Rajput Garhwali in India

Rajput Garhwali in India

pronounced: gar-WAH-lee RAHJ-put

The history of the Rajput Garhwali goes back over a thousand years in the region of the western Himalayas. A Garhwali kingdom existed from about 1200 to 1815 AD. The Garhwali were the rulers and the army officers of the kingdom. The word Rajput means "son of a ruler." The Garhwali are placed in the second highest caste of Hinduism, the Kshatriyas. At the beginning of the 19th century the Gurkhas and British invaded their land and the Garhwali kingdom was subjected to British rule. The Garhwali still join the Indian Army in high numbers. A large number of Garhwali are active in the Indian film and television industry.

Ministry Obstacles

The Garhwali consider themselves to be devout Hindus. They are proud of their royal and military heritage. The high status of the Garhwali can be an obstacle in presenting Christ to them.

Outreach Ideas

Hindu background believers can build relationships with the Garhwali and share the gospel with them. Garhwali students who are studying in western nations can be befriended by believers and told about the claims of Jesus Christ.

Scripture Focus

You send rain on the mountains from your heavenly home, and you fill the earth with the fruit of your labor. You cause grass to grow for the livestock and plants for people to use. Ps 104:13-14

Scripture Prayer

Pray for this people group to be amazed at His abundant blessings!

Prayer Focus

There are presently no known believers among the Garhwali Rajputs. Pray that Hindu background believers reach out to them with the love of Christ. * Pray that God opens the hearts of the Garhwali to the truth of the Word of God. * Pray that God brings many Garhwali to Himself and that Bible believing churches are planted in the Garhwali community. * Pray that God will overthrow spiritual forces of darkness opposing the spread of His gospel among the Garhwali Rajputs.