Deswali Sonar in India

The Deswali Sonar have only been reported in India
Population
Main Language
Largest Religion
Christian
Evangelical
Progress
Progress Gauge
* Data can be from various sources including official census, agencies, and local research. Data from these sources can sometimes differ even by orders of magnitude. Joshua Project attempts to present a conservative, balanced estimate.

Introduction / History

According to Hindu legend the first Sonar was used by the goddess Devi to destroy a powerful demon who was made of gold. The Sonar convinced that vain demon that he would look better if he were polished, which meant he had to be melted down. When this happened and the demon was destroyed, Devi rewarded the Sonar by giving him the head of this demon.

There are subgroups of the Sonars based on location. This includes the Hindi speaking Deswali Sonars. They are part of the Vaishya caste groupings, the third in rank of the four. Vaishyas may not have the status of the higher two caste groupings, but they often have more wealth, since they are businessmen and merchants.


What Are Their Lives Like?

Known for their work with gold and silver, Deswali Sonars produce elaborate jewelry and ornaments, using precious and semi-precious stones. Some engrave deities on plates of gold and silver as well as pendants. Others cut and polish diamonds. Typically, Deswali Sonars own their own jewelry stores, while others are paid for skilled designs in delicate filigree.

Being a skilled goldsmith brings status in Hindu India. In a Hindu wedding, the bride literally wears her worldly possessions as products made by the Sonars. Even if a Deswali Sonar is not present at a wedding, their presence is felt by everyone who sees the bride decked out in a Deswali Sonar's beautiful golden artwork. Deswali Sonars have contact with just about every Hindu community. For that reason, if members of the Deswali Sonar community became believers, they could potentially influence all Hindu people groups.

Today, their role is becoming more diverse. Some are skilled artisans who develop beautiful jewelry and artwork. Others are landowners, pawnbrokers, or money lenders. They are becoming more educated as a community which is opening doors for more opportunities.


What Are Their Beliefs?

Deswali Sonars are Hindus who worship the regular Hindu gods, especially Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth. They also have family, clan and regional gods that they worship. Along with other Hindu communities, the Sonars celebrate Holi, Dussehra, Janamashtami, Navrati, and Diwali.


What Are Their Needs?

Deswali Sonars need humility and the desire to serve the God who created all gold, and everything else they see. They need to taste and see that the Lord is good … and great!


Prayer Points

Pray for the Holy Spirit to move among Deswali Sonar families and community leaders to seek his face and enjoy his blessings.
Pray for the Lord to thrust out workers who will be compelled to nurture a Disciple Making Movement among Sonar peoples.
Pray that soon many members of the Sonar communities will have faith that is more precious and durable than gold.


Scripture Prayers for the Sonar Deswali in India.


References

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


Profile Source:   Joshua Project  

People Name General Sonar Deswali
People Name in Country Sonar Deswali
Natural Name Deswali Sonar
Alternate Names सोनार देसवाली
Population this Country 42,000
Population all Countries 42,000
Total Countries 1
Indigenous Yes
Progress Scale 1
Unreached Yes
Frontier People Group Yes
Pioneer Workers Needed 1
PeopleID3 21247
ROP3 Code 118070
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 7
Largest States
Uttar Pradesh
34,000
Bihar
2,700
Jharkhand
2,200
Uttarakhand
1,500
Madhya Pradesh
700
Rajasthan
600
Chhattisgarh
200
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 7
  Uttar Pradesh 34,000
  Bihar 2,700
  Jharkhand 2,200
  Uttarakhand 1,500
  Madhya Pradesh 700
  Rajasthan 600
  Chhattisgarh 200
Website South Asia Peoples
Primary Religion: Hinduism
Major Religion Percent *
Buddhism
0.00 %
Christianity  (Evangelical 0.00 %)
0.00 %
Ethnic Religions
0.00 %
Hinduism
100.00 %
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 Hindi (36,000 speakers)
Language Code hin   Ethnologue Listing
Language Written Yes   ScriptSource Listing
Total Languages 7
Secondary Languages
Bhojpuri
1,700
Garhwali
200
Chhattisgarhi
200
Magahi
100
Wagdi
80
Maithili
50
Primary Language Hindi (36,000 speakers)
Language Code hin   Ethnologue Listing
Total Languages 7
Secondary Languages
  Bhojpuri 1,700
  Garhwali 200
  Chhattisgarhi 200
  Magahi 100
  Wagdi 80
  Maithili 50
People Groups Speaking Hindi

Primary Language:  Hindi

Bible Translation Status  (Years)
Bible-Portions Yes  (1806-1962)
Bible-New Testament Yes  (1811-1998)
Bible-Complete Yes  (1818-2022)
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Text / Printed Matter Literacy primer for Hindi Literacy & Evangelism International
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Text / Printed Matter Tools for faith conversations Cru
Text / Printed Matter Topical Scripture booklets and Bible studies World Missionary Press
Map Source People Group data: Omid. Map geography: UNESCO / GMI. Map Design: Joshua Project  
Profile Source Joshua Project 
Data Sources Data is compiled from various sources. Learn more.


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