The term Ramoshi has been derived from Ram, the legendary hero of the Ramayana. They believe that they were the caretakers and protectors of Ram's Ushi and hence the name Ramoshi was derived. During the British era, the Ramoshi were included in the criminal tribe category in the Bombay Presidency as were other tribes. This was due to the fact that the Ramoshi were involved in uprisings against the British Raj. Those tribes who were originally categorized as Criminal Tribes in 1871 were later defined as such. There is ongoing pressure for India to drop the designation of criminal tribes. The Ramoshi live primarily in Maharashtra and the northwest districts of Karnataka. There are currently no known believers among the Ramoshi.
The economy of the present day Ramoshi is based on the cultivation of farming lands and tending of cows, buffalo, goats, and sheep.
The Ramoshi are Hindus and belong to the Lingayat sect. Some consider this sect to be separate from Hinduism. They worship a family deity as well as a village deity. They take part in regional fairs and festivals. Some are affiliated with a particular saint.
The Ramoshi need new job skills to develop a higher living standard. Many of the Ramoshi are functionally illiterate. Most of all the Ramoshi need to hear and understand the message of Jesus Christ. He alone can forgive their sins and grant them eternal life.
Pray for God to give the Ramoshi a desire to investigate the claims of Jesus Christ. Pray for a disciple making movement that will flourish among the Ramoshi people this decade. Pray for the Lord to send out workers to the Ramoshi people to tell them the good news.
Scripture Prayers for the Ramoshi in India.
| Profile Source: Keith Carey |
