Rana in India

Introduction / History

The Rana are a tribal people who live in northeastern India, specifically the states of Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand. They are part of the Tharu cluster of peoples. They live in the foothills and forests of the highest mountain range in the world, the Himalayas. The Rana see themselves as people of the forest. They gather food and materials from the forests where they live. They hunt animals and fish in the lakes and rivers.

The Indian government has recognized the Rana as a Scheduled Tribe, meaning they are eligible for public jobs and special university admission. The primary language of the Rana is Hindi.

What Are Their Lives Like?

The Rana were a traditional hunter/gatherer people. They are increasingly moving to an agricultural way of life. The Indian government has outlawed the killing of many animal species that the Rana are accustomed to hunting. The Rana plant and harvest rice, maize, lentils and vegetables to supplement the wild fruits, honey and roots they gather from the forest. The Rana raise chickens for meat and eggs and goats for their meat, milk and hides.

Many Rana villages have an elected leader called a Badghar, a chief elder, to settle legal issues and make important decisions. Many of the Rana live in long houses with large extended families. Families arrange marriages. Marriage to one spouse is the norm. Rana children have only recently started to attend schools. Many Rana adults are unable to read and to write.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Rana people practice Hinduism, heavily influenced by animism. At this popular level, Hindus worship and serve the gods whom they believe will give them favor and protection. They do not have a personal or familial relationship with their gods. These Hindus believe that in a long run, by performing rituals and good works, they have the chance to attain moksha or freedom from the endless cycle of birth, death and rebirth. The Rana also believe that spirits inhabit the objects of nature. These spirits must be appeased by prayers and offerings or they can bring disaster upon the community.

What Are Their Needs?

The Rana need to see people following Christ in practical ways. Solar panels could bring them electricity for appliances and cell phones. Agricultural experts can teach the Rana better ways to farm. Both adults and children need to learn to read and write. They need access to modern medicine. Most of all, the Rana need to hear and respond to the life-changing message of Jesus Christ. He alone can forgive their sins and get them right with the one, true God.

Prayer Points

Pray for a "Book of Acts" type of movement to Christ among the Rana people.
Pray for the Rana people to understand and embrace that Jesus wants to bless their families and neighborhoods.
Pray for Holy Spirit anointed believers from the Rana people to change their society from within.
Pray for a movement in which the Holy Spirit leads and empowers Rana disciples to make more disciples.
Pray for a movement of Jesus to heal and strengthen Rana communities.

Text Source:   Joshua Project