The Sribastab live in western Uttar Pradesh and also Bihar.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Sribastab Darzis work in cities and towns practicing their trade of dying, sewing, and making clothing. They sell their clothes in shops and in village markets. Some of them sell ready-made clothes. Darzi women are very adept at embroidery. As tailors they enjoy close relations with other tradesmen.

They are endogamous, that is, they marry within their group. Darzi young people marry as adults. Monogamy or marriage to one spouse is the general rule while polygamy is accepted. Families often arrange marriages to cement clan ties.

Girls are not encouraged to get an education. Boys strive to obtain a higher education. When they do, they often rise above the status of a tailor.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Most Darzi are Hindu, the predominant religion of India, but many from the Sribastab subgroup are Sunni Muslims. Like other Muslims in South Asia, they believe in the sovereign power of Allah, but they often believe in local spirits, whom they believe can help them with practical issues.

What Are Their Needs?

Because of the Darzi's openness to business and upward social status, there is a great opportunity to offer outside assistance to develop new markets and ways to help them grow their businesses.

Prayer Points

Pray for workers to go to the Sribastab Darzi people, and for their hearts to be ready to receive their Savior.
Pray for networks of believing families and fellowships that will throw the doors open for others to follow Jesus.
Pray for the Lord to bless the families among the Darzi communities with his presence and mercy.
Pray for believers among this people group to disciple others who will disciple still others.
Pray for Bible believing fellowships and churches among the Muslim Sribastab Darzi people.

Text Source:   Joshua Project