Introduction / History

The name Korku amounts to a combination of two words, one for "man" and the other the plural for "tribal men." The Indian government classifies all Korku peoples as "Scheduled Tribes," meaning they have a tribal background and low status. The Bawaria are a subtribe of the larger Korku people.

Where Are they Located?

The Bawaria subtribe lives in a small portion of India's Madhya Pradesh state.

What Are Their Lives Like?

At one time the Bawaria Korku people practices slash and burn farming practices, but now they have better farming techniques. Though some have adequate farmland, many suffer from malnutrition because they cannot grow enough food for themselves.

Korku villages include two rows of huts, each one with a fireplace in front. These fireplaces pose a danger since most of their homes are made out of bamboo or wood.

Marriage for the Bawaria Korku people is the initiation for youths who become adults. Religious rites are very important in weddings, which unite families. They do not have nuclear families. Most Bawaria Korku families include not only the couple, but also adult sons and daughters, their children, and even members of the bride's family who are still paying off the bride price through service to the groom's family.

The male head of a Korku family makes all major decisions regarding large purchases like land, livestock, and even smaller purchases like ornaments and clothes. His wife makes decisions regarding the purchase of clothes and cooking utensils.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Bawaria Korku people practice Hinduism, but it has a very tribal flavor, since it's a blend of animism and Hinduism. Since Hinduism is the label for just about any indigenous South Asian belief system, tribal religions can also be labeled Hinduism. Hinduism is a very flexible religion. However, one major difference between Hinduism and tribal religion is that the Hindus employ Brahman priests for their rituals while tribal peoples have their own priests.

What Are Their Needs?

The Bawaria Kurku people need the tools and know-how for advanced farming techniques so they can adequately feed their families.

Prayer Points

Pray for families of Bawaria Korku believers loving and serving others to grow reproducing churches.
Pray for a chain reaction of Bawaria Korku families reaching families that results in thousands of new believers who share their faith with others.
Pray for grace and truth expanding into the entire Bawaria Korku society as all believers learn to love others.
Pray that churches and believers will bless their entire people group in such a way that God's love will change the Bawaria Korku people like yeast changes dough.

Scripture Prayers for the Korku Bawaria in India.

References

https://joshuaproject.net/people_groups/17269/IN
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Korku_people
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k8nzr4VFKtA
https://www.britannica.com/topic/Korku
https://www.everyculture.com/South-Asia/Korku.html
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Korku_people