Majhi in India

People Name:	Majhi
Country:	India
10/40 Window:	Yes
Population:	135,000
World Population:	231,000
Primary Language:	Hindi
Primary Religion:	Hinduism
Christian Adherents:	0.32 %
Evangelicals:	0.00 %
Scripture:	Complete Bible
Ministry Resources:	Yes
Jesus Film:	Yes
Audio Recordings:	Yes
People Cluster:	South Asia Tribal - other
Affinity Bloc:	South Asian Peoples
Progress Level:

Introduction / History

The Majhi are only one of the many hundreds of ethnic groups living in India. They live mainly in the Gumla district in the eastern-central state of Bihar. Other Majhi live spread throughout the plains of the states of Bihar, West Bengal, Chhattisgarh, and especially Madhya Pradesh. A large number live in Nepal. Their heart language is Majhi, but most in India speak Hindi. The word Majhi means "ferryman" or “fisherman.” Their folklore reflects lifestyles centered around rivers. The dohi boat is their symbol.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Instead, they are now farmers who earn their livelihood by cultivating rice, wheat and vegetables. Very few Majhi own their own land; thus, most of them work as laborers on others' property. In addition to farming, many Majhi also make bamboo baskets and sell them in the markets. Others pan for gold.

Majhi houses are made of mud and are roofed with tiles or thatch. The men wear the common Indian lungis (colorful pieces of cloth wrapped as skirts) and kurtas (knee-length, collar-less shirts. Women wear saris (long pieces of cloth wrapped around their waists and draped over their shoulders) with petticoats and blouses.

Rice is the staple food for the Majhi. Most enjoy meats of all kinds. In general, it’s the lower caste Hindus who eat meat. They were traditionally avoided and abhorred by higher caste Hindus.

What Are Their Beliefs?

In the past, the Majhi were animists. (Animists believe that animals, plants, and forces of nature all have spirits.) Today, even though they are shunned by other Hindus, they call themselves Hindus and follow most Hindu customs. Yet they also worship nature and natural forces just as they have done for hundreds of years. This practice does not conflict with Hinduism.

What Are Their Needs?

The Majhi are a poor people. Health care, sanitation, hygiene, education, transportation and communication are all inadequate. Girls are not sent to school at all, and even men have a low literacy rate. In addition, the Majhi have a strong addiction to haria, an alcoholic beverage which is consumed during every special occasion.

More urgent than their physical needs are their spiritual ones. They need Christian laborers who are willing to share the gospel with them in a clear and easily understood way.

Prayer Points

Ask the Lord of the harvest to send Christian doctors and teachers to minister the love of Jesus to the Majhi of India.
Ask the Lord to save key leaders among the Majhi who will boldly declare the gospel to entire families and villages.
Pray that God will give Majhi believers boldness to share Christ with their own people.
Pray that soon Majhi Christ followers will disciple others.
Ask the Lord to bring forth a holy and zealous Majhi church for the glory of his name.