Introduction / History

Chaupal people live in India's eastern states of West Bengal and Bihar. Their language is called Surajpuri, but most of them also speak Hindi, Bihari or Bengali.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Chaupals marry young—the boys between 17 and 22 and the girls between 14 and 20. Her family pays a dowry to the groom's family.

Most of the Chaupal people work either as farmers or as weavers. They are known to weave coarse saris. A few of them own their own shops where they sell their woven goods. Chaupal children begin to work at age eight or nine, so it's no wonder that they have such a low literacy rate. They would like to have modern medicine, but few can afford it.

They enjoy going to movies. They like to drink tea, which grows well in this part of India. Their men indulge in alcohol.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Though they practice traditional tribal religion, Hinduism is making its mark on their spiritual lives.

What Are Their Needs?

The gospel witness is weak in Bihar, the home of many Chaupal people. The Chaupal and other peoples in this region need to hear that Jesus Christ came to save sinners.

Prayer Points

Pray for the JESUS Film to be shown in many Chaupal communities.
Pray for the few Chaupal Christians to disciple many others.
Pray for the Holy Spirit to move mightily among Chaupal families.

Scripture Prayers for the Chaupal in India.