Han Chinese, Mandarin in India

Introduction / History

Although the vast majority of the Mandarin Chinese live in mainland China, millions have immigrated to other countries, and today they reside in nearly every nation of the world. One of them is their near neighbor (and historical rival) India.

With the exception of a Buddhist monk who came from China to India in the 600s, the first record of a Chinese man emigrating to India was Tong Achew, who came as a merchant in 1778. He brought Chinese workers and went into the sugar refining business. He died soon after, and the Chinese who came with him relocated to Kolkata, which soon became the capital of the growing British Raj in South Asia. Their population was stagnant until the early 20th century when China began decades of civil war and the people suffered under Japanese occupation.

When China and India went to war in 1962, ethnic Chinese were viewed as enemies, and half returned to China. In 1976 diplomatic relations between the two countries resumed. In 1998 the Chinese were finally allowed to have Indian citizenship. There is always the possibility of another border skirmish, and the Chinese are viewed with suspicion in India. For that reason, many are leaving India. The few who remain live in ethnic neighborhoods in Kolkata and Mumbai.

Though there is a common Han Chinese thread, various Chinese groups have their own language which cannot be understood by others. The dominant language is Mandarin, and it’s the official language of China.

What Are Their Lives Like?

The Diaspora Mandarin Chinese typically work in urban centers as businessmen. Their businesses range from small shops to international corporations. Some stay long term but they often go back to China after two years.

Most Mandarin Chinese have retained their traditional Chinese diet. Rice continues to be their staple food and they generally prefer to use chopsticks as utensils. Some have set up Chindian” restaurants, serving fusion cuisine that combines aspects of Chinese and Indian dishes.

Many of the Han Chinese who live outside of China have maintained their culture and language to varying degrees, depending on the country in which they live. Han Chinese people in India continue to speak Mandarin at home and within their community. They stay close to other Chinese; enculturation is minimal.

The Diaspora Mandarin Chinese in India have also continued living by their traditional Chinese customs, especially those regarding marriage and the family. One of the primary reasons they have kept their languages and customs is because they have a deeply ingrained belief in the superiority of their culture.

Mandarin Chinese treat their children affectionately and usually indulge boys more than girls. The children are pushed to do well in school and are given much time to devote to their studies. Mandarin Chinese are known for their politeness and will go to great lengths to avoid disputes. However, once a dispute begins it is very difficult to stop because the Chinese place a high value on "saving face." Giving ground in an open dispute would cause them to lose face—something the Mandarin Chinese avoid at all costs.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Diaspora Mandarin Chinese have generally maintained their traditional Chinese religion, which is characterized by a blending of elements of Buddhism, Confucianism and Taoism. Their beliefs are centered around the concept of maintaining harmony.

The Mandarin Chinese consult horoscopes in an attempt to determine what course of action will promote harmony and bring good luck. They also believe in a pantheon of spirits who inhabit the earth. The spirits of their ancestors supposedly roam the earth, and if treated properly, are benign and bring good luck. They believe ghosts are the spirits of people who are angry at the circumstances of their death; these spirits may become malicious. The souls of those who lived virtuous lives become deities. According to Chinese religion, they have spiritual powers that can be used to benefit those who worship them.

Although the Mandarin Chinese still claim adherence to these beliefs, they seem to have little effect on their everyday lives. Many of them are non-religious in practice.

What Are Their Needs?

The Diaspora Chinese are often mistreated in the lands in which they live. In nearly all countries, nationals are envious of the Diaspora Han Chinese because of their economic success in business, commerce and trade. Indians are often suspicious that the Chinese among them are a fifth column to help China’s interests.

Prayer Points

Pray for God to protect the Mandarin Chinese in India in such a way that demonstrates his love and power.
Ask the Holy Spirit to soften the hearts of the Han Chinese towards the gospel.
Pray that Han Chinese believers in India will disciple others in the faith.
Pray that Christian broadcasts, evangelical literature, and the JESUS Film will be effective tools for reaching the Diaspora Han Chinese.
Ask God to use Christian businessmen to boldly share the gospel with the Han Chinese in India.

Text Source:   Joshua Project