Introduction / History

Korkus are Adivasis tribals.

What Are Their Lives Like?

These low status people earn very little money. Each week they sell what they can produce through vegetables, the firewood they gather in the forests, and other commodities. Those with more power take from them much of what they earn. If the Korku manages to offer a chicken or a bottle of country liquor to a forestry official, he may be exempted from a government fine.

Every year during the harvest, each Korku family has to supply 5 kilos of grain to the forest guards - another example of exploitation. Korku in Awagad live in literal darkness, in the absence of electric supply. There is a dispute regarding whether or not they should have electricity since electric wires might cause nearby trees to ignite.

In summer, people of Awagad feel an acute shortage of water. Two wells dug by the government were dried up. Tube well, which was dug a year back, was not functioning. Once in a while, a wobbling truck loaded with water reaches there. Since the plastic tank setup for emptying the trucks was flown away, the remaining water had to be released to one of the dried well.

They have a small school with two classrooms. Pupils up to fourth standard are supposed to be taught there. After receiving the appointment order and working for two months, the teacher went home and never to be returned. In Awagad there were neither ration depots (fair price shops for the poor) nor public health centers.

Some doctors frequent there seeking patients selling medicines and treat all sicknesses. According to government records, many roads, bridges and buildings were constructed. But all these were alleged to be swept away in the rains.

Wooden pillars erected from the floor are the main base for their houses. The roof is thatched with bamboo frames and handmade tiles. Bamboo mats form the skeleton of the walls, then smeared with mud.

Korku Village Mission had been in existence 100 years ago in Chikaldara focusing on Korku tribes. Korku Baptist Mission, founded by Americans with their mission compound and activities were withdrawn in late 40s handing over the responsibility to the Baptist Church Association at the district headquarters.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Korku people come under the broad umbrella of Hinduism. This ancient and flexible religion allows them to worship whatever spirits they want so long as they call themselves Hindu. Hinduism has few if any strict creeds that all must follow.

What Are Their Needs?

Korku people need education, better health care and political empowerment to rise above the cycle of exploitation.

Prayer Items

Pray for the Lord to provide for their physical and spiritual needs as a testimony of his power and love.
Pray that the Korku people will have a spiritual hunger that will open their hearts to the King of kings.
Pray for workers who are driven by the love and boldness of the Holy Spirit to go to them.
Pray for a movement to Christ among them to begin this decade.

Scripture Prayers for the Korku in India.

References

Philipose Vaidyar, Copyrighted © Used with permission.