Darzi Sribastab (Hindu traditions) 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: | Darzi Sribastab (Hindu traditions) |
| Country: | India |
| 10/40 Window: | Yes |
| Population: | 139,000 |
| World Population: | 139,000 |
| Primary Language: | Hindi |
| Primary Religion: | Hinduism |
| Christian Adherents: | 0.00 % |
| Evangelicals: | 0.00 % |
| Scripture: | Complete Bible |
| Ministry Resources: | Yes |
| 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 Darzi originally lived in Central Asia and migrated to India long ago. An Indian legend says the god Parasurama was pursuing two brothers to destroy them and they found haven in a Hindu temple. A priest hid them and gave one brother the task of sewing dresses and the other dyeing cloth. The Darzi are said to be the descendants of the first brother and therefore, Darzis are most commonly tailors. Though the majority are Hindu, about one-third have converted to Islam. They have subgroups, one of which is the Sribastab Darzi.
Uttar Pradesh has the largest population of Darzis, but there are sizable populations in several states of India.
What Are Their Lives Like?
Typically, Sribastab Darzis work in cities and towns practicing their trade of dying, sewing, and making clothing. They sell their clothes in shops and in village markets. Some of them sell ready-made clothes. Sribastab Darzi women are very adept at embroidery.
They are endogamous, that is, they marry within their group. Darzi young people marry as adults. Monogamy or marriage to one spouse is the general rule while polygamy is accepted. Families often arrange marriages to cement clan ties.
Sribastab Darzis occupy a middle ground of social status. As tailors they enjoy close relations with other tradesmen. Girls are not encouraged to get an education. Boys strive to obtain a higher education. When they do, they often rise above the status of a tailor.
What Are Their Beliefs?
Most Darzi are Hindu, the predominant religion of India, but many are Muslim. Many of them are part of a sect which was founded in the 12th or 13th century by a tailor. They have a practical way of viewing spirituality. They are likely to be devotees of gods that benefit them.
What Are Their Needs?
The Sribastab Darzi people need to put all their faith in the King of kings and Lord of lords, Jesus Christ.
Prayer Points
Pray for workers to go to the Sribastab Darzi people, and for their hearts to be ready to receive their savior.
Pray for networks of believing families and fellowships that will throw the doors open for others to follow Jesus.
Pray for the Lord to bless the families among the Sribastab Darzi communities with his presence and mercy.
Pray for believers among this people group to disciple others who will disciple still others.
Pray for Bible believing fellowships and churches among the Hindu and Muslim Darzi people.