Brahmin Palliwal in India

Introduction / History

According to their beliefs, Palliwal Brahmins have a history that goes back 6,000 years. They were traditionally a Brahmin community that excelled in business and in agriculture. They have their origins in a town in Rajasthan named Pali.

There was a tragic incident that happened about 200 years ago that scattered them all over India. A powerful chief treasury official wanted to take a beautiful 16-year-old Palliwal girl as his bride against the will of the Brahmin community. Rather than face the wrath of the powerful Muslims, Palliwal Brahmins from 84 villages left all at once, and scattered throughout India. According to legend, there is a curse on anyone who tries to re-inhabit these villages.

Where Are they Located?

Palliwal Brahmins are still scattered across India where they speak a variety of local languages. A high percentage of them also speak English as higher education in India is mostly English medium.

Brahmins are disproportionately represented among overseas Indians due to their higher educational attainments, so those who reach out to Indian nationals in the West are very likely reaching out to people who are extremely difficult to reach in South Asia.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Traditionally in the varna system Brahmins are considered as priests, but a temple priest is a lowly position that no Palliwal Brahmin family wants their sons to aspire towards. Rather, there is strong pressure for higher education, particularly in computer science and engineering. Palliwal Brahmins have a strong work ethic and are often leaders, whether politically, intellectually, spiritually or socially.

Palliwal Brahmins are still deeply influenced by the traditional four stages of life; the first student stage is followed by the householder stage, where marriage, raising a family and being a productive member of society is the primary obligation of an individual. Once children are married there is time for spiritual concerns in the third stage of reclusiveness, which is followed (this is rarely practiced) by itinerant homeless wandering (sannyasa).

Often a busy Brahmin will put off spiritual discussions as an issue for later in life. The famous Bhagavad Gita text does not support this, however, as it calls for all humanity to engage in doing good to all without thought of merit or reward for such actions.

What Are Their Beliefs?

In some cases Brahmin subgroups are defined by their theological distinctions such as Madhva Brahmins, who are defined by their dualist theology, though everyone does not actually hold those beliefs. However, many Brahmin castes are made up of people who adhere to all the various philosophical and theological options espoused by modern Hindus, including hard core secularists and atheists. One can never predict what an individual Brahmin might believe or disbelieve!

What Are Their Needs?

Palliwal Brahmins as an influential and generally well-to-do community are not unlike the middle classes of most places. Their main needs involve relational strains that are usually kept behind closed doors. Modernization is breaking down family units which have been the glue to society for many generations, and loneliness is increasingly a problem. They are expected to "achieve it all," but ironically, achieving it all can be empty.

Prayer Points

Pray for Christ to reveal Himself to Palliwal Brahmin leaders.
Pray for the eyes of Brahmin hearts to be open to Jesus Christ as Lord and king.
Pray for Holy Spirit directed Christ followers to go to Palliwal Brahmin communities.
Pray for a disciple making movement to emerge among every Brahmin community.
Pray for many to be prompted to faithfully pray for Brahmins.

Text Source:   Keith Carey