Vanjara in India

The Vanjara have only been reported in India
Population
Main Language
Largest Religion
Christian
Evangelical
Progress
Progress Gauge
* From latest India census data.
Current Christian values may substantially differ.

Introduction / History

The Vanjara or Banjara originally came from the western Indian state of Rajastan. Their main occupation before the British period was transporting salt, cattle and grain. Their name means "dwellers of the forest or jungle." During colonial times and the coming of the railroads, the Vanjara ceased their nomadic ways and settled down to become farmers. The Vanjara now grow rice, other grains, vegetables and fruit for themselves and to sell to others. They also raise cattle for dairy products and sale. The Vanjara also make bamboo products like baskets and mats to sell.

In the Vanjara community there is a wide disparity in their education levels. Some have college educations while most are barely literate or illiterate.

In most Indian states they are a Scheduled Class meaning they are eligible for guaranteed spots in universities and public service.

The primary language of the Vanjara is Marathi. Some others speak Telegu and other regional Indian languages.


Where Are they Located?

The vast majority of the Vanjara live in Maharashtra, west India. Some also live in Telangana and other regions of India.


What Are Their Lives Like?

The formerly nomadic Vanjara have settled down to live as farmers. One source said that the men are allowed to eat meat except for beef while the women must be vegetarians. The women work in the homes and in the fields. They are especially skilled in embroidery. The men also work in the field and make things to sell for currency. Unfortunately, most children receive only a minimal education and must work in agriculture to help support their families.

The Vanjara are endogamous, they prefer to marry within their group. Families arrange marriages. Sons inherit property upon the death of their fathers. They create their dead except for young children who are buried.


What Are Their Beliefs?

The Vanjara practice Hinduism, the ancient religion of India. They worship and serve the many gods of the Hindu pantheon. They offer food, incense and flowers at Hindu temples and at household shrines.

Sevala or Sevabhaya is the most important saint of the Banjara. He was a cattle merchant of the 18th century who lived an exemplary of morality. He was a musician and devoted to Durga, the mother-warrior goddess.
Banjara people celebrate the festival of Teej during Shravana (the month of August).

This holiday celebrates the monsoon season and the god Shiva and goddess Parvati.

The Vanjara also celebrate the yearly Hindu festivals, of Holi, the festival of colors, Diwali, the festival of lights and Navratri, the nine-day festival of autumn.


What Are Their Needs?

The Vanjara need to hear the life-changing message of Jesus Christ in a way they can understand. Christian teachers could help with the educational needs of their children. Agricultural experts could increase the crop yields of their lands. The Vanjara must see that Durga and Shiva will not help them obtain salvation and that their only hope is Christ.


Prayer Points

Pray that God moves Indian Christians to reach out to the Vanjara and share the gospel with them.
Pray Christian workers come to live among the Vanjara and show them the love and mercy of God.
Pray the Lord wins some Vanjara to Himself and that Bible-believing churches are planted in their community.


Scripture Prayers for the Vanjara in India.


References

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


Profile Source:   David Kugel  

People Name General Vanjara
People Name in Country Vanjara
Pronunciation vahn-jah-RAH
Alternate Names Vantari; Vindhar; Wandhara; Wanjara; वंजारा
Population this Country 1,137,000
Population all Countries 1,137,000
Total Countries 1
Indigenous Yes
Progress Scale 1
Unreached Yes
Frontier People Group Yes
GSEC 1  (per PeopleGroups.org)
Pioneer Workers Needed 23
People ID 18329
ROP3 Code 113879
ROP25 Code 308553
ROP25 Name Vanjara / Vanjari
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)
Total States on file 6
Largest States
Maharashtra
995,000
Telangana
128,000
Karnataka
12,000
Odisha
700
Gujarat
600
Delhi
100
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)
Total States 6
  Maharashtra 995,000
  Telangana 128,000
  Karnataka 12,000
  Odisha 700
  Gujarat 600
  Delhi 100
Website South Asia Peoples
Primary Religion: Hinduism
Major Religion Percent *
Buddhism
0.22 %
Christianity  (Evangelical 0.00 %)
0.00 %
Ethnic Religions
0.00 %
Hinduism
99.78 %
Islam
0.00 %
Non-Religious
0.00 %
Other / Small
0.00 %
Unknown
0.00 %
* From latest India census data.
Current Christian values may substantially differ.
Primary Language Marathi (828,000 speakers)
Language Code mar   Ethnologue Listing
Language Written Yes   ScriptSource Listing
Total Languages 6
Secondary Languages
Telugu
102,000
Hindi
25,000
Kannada
2,000
Konkani
800
Gujarati
400
Primary Language Marathi (828,000 speakers)
Language Code mar   Ethnologue Listing
Total Languages 6
Secondary Languages
  Telugu 102,000
  Hindi 25,000
  Kannada 2,000
  Konkani 800
  Gujarati 400
People Groups Speaking Marathi

Primary Language:  Marathi

Bible Translation Status  (Years)
Bible-Portions Yes  (1807-1957)
Bible-New Testament Yes  (1811-1982)
Bible-Complete Yes  (1821-2022)
FCBH NT (www.bible.is) Online
YouVersion NT (www.bible.com) Online
Possible Print Bibles
Amazon
World Bibles
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National Bible Societies
World Bible Finder
Virtual Storehouse
Resource Type Resource Name Source
Audio Recordings Audio Bible teaching Global Recordings Network
Audio Recordings Online Audio Scripture Talking Bibles
Audio Recordings Online Scripture / Bible General / Other
Audio Recordings Oral Bible stories One Story
Audio Recordings Story of Jesus audio Jesus Film Project
Film / Video Following Jesus video Jesus Film Project
Film / Video God's Story video God's Story
Film / Video Indigitube.tv Video / Animation Create International
Film / Video Jesus Film: view in Marathi Jesus Film Project
Film / Video LUMO film of Gospels Bible Media Group/LUMO
Film / Video Magdalena video Jesus Film Project
Film / Video My Last Day video, anime Jesus Film Project
Film / Video Story of Jesus for Children Jesus Film Project
Film / Video World Christian Videos World Christian Videos
General Bible for Children Bible for Children
General Biblical answers to your questions Got Questions Ministry
General Faith Comes By Hearing - Bible in text or audio or video Faith Comes by Hearing
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General Four Spiritual Laws Campus Crusade for Christ
General Gospel resources links Scripture Earth
General YouVersion Bible versions in text and/or audio YouVersion Bibles
General Zume Resources Zume Project
General Zume Training Zume Project
Mobile App Android Bible app: Marathi YouVersion Bibles
Photo Source Sonam Prajapati - Pixabay 
Map Source People Group Location: Omid. Other geography / data: GMI. Map Design: Joshua Project  
Profile Source David Kugel 
Data Sources Data is compiled from various sources. Learn more.



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