Onge in India

The Onge have only been reported in India
This people group’s population is unknown or estimated to be extremely small. This people group may have assimilated into larger surrounding groups and may no longer be recognizable as a distinct group. To ensure every people group is represented, Joshua Project includes unknown and very small population people groups until on-site research determines they do not exist. More info at Small People Group Policy.
Population
Main Language
Largest Religion
Christian
Evangelical
Progress
Progress Gauge
* From latest India census data.
Current Christian values may substantially differ.

Introduction / History

Onge people are a scheduled tribe of India. They were previously nomads and hunters; they are hunters today. It is believed they migrated from Africa a long time ago. The population of the Onge has lessened considerably probably due to contact with other people in the world, but not of their tribe. Onge people managed to live through the 2004 tsunami. There may only be 120 people left today.


Where Are they Located?

Onge people live in the Andaman Islands, largely on Little Andaman Island.


What Are Their Lives Like?

Onge people are primarily hunters, fishermen. They are shy by nature, and live their own lifestyles.

Many Onge people have become addicted to alcohol and drugs. This has caused concern regarding their continued existence. Many are not able to bear children. Child mortality is high, also.

Onge speak their own language by the same name.

Onge tribes are easy to find. They build their own homes. The Indian Government is trying to help them with their problems.


What Are Their Beliefs?

Onge people celebrate many festivals, some in fear to prevent more tsunamis and rituals regarding nature. They fearfully worship to please, and to be blessed by their gods.


What Are Their Needs?

The primary need of Onge people is to understand that Jesus Christ gave His life to pay the full penalty for their sins.

Widespread systemic poverty affects the Onge people. They need help to establish and maintain schools, medical clinics, drinking water, sanitation, and education to maintain an improved lifestyle.

No scripture resources are known to exist in the Onge language. Who will tell them?


Prayer Points

Pray that instead of alcohol and drugs the Onge will turn to Jesus Christ.
Pray that they will not decrease further in numbers.
Pray that they will not look to festivals for protection but to Jesus Christ.
Health issues are serious, and must be addressed if people are to live long enough to hear and understand Almighty God's truth of salvation provided for them.
Pray for broken intercessors who will kneel before heaven's throne as long as it takes.


Scripture Prayers for the Onge in India.


References

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Onge


Profile Source:   Karen Hightower  

People Name General Onge
People Name in Country Onge
Alternate Names Jarao; Jarawa; Ongin; ओँगे
Population this Country 100
Population all Countries 100
Total Countries 1
Indigenous Yes
Progress Scale 1
Unreached Yes
Frontier People Group Yes
GSEC 0  (per PeopleGroups.org)
Pioneer Workers Needed 1
People ID 17801
ROP3 Code 113273
Country India
Region Asia, South
Continent Asia
10/40 Window Yes
National Bible Society Website
Persecution Rank 11  (Open Doors top 50 rank, 1 = highest persecution ranking)
Location in Country Southern Andaman Islands.   Source:  www.ethnologue.com
Districts Interactive map, listing and data download
Specialized Website South Asia Peoples
Country India
Region Asia, South
Continent Asia
10/40 Window Yes
National Bible Society Website
Persecution Rank 11  (Open Doors top 50 rank, 1 = highest persecution ranking)
Location in Country Southern Andaman Islands..   Source:  www.ethnologue.com
Total States 1
  Andaman and Nicobar 100
Website South Asia Peoples
Primary Religion: Unknown
Major Religion Percent *
Buddhism
0.00 %
Christianity  (Evangelical 0.00 %)
0.00 %
Ethnic Religions
0.00 %
Hinduism
7.92 %
Islam
0.00 %
Non-Religious
0.00 %
Other / Small
0.00 %
Unknown
92.08 %
* From latest India census data.
Current Christian values may substantially differ.
Primary Language Onge (100 speakers)
Language Code oon   Ethnologue Listing
Language Written Unknown
Total Languages 1
Primary Language Onge (100 speakers)
Language Code oon   Ethnologue Listing
Total Languages 1
People Groups Speaking Onge

Primary Language:  Onge

Bible Translation Status:  Translation Started

Resource Type Resource Name Source
None reported  
Map Source People Group data: Omid. Map geography: UNESCO / GMI. Map Design: Joshua Project  
Profile Source Karen Hightower 
Data Sources Data is compiled from various sources. Learn more.