Kayastha Mathur 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: | Kayastha Mathur |
| Country: | India |
| 10/40 Window: | Yes |
| Population: | 43,000 |
| World Population: | 43,000 |
| 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 - Kayastha |
| Affinity Bloc: | South Asian Peoples |
| Progress Level: |
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Introduction / History
Mathur are one of the 13 clans of the Kayastha caste. This is an ancient caste of scribes who served the state through record keeping regarding taxation and other matters. They don't fit in with any of the four main caste categories. According to legend, Brahma, the supreme god, needed someone to record the deeds of all people and castes. He went deep into meditation and when he opened his eyes, he saw the image of a man standing before him holding a quill and an inkpot with a sword strapped around his waist. This man was the first of the Kayasthras. Further legends make them out to be descendants of one of the Hindu gods.
Where Are they Located?
This Hindu people group lives in Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and Gujarat, three of India's least reached states.
What Are Their Lives Like?
Though their long history the Mathur Kayasthas have kept their high status and power. They have been civil servants and tax collectors under the Muslim Moghul Empire, the British Raj, and later they kept their position when India became independent. Because of their adaptability, many have viewed them as traitors, since they served outside parasitical empires at India's expense. Most people respect them for their abilities. They have branched out into other high professions like IT, medicine and engineering. Some now live in foreign nations like England and the US.
What Are Their Beliefs?
The Mathur Kayastha people practice Hinduism, the dominant religion of India. At the popular level, Hindus worship and serve the gods whom they believe will give them favor and protection, much like a business transaction. They do not have a personal or familial relationship with their gods like Christians or Jews. Some Mathur Kayastha are philosophical in their spiritual practices. Their spirituality is more like a philosophy than a religious system. This is common for people with the prestigious Hindu communities.
What Are Their Needs?
The Mathur Kayastha community needs to allow Jesus Christ the chance to transform them into His likeness so that they can enjoy peace and hope that only the Holy Spirit can provide.
Prayer Points
Pray for His kingdom to come and His will to be done among the Mathur Kayastha people.
Pray for a movement of Mathur Kayastha households to study the Bible and accept the blessings of Christ.
Pray for a spiritual hunger that will drive the Mathur Kayastha people to the arms of Jesus.
Pray for workers who are filled with the fruit and the power of the Holy Spirit to go to the Mathur Kayastha people.