Introduction / History

The Maria are one of the Gond people groups and are a scheduled tribe. They live in the Bastar district of Madhya Pradesh in the hills. They speak Maria.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Cultivation is their main work, and they also collect forest products. They eat rice and meat. Beef is a delicacy for them.

They have several clans. Child marriages are common, often between cousins. Unlike most peoples in this region, they bury their dead. They have a traditional council to look after them.

The Abuj Maria are not keen on education, modern medicine nor family planning.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Though they are officially Hindu, the Maria Gond worship local gods and clan gods more than any of the Hindu deities.

What Are Their Needs?

Pray that the council leaders will come to Jesus Christ and lead others to him.

Pray for spiritually open hearts that will gravitate to the Lord of lords.

Pray that Indian Christians and gospel materials will become easily available.

Prayer Points

Scripture Prayers for the Gond Maria in India.

References

Singh, K. S., ed. "India's Communities A-Z", Oxford University Press, USA 1999