Dubla Bhil in India

The Dubla Bhil 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

There are two divisions of Bhil: the Central or "pure" Bhil, and the Eastern or part-Rajput Bhil. The Central Bhil live in the mountain regions of India, particularly in the states of Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and Rajasthan. They are known as the connecting link between the Gujarati and the Rajasthani. They speak Bhili, which is an Indo-Aryan language.

Many years ago, Bhil rajas (kings) permitted immigrants from the plains to settle in the hill regions. To safeguard their independence and rule, the Bhil fought against the Moghals, the Maratha and the British Raj.

The Dubla Bhil people have always been experts in handling bows and arrows. In fact, the name "Bhil" was derived from the word billee, which means "bow." For years, the bow has been a characteristic weapon of the tribe, and the men usually carry their bows and arrows with them. They are known for their rugged independence, but also for their banditry.


Where Are they Located?

The Dubla Bhil live in Gujarat and Maharashtra, two states in western India.


What Are Their Lives Like?

Many Bhil are being threatened by the Sardar Saravor Dam Project, which when completed will flood the land where many Bhil currently live. Though re-settlement plans have been discussed, they remain incomplete.

Today, the Dubla Bhil primarily work as farmers, field laborers and village watchmen. With a growth in population, most of their land holdings are small and generally non-productive. The women wear brightly colored clothes. The city boys are distinctive from other Hindus because they tie rags around their heads, wear earrings, and carry swords or guns.

The Dubla Bhil are usually shy and love their independence. Festivals, dance, drama, and music are a large part of their culture. The length and enthusiasm for these events is usually directly proportional to the amount of alcohol that is consumed.

The Dubla Bhil usually marry within their own classes. If they do marry someone of another class, the person of the lower class must convert to the higher, leaving behind all family ties. This custom is strictly enforced among the Bhil tribes.

Each Dubla Bhil village is led by a head man who deals with disputes. Respect among family members is strong, and there is a great sense of connection between the living and the dead. Property is shared equally by the male descendants. Bhil villages are rather widely scattered. The houses are located in fields where they grow millet, maize, wheat, and barley. Bhil highlanders live in tidy houses made with walls of sticks intertwined with small branches. The roofs (shaped like bee-hives), are usually made of clay tiles, but are sometimes made of straw and leaves.


What Are Their Beliefs?

Almost all of the Dubla Bhil practice ethnic religions that have been highly influenced by Hinduism. They consider Shiva to be the supreme god. Ancestor worship (praying to deceased ancestors) is also quite popular. Shamans (priests) are also called upon to offer sacrifices to the many gods and mud idols.


What Are Their Needs?

Much intercession is needed to see Dubla Bhil eyes opened to the truth.


Prayer Points

Pray for his kingdom to come and his will to be done among the Dubla Bhil people.
Pray for a movement of Dubla Bhil households to study the Bible and accept the blessings of Christ.
Pray for a spiritual hunger that will drive the Dubla Bhil people to the arms of Jesus.
Pray for workers who are filled with the fruit and the power of the Holy Spirit to go to the Dubla Bhil people.


Scripture Prayers for the Bhil Dubla in India.


References

https://joshuaproject.net/people_groups/16414/IN
https://www.britannica.com/topic/Bhil
http://www.ecoindia.com/tribes/bhils.html
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bhil_people
http://www.indianmirror.com/tribes/bhiltribe.html


Profile Source:   Keith Carey  

Additional Info
Central Bhil profile for Children and Family Missions Activities
People Name General Bhil Dubla
People Name in Country Bhil Dubla
Natural Name Dubla Bhil
Pronunciation doo-BLAH beel
Alternate Names भील दुबला
Population this Country 153,000
Population all Countries 153,000
Total Countries 1
Indigenous Yes
Progress Scale 1
Unreached Yes
Frontier People Group No
Pioneer Workers Needed 3
People ID 21013
ROP3 Code 117864
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 2
Largest States
Gujarat
88,000
Maharashtra
62,000
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 2
  Gujarat 88,000
  Maharashtra 62,000
Website South Asia Peoples
Primary Religion: Hinduism
Major Religion Percent *
Buddhism
0.00 %
Christianity  (Evangelical Unknown)
1.09 %
Ethnic Religions
0.00 %
Hinduism
98.64 %
Islam
0.11 %
Non-Religious
0.00 %
Other / Small
0.00 %
Unknown
0.16 %
* From latest India census data.
Current Christian values may substantially differ.
Primary Language Bhili (43,000 speakers)
Language Code bhb   Ethnologue Listing
Language Written Yes   ScriptSource Listing
Total Languages 13
Secondary Languages
Gujarati
41,000
Marathi
24,000
Vasavi
5,700
Khandesi
4,100
Mawchi
3,200
Bareli, Pauri
2,700
Dungra Bhil
1,800
Sindhi Bhil
800
Bareli, Rathwi
600
Dangi
500
Ahirani
300
Bareli, Palya
300
Primary Language Bhili (43,000 speakers)
Language Code bhb   Ethnologue Listing
Total Languages 13
Secondary Languages
  Gujarati 41,000
  Marathi 24,000
  Vasavi 5,700
  Khandesi 4,100
  Mawchi 3,200
  Bareli, Pauri 2,700
  Dungra Bhil 1,800
  Sindhi Bhil 800
  Bareli, Rathwi 600
  Dangi 500
  Ahirani 300
  Bareli, Palya 300
People Groups Speaking Bhili

Primary Language:  Bhili

Bible Translation Status  (Years)
Bible-Portions Yes  (1916-1996)
Bible-New Testament Yes  (1930)
Bible-Complete No
Possible Print Bibles
Amazon
World Bibles
Forum Bible Agencies
National Bible Societies
World Bible Finder
Virtual Storehouse
Resource Type Resource Name Source
Audio Recordings Audio Bible teaching Global Recordings Network
Audio Recordings Story of Jesus audio Jesus Film Project
Film / Video Jesus Film: view in Bhili Jesus Film Project
Film / Video World Christian Videos World Christian Videos
General Bible for Children Bible for Children
General Gospel resources links Scripture Earth
Photo Source (Representative photo)
Copyrighted © 2023  Isudas  All rights reserved.  Used with permission
Map Source People Group data: Omid. Map geography: UNESCO / GMI. Map Design: Joshua Project  
Profile Source Keith Carey 
Data Sources Data is compiled from various sources. Learn more.