Ajna in India
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Map Source:
People Group data: Omid. Map geography: UNESCO / GMI. Map Design: Joshua Project.
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| People Name: | Ajna |
| Country: | India |
| 10/40 Window: | Yes |
| Population: | 47,000 |
| World Population: | 47,000 |
| Primary Language: | Hindi |
| Primary Religion: | Hinduism |
| Christian Adherents: | 0.00 % |
| Evangelicals: | 0.00 % |
| Scripture: | Complete Bible |
| Ministry Resources: | Yes |
| Jesus Film: | Yes |
| Audio Recordings: | Yes |
| People Cluster: | South Asia Hindu - other |
| Affinity Bloc: | South Asian Peoples |
| Progress Level: |
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Introduction / History
The Ajna have several names: Anjana Chaudhary or "Kalbi," which is a Hindu caste. They are also known as Patels, and Jagirdar, Zamindar or Chudhary in Rajasthan. The Ajna are considered OBC (Other Backward Castes) in some states.
They believe that they are descended from the goddess Anjani Mata, the mother of Lord
Hanuman. There us a legend is that during a war, the Goddess Arbuda protected them on
the condition that they give up their weapons. Goddess Arbuda assured him that they would
never again wield a weapon but instead serve Mother Earth. They turned to agriculture, but
continued to keep weapons. Their villages always have agriculture, buffalos and swords.
The Ajna tend to have three surnames: Chaudhary, Patel and Desai. (The spellings may vary
on these names.)
What Are Their Lives Like?
The Ajna started out as farmers with cattle. This meant that they were usually small land
owners. However, they have some large cooperatives. With education people have gone
into police, military, banking, IT work, government, professions and so on.
They eat homemade bread, rice, curry and dairy products.
What Are Their Beliefs?
The Ajna people are Hindus who observe important customs related to ‘Simanta’ (pregnancy),
‘Upanayana’ (thread ceremony), ‘Vivah’ (marriage) and Death. Marriage ceremonies by the Ajnas are traditionally conducted in accordance with the customs that have evolved since traditional times and differ in many ways. They attach a lot of importance to weddings and the ceremonies are very colorful and can go on for several days. The Ajna celebrate the festivals of Raksha Bandhan (Brother-Sister Day), Diwali, Holi and Navratri.
What Are Their Needs?
When there are parties, weddings, etc., the people often drink Kashumba, which is made
with crushed opium pods. This has given rise to drug problems.
Child marriages or marriages required by custom are a problem. Love marriages outside
caste or outside clan can result in fights, ostracism or murder. Finding a good mate for marriage is a problem.
Prayer Points
Pray for the small Gujarati and Malvi Churches to grow spiritually and to expand.
Pray that Christ followers will disciple others in the ways of Christ.
Pray for the Holy Spirit to make huge spiritual waves among the Ajna community in the years to come.