Chauhan in India

Introduction / History

The Rajput Chauhans were rulers in medieval north and west India. Rajput means "son of the king" in Sanskrit. The name Chauhan comes from one of the last Hindu kings of north India Prithvi Raj Chauhan.

The Rajputs come from the second caste of Hinduism, the Kshatriyas, who were the rulers, warriors and administrators of Indian society. Being rulers and military leaders, they owned land tilled by lower caste members.

Today the Chauhan hold many professions besides being government leaders, landowners and military personnel. They work in business, banking, trade and agriculture.

The primary language of the Chauhan is Hindi. They also speak other regional languages.

Where Are they Located?

The Rajput Chauhans live across north, west and central India. The majority of Chauhans live in the Indian states of Uttar Pradesh, Rajastan, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Haryana and Delhi.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Today Rajput Chauhans occupy different places in India. Some are still landowners and military officers. Some own large hotels and other businesses. Less fortunate Chauhan work as small shop owners and laborers.

Chauhan 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.

Rajput Chauhans practice patrilineal inheritance. The son's inherit the family's property. The oldest son gains the father's titles and authority. When adults die, they are cremated while children are buried.
Chauhan are vegetarians. Some eat dairy products and eggs.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Rajput Chauhans are Hindus. They worship and serve the deities of the Hindu pantheon. They pay special attention to Durga also known as Devi and Shakti, the mother and warrior goddess. Durga was created by Vishnu to protect people from the buffalo demon. A four-day festival, Durga Puja, is held in the fall to celebrate her victory over evil. The Chauhan also participate in the other major annual Hindu holidays.

What Are Their Needs?

The Chauhan need to hear the gospel of Jesus Christ in a way they can understand. They need to see the gospel lived out before them by Indian and other Christians. They need to begin to see that only Jesus Christ is the answer to their sin problem.

Prayer Points

Pray that the Lord would produce a hunger in the Rajput Chauhan for the Word of God.
Pray that the Lord sends Christian workers to befriend and bring the gospel to the Chauhan.
Pray that the Lord would cause many Chauhan to be born again and to become a part of a growing Chauhan church.

Text Source:   David Kugel