Gaharwal Rajput in Pakistan

The Gaharwal Rajput have only been reported 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 type of castes) in Hindu society, while their followers became the fourth and lowest varna. Priests became the Brahmins, the highest of the four varnas.

The Rajputs, who were part of the Kshatrya varna, became politically important in the seventh century. From around 800 Rajput dynasties ruled northern India. Petty Rajput kingdoms were the main obstacle for 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 clans like the Gararwals converted to Islam during this time. The British Empire put an end to the Moghul Empire, but they recruited Rajputs into their military units. The Rajputs have kept alive their proud history of conquest, bravery and military might.


Where Are they Located?

Rajputs tend to live near members of their own clans. Most of Pakistan's Rajput clan live in Punjab Province.


What Are Their Lives Like?

Though Gaharwal Rajputs are still in the armed forces or own land, many have moved on to other livelihoods. Some Rajputs work as small businessmen or wage laborers.

Rajputs 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 all 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?

Gaharwal Rajputs are going through an identity crisis. They can no longer depend on land ownership or military careers, especially with the Indian government reserving prestigious jobs for "backward" (ie, underprivileged) castes. Believers with the right skills can help them during this time of transition.


Prayer Points

Pray for the Gaharwal Rajputs Rajput community to increasingly grow in awareness of Jesus and their need for Him.
Pray the Lord will give these Rajputs a spiritual hunger, then satisfy that hunger.
Pray that these people will understand the value of becoming part of God's royal family.
Pray for a 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.


Scripture Prayers for the Rajput Gaharwal in Pakistan.


References

https://joshuaproject.net/people_groups/20273/PK
https://newpakhistorian.wordpress.com/tag/gaharwal-rajputs/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Garhwali_people
http://allrajputyouthwing.weebly.com/muslim-rajputs-history.html
https://joshuaproject.net/index.php/people_groups/17928/IN
http://induhistory.blogspot.com/p/rajput-history.html
https://www.britannica.com/topic/Rajput
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rajput


Profile Source:   Keith Carey  

Additional Info
Rajputs profile for Children and Family Missions Activities
People Name General Rajput Gaharwal
People Name in Country Rajput Gaharwal
Natural Name Gaharwal Rajput
Alternate Names राजपूत, गहरवाल
Population this Country 181,000
Population all Countries 181,000
Total Countries 1
Indigenous Yes
Progress Scale 1
Unreached Yes
Frontier People Group Yes
Pioneer Workers Needed 4
People ID 20273
ROP3 Code 116008
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 2
Largest States
Sindh
172,000
Islamabad
600
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 2
  Sindh 172,000
  Islamabad 600
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 Sindhi (116,000 speakers)
Language Code snd   Ethnologue Listing
Language Written Yes   ScriptSource Listing
Total Languages 6
Secondary Languages
Urdu
48,000
Punjabi, Western
9,500
Dhatki
2,500
Saraiki
2,400
Marwari
1,800
Primary Language Sindhi (116,000 speakers)
Language Code snd   Ethnologue Listing
Total Languages 6
Secondary Languages
  Urdu 48,000
  Punjabi, Western 9,500
  Dhatki 2,500
  Saraiki 2,400
  Marwari 1,800
People Groups Speaking Sindhi
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.