Rajput Manihas (Muslim traditions) in Pakistan


Population
Main Language
Largest Religion
Christian
Evangelical
Progress
Progress Gauge
* From latest Pakistan census data.
Current Christian values may substantially differ.

Introduction / History

Starting in the 5th century, there was a massive attack by the White Huns in what is now northern and northwestern India and Pakistan. About a century later the reigning Hindu-based Gupta Empire broke up, leaving the Subcontinent vulnerable to Muslim invaders from the north. As time went on, invaders took over land and integrated with the settled peoples of this region. Tribal leaders, especially those involved with defense, were accepted as Kshatrya, the second highest varna (major categories of castes) in Hindu society, while their followers became the fourth and lowest varna. Priests became the Brahmins, the highest of the four varnas.

Rajputs, who were part of the Kshatrya varna, became politically important in the seventh century. From around 800 AD Rajput dynasties ruled northern India. Petty Rajput kingdoms were the main obstacle to Muslim domination of the Hindu subcontinent. For hundreds of years Rajputs were the warriors who defended kingdoms from invaders and conquered others. When possible, Rajputs settled down, became nobles, and enjoyed the lives of landed gentry.

Over a period of a couple hundred years, invaders penetrated the Rajput wall that protected the Subcontinent. Some Rajput subgroups converted to Islam during this time. The British Empire put an end to the Moghul Empire, but they recruited Rajputs into their military units. After independence, Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi abolished Rajput titles and property rights. The Rajputs have kept alive their proud history of conquest, bravery, and military might.


Where Are they Located?

Rajputs are concentrated in India's northwestern state of Rajasthan, though there are Rajputs all over India. Pakistan also has Rajput communities, mostly in Punjab Province.


What Are Their Lives Like?

Though many Rajputs are still in the armed forces or own land, many have moved on to other livelihoods. Some Rajputs now own impressive hotels in Rajasthan where tourists can be introduced to their history and culture. Rajputs who aren't so fortunate work as small businessmen or wage laborers.

They try to marry their daughters into clans of higher rank than their own. The Rajput clans in Rajasthan have the highest status, so families want their daughters to marry men from that state. Unfortunately, Rajputs often marry their daughters off while they are very young.


What Are Their Beliefs?

Though Rajputs were once Hindu, some converted to Islam starting in the early 12th century. Sufi Muslim missionaries were instrumental in winning these Hindus to Islam, though others converted to Islam for political reasons. Conversion to Islam continued into the 19th century when the British were gaining power in the Subcontinent. It is important to note that conversions happen at the group level; entire Rajput clans converted to Islam, not individuals. Those who want to see Rajputs won to Jesus Christ should remember this.

Rajputs who have embraced Islam usually retain common social practices such as having their wives secluded (purdah). Those who are devout do their five daily ritual prayers, give alms to the poor, and go on the pilgrimage (haj) to Mecca, Saudi Arabia. Muslims from all communities come together on Friday afternoons to pray and hear a sermon at local mosques.


What Are Their Needs?

Rajputs are admired in South Asia for their historical and military accomplishments. Rajputs presently are going through something of an identity crisis. They can no longer depend on land ownership or military careers, especially with the Indian government reserving prestigious jobs for underprivileged castes. Believers with the right skills can help them during this time of transition.


Prayer Points

Pray for Rajput communities to increasingly grow in awareness of Jesus, His life and His sacrifice for them.
Pray the Lord will give Rajput leaders spiritual hunger, then satisfy that hunger with Christ.
Pray these people will understand the value of becoming part of God's royal family.
Pray for Holy Spirit led humility for all Rajput communities to fall at the feet of the King of kings.
Pray for a disciple making movement among every Rajput community.
Pray for Rajput families to accept the abundant blessings and guidance offered only by Jesus Christ.


Scripture Prayers for the Rajput Manihas (Muslim traditions) in Pakistan.


References

https://joshuaproject.net/unreached/4
https://joshuaproject.net/index.php/people_groups/17928/IN
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Rajput_clans
http://induhistory.blogspot.com/p/rajput-history.html
https://www.britannica.com/topic/Rajput
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rajput
http://allrajputyouthwing.weebly.com/muslim-rajputs-history.html
https://www.quora.com/What-is-the-difference-between-a-Kshatriya-and-a-Rajpoot
http://www.everyculture.com/wc/Germany-to-Jamaica/Rajputs.html
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rajput_clans


Profile Source:   Keith Carey  

People Name General Rajput Manihas (Muslim traditions)
People Name in Country Rajput Manihas (Muslim traditions)
Alternate Names Manhas; Mannas; राजपूत मनिहस (मुस्लिम ट्रेडिशन्स)
Population this Country 147,000
Population all Countries 151,000
Total Countries 2
Indigenous Yes
Progress Scale 1
Unreached Yes
Frontier People Group Yes
Pioneer Workers Needed 3
People ID 21496
ROP3 Code 118320
ROP25 Code 306917
ROP25 Name Rajput
Country Pakistan
Region Asia, South
Continent Asia
10/40 Window Yes
National Bible Society Website
Persecution Rank 7  (Open Doors top 50 rank, 1 = highest persecution ranking)
Total States on file 5
Largest States
Punjab
113,000
Azad Kashmir
32,000
Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa
1,100
Sindh
900
Islamabad
200
Country Pakistan
Region Asia, South
Continent Asia
10/40 Window Yes
National Bible Society Website
Persecution Rank 7  (Open Doors top 50 rank, 1 = highest persecution ranking)
Total States 5
  Punjab 113,000
  Azad Kashmir 32,000
  Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa 1,100
  Sindh 900
  Islamabad 200
Website South Asia Peoples
Primary Religion: Islam
Major Religion Percent *
Buddhism
0.00 %
Christianity  (Evangelical 0.00 %)
0.00 %
Ethnic Religions
0.00 %
Hinduism
0.00 %
Islam
100.00 %
Non-Religious
0.00 %
Other / Small
0.00 %
Unknown
0.00 %
* From latest Pakistan census data.
Current Christian values may substantially differ.
Primary Language Punjabi, Western (69,000 speakers)
Language Code pnb   Ethnologue Listing
Language Written Yes   ScriptSource Listing
Total Languages 11
Secondary Languages
Saraiki
38,000
Pahari-Potwari
13,000
Hindko, Northern
12,000
Urdu
9,900
Marwari (Pakistan)
1,800
Pashto, Northern
1,400
Hindko, Southern
1,400
Kashmiri
1,100
Shina
300
Sindhi
200
Primary Language Punjabi, Western (69,000 speakers)
Language Code pnb   Ethnologue Listing
Total Languages 11
Secondary Languages
  Saraiki 38,000
  Pahari-Potwari 13,000
  Hindko, Northern 12,000
  Urdu 9,900
  Marwari (Pakistan) 1,800
  Pashto, Northern 1,400
  Hindko, Southern 1,400
  Kashmiri 1,100
  Shina 300
  Sindhi 200
People Groups Speaking Punjabi, Western

Primary Language:  Punjabi, Western

Bible Translation Status  (Years)
Bible-Portions Yes  (1885-1922)
Bible-New Testament Yes  (1819-2021)
Bible-Complete No
FCBH NT (www.bible.is) Online
YouVersion NT (www.bible.com) Online
Possible Print Bibles
Amazon
World Bibles
Forum Bible Agencies
National Bible Societies
World Bible Finder
Virtual Storehouse
Resource Type Resource Name Source
Audio Recordings Audio Bible teaching Global Recordings Network
Audio Recordings DAVAR Partners recording, New Testament DAVAR Partners International
Audio Recordings Love letter to you from scripture Father's Love Letter
Audio Recordings Online Scripture / Bible General / Other
Audio Recordings Story of Jesus audio Jesus Film Project
Film / Video Indigitube.tv Video / Animation Create International
Film / Video Jesus Film: view in Punjabi, Western Jesus Film Project
Film / Video World Christian Videos World Christian Videos
General Bible for Children Bible for Children
General Biblical answers to your questions Got Questions Ministry
General Faith Comes By Hearing - Bible in text or audio or video Faith Comes by Hearing
General Four Spiritual Laws Campus Crusade for Christ
General Gospel resources links Scripture Earth
General Gospel website in this language General / Other
General YouVersion Bible versions in text and/or audio YouVersion Bibles
General Zume Resources Zume Project
General Zume Training Zume Project
Mobile App Android Bible app: Punjabi, Western YouVersion Bibles
Mobile App iOS Bible app: Punjabi, Western YouVersion Bibles
Text / Printed Matter Cartoon Gospel tract General / Other
Text / Printed Matter Literacy primer for Punjabi, Western Literacy & Evangelism International
Text / Printed Matter Tools for faith conversations Campus Crusade for Christ
Text / Printed Matter Topical Scripture booklets and Bible studies World Missionary Press
Map Source People Group data: Omid. Map geography: UNESCO / GMI. Map Design: Joshua Project  
Profile Source Keith Carey 
Data Sources Data is compiled from various sources. Learn more.



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