Bania Mahur in India

Bania Mahur in India

pronounced: mah-HOOR bahn-YAH

The Mahur Banias are a Hindu people who live in west and central India. The Banias are also called Vania or Mahajan. Their name is derived from Vaniji, which means "trader or merchant" in Sanskrit. Of the four major varnas or castes in Hinduism, Banias are in the third one, the Vaishyas. This caste cluster has always been about trade, business, and money lending. They were usually traders of grain and spices throughout history. Today Bania is a rather loose term, sometimes meaning caste and other times just business people. Despite their high incomes, the Banias have only modest status in the Hindu caste pyramid. Many Banias are moving to Banglalore, India's "Silicon Valley" to take advantage of the opportunities there.

Ministry Obstacles

The wealth of the Banias may be an obstacle in coming to know Christ. A Mahur may lose business if he or she becomes a follower of Christ.

Outreach Ideas

Bibles, literature, Internet resources, and radio programs are available in the primary language of the Banias, Hindi.

Scripture Focus

Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty. Ps 91:1

Scripture Prayer

Pray for many from today’s people group to find rest in their relationship with the Lord.

Prayer Focus

A tiny number of Mahur have become believers. Pray that they are trained in the Bible and that their numbers multiply. * Pray that they will see that the only true wealth is the spiritual riches gained through a love relationship with Jesus Christ. * Pray that workers will be called to live among them and share Christ in a culturally relevant way. * Pray for a disciple-making movement to emerge among every Bania Mahur community.