Khatri (Muslim traditions) in Pakistan

Introduction / History

The Khatri are a trading and business caste, which originated in Punjab. Their name comes from the Sanskrit word "Kshatriya" which is the second of the four castes of Hinduism. In the early 19th century, they almost had a monopoly on trade in Punjab and Afghanistan. During the British times, they were the chief civil administrators.
They have a legend that when Parasurama (the sixth Avatar of Vishnu) was engaged in subduing the Kshatriyas in the interests of the Brahmins, he caused as many Kshatriya women as possible to have violent miscarriages. Some pregnant Kshatriya women took refuge with Saraswat Brahmin families who protected them to the point of eating with them to show Parasurama that they were Brahmin women. The children born of these women became the Khatri.
Saraswat Brahmins and Khatris still eat together giving credence to this story. Another more recent legend, has Khatris serving as soldiers in the Dakshin wars over a thousand years ago. Many died in the war and out of pity the council of the most respected Khatri in Delhi proposed widow remarriage. The clan headmen Lallu and Jaghdar opposed the concept and the council dissolved without a decision. The Emperor dismissed Khatri soldiers from military service and asked them to take up being Dalals (brokers). They proved to be excellent soldiers and governors of many states.
They are found largely in Punjab of India and Pakistan, but little known outside Punjab.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Traditionally, they specialized in trading in cloth but now have expanded to spectacles, flour grinding mills, grain shops and work as painters and tailors. Many members belong to the middle class and have entered teaching and civil service professions.
They are one of the most advanced and progressive communities in India and value education.
Men and women marry within the community. Earlier, child-marriage was practiced but now adult marriage is the norm. The elders of the family negotiate marriage alliance. The giving of gifts is mutual. Adult marriages is the norm though child marriages used to be favored. Divorce is traditionally not allowed, but due to modernization, divorce is allowed under extreme maladjustment. Both nuclear and extended family types are found. The elders command respect and authority while the younger members receive love and affection from elders. They are both vegetarian and non-vegetarian. Only men drink alcohol and smoke.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Khatris take their religion seriously. They celebrate traditional Muslim, Hindu and Sikh festivals and fasts as applicable. Muslims will go to Masjid and for Haj pilgrimage. Sikhism was founded by Khatris and some of their well known leaders, Guru Nanak and Guru Govind, were Khatris.

What Are Their Needs?

Like all other peoples of the world, this people group needs the blessings and guidance that only Jesus Christ can offer.

Prayer Points

Ask God to raise up Muslim Khatri leaders who are more desirous to know the truth than to stay on the broad road to death.
Ask God to send loving, committed workers to the Khatri in the near future.
Pray the Khatri community would no longer be hidden away from the influence of Christ.

Text Source:   Joshua Project