Rajdhob 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: | Rajdhob |
| Country: | India |
| 10/40 Window: | Yes |
| Population: | 4,400 |
| World Population: | 20,400 |
| Primary Language: | Angika |
| Primary Religion: | Hinduism |
| Christian Adherents: | 0.00 % |
| Evangelicals: | 0.00 % |
| Scripture: | Portions |
| Ministry Resources: | No |
| 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 Rajdhob have many clans. There is an ongoing debate as to whether they are Kshatriyas or Vaishyas, the two middle castes of Hinduism. Part of that dispute may have to do with the myth regarding their origins. Their community is named after Parashurama, an enraged Brahmin, who killed Kshatriya warriors with an ax. To save their lives, some Kshatriyas hid among the lower status Dhobis. Instead of taking up the Dhobi's laundry profession, they became cultivators. Eventually they morphed into the Rajdhob community.
Most live in Nepal, but some are farther south in Uttar Pradesh, India. In India they speak Angika, and in Nepal they speak Maithili.
What Are Their Lives Like?
The Rajdhob people still try to be known as soldiers, since this gives them higher Kshatriya status. They are known as brave fighters. Each year they perform the chhathihar ceremony which involves a bow and arrow. They have their own association to protect their interests in both India and Nepal.
What Are Their Beliefs?
The Rajdhob people practice Hinduism, the ancient religion of India. Hinduism is a catch-all phrase for the local religions of South Asia, so it is very diverse. At the popular level, Hindus worship and serve the gods of the Hindu pantheon. They visit Hindu temples and offer prayers, food, flowers, and incense to their gods in hopes of gaining protection and benefits. They do not have a personal or familial relationship with their gods like Christians or Jews. There are other Hindus who are much more philosophical, especially among the Brahmins.
Almost all Hindus participate in yearly celebrations like Holi, the festival of colors and the start of spring / Diwali, the festival of lights / Navratri, the celebration of autumn / and Rama Navami, Rama's birthday.
What Are Their Needs?
These people need to realize that they cannot please God without being empowered by the Holy Spirit. They cannot have the Holy Spirit without Jesus Christ.
Prayer Points
Pray for a movement of Jesus to heal and strengthen Rajdhob communities.
Pray for the Rajdhob people to understand and embrace that Jesus wants to bless their families and neighborhoods.
Pray for Holy Spirit anointed believers from the Rajdhob people to change their society from within.
Pray for a movement in which the Holy Spirit leads and empowers disciples to make more disciples.