Charan Banjara in India

The Charan Banjara 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 Hindu Banjara, who are known by 53 different names, primarily speak Lambadi or Lamani (53%), and Banjara (25%).

The Banjara are the largest nomadic group in India, and they are also known as the Romani. The Romani began traveling from India to different regions of Europe hundreds of years ago, and they eventually developed different dialects depending on the region where they settled. The Banjara's name is derived from the word bajika, which means trade or business, and from banji, meaning peddlers pack. Many consider them descended from Jews who were exiled to Egypt, as they came to India from Egypt and Persia. Some believe they were expelled from their homeland by Muslim invaders.


Where Are they Located?

Chara Banjaras only live in India's state of Telegana. Other Banjara peoples are located in over 50 percent of the districts of India.


What Are Their Lives Like?

Most Charan Banjara have olive skin, dark hair and brown eyes. Although we usually associate these groups with bands of fortune tellers traveling in colorful caravans from place to place, this is no longer the case with the Charan Banjara. Historically they were nomadic and kept cattle, traded salt, and transported goods. Now, most of them have settled down to farming and raising cattle or grain. Others still trade in salt and other commodities. In some regions, a few hold white collar positions or work as government servants. They also sew intricately embroidered colorful clothes with shining discs and beads. They make ornaments and ornate jewelry, worn by the women. Married women wear ivory armbands.

Not only do the Charan Banjara usually have more than one occupation, they also use additional skills to supplement their incomes, depending on the needs at the time. Some specialize in making items such as broomsticks, iron tools and needles. They may also repair tools or work with stone. Others believe that one does not have to work for a living and gain income by "religious begging." They sing and wear special make-up while begging in the name of a specific deity. The Banjara love music, playing folk instruments, and dancing. The Banjar are also acrobats, magicians, tricksters, story-tellers, and fortune-tellers.

Because they are poor, they eat what they have grown in their gardens along with dairy products. Many live in grass huts, often with extended families. The Banjara families are closely knit, having minimal relationships with other communities. The role of leader of the community is passed down to the leader's son. All biological sons get an equal share from parental property. Marriages may be arranged, especially to avoid the union of relatives to three generations back. In some groups, however, cousins are allowed to marry.


What Are Their Beliefs?

The majority of the Charan Banjara are Hindu; some have combined Hindu practices with their own animistic beliefs. Charan Banjaras often follow folk beliefs and mixed with these religious beliefs are many taboos (things one must never do.) One taboo is that a woman should not pass in front of a man who is sitting, but rather behind him. Despite their reputation, many have high moral standards. For example, chastity is very important. Unmarried girls are still discouraged from going into the cities, and they usually wear veils over their hands and feet while sitting with strangers.


What Are Their Needs?

Many Banjara live in poverty. Usually the only clothes a Romani owns are the ones on his back. An unsanitary lifestyle has created many physical needs among them. Most children do not attend schools because their families are always on the move. The Banjara do not have a written language, so depending on whatever state of India they are in, if they read, it must be in that states' script.


Prayer Points

Pray for the Lord to raise up a strong disciple making movement to saturate the hearts and minds of the Charan Banjara people in India.
Pray for God's blessing, strengthening and healing of Charan Banjara families and communities through the abundant life Jesus offers to all who call on His name.
Pray for God's blessing on Charan Banjara leaders, along with their families, and for their communities to welcome and enjoy God's blessing.
Pray for the Lord to multiply the reception and influence of His Word among the Charan Banjara people in India, leading them to love Him with their whole being.


Scripture Prayers for the Banjara Charan in India.


References

https://joshuaproject.net/people_groups/16315/IN
https://www.facebook.com/charan.banjara


Profile Source:   Keith Carey  

People Name General Banjara Charan
People Name in Country Banjara Charan
Natural Name Charan Banjara
Alternate Names Charwan; Gavar; बंजारा चरण
Population this Country 138,000
Population all Countries 138,000
Total Countries 1
Indigenous Yes
Progress Scale 1
Unreached Yes
Frontier People Group No
Pioneer Workers Needed 3
People ID 21095
ROP3 Code 117919
ROP25 Code 300842
ROP25 Name Banjara
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)
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 1
  Telangana 138,000
Website South Asia Peoples
Primary Religion: Hinduism
Major Religion Percent *
Buddhism
0.00 %
Christianity  (Evangelical Unknown)
2.17 %
Ethnic Religions
0.00 %
Hinduism
97.67 %
Islam
0.01 %
Non-Religious
0.00 %
Other / Small
0.00 %
Unknown
0.15 %
* From latest India census data.
Current Christian values may substantially differ.
Primary Language Lambadi (60,000 speakers)
Language Code lmn   Ethnologue Listing
Language Written Yes   ScriptSource Listing
Total Languages 3
Secondary Languages
Hindi
36,000
Telugu
21,000
Primary Language Lambadi (60,000 speakers)
Language Code lmn   Ethnologue Listing
Total Languages 3
Secondary Languages
  Hindi 36,000
  Telugu 21,000
People Groups Speaking Lambadi

Primary Language:  Lambadi

Bible Translation Status  (Years)
Bible-Portions Yes  (1963-1977)
Bible-New Testament Yes  (1999-2018)
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 God's Story video God's Story
Film / Video Jesus Film: view in Lambadi Jesus Film Project
Film / Video World Christian Videos World Christian Videos
General Bible for Children Bible for Children
General Gospel resources links Scripture Earth
Text / Printed Matter Children and youth resources One Hope
Text / Printed Matter Jesus Messiah comic book General / Other
Photo Source Suresh Pathlavath - Wikimedia  Creative Commons 
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.



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