Aguri in Bangladesh

Aguri
Photo Source:  Gerald Roberts 
Map Source:  People Group data: Omid. Map geography: UNESCO / GMI. Map Design: Joshua Project.
People Name: Aguri
Country: Bangladesh
10/40 Window: Yes
Population: 2,600
World Population: 620,600
Primary Language: Bengali
Primary Religion: Hinduism
Christian Adherents: 0.00 %
Evangelicals: 0.00 %
Scripture: Complete Bible
Online Audio NT: Yes
Jesus Film: Yes
Audio Recordings: Yes
People Cluster: South Asia Hindu - other
Affinity Bloc: South Asian Peoples
Progress Level:

Introduction / History

They are a cultivating and trading caste representing Ugra Kshatriyas. They were brought by the King 0f Burdawan Mehtha from Agra to west Bengal to fight against the British. They are by nature aggressive and hostile people. The Hindu book Manu say's Ugra (Cruel creature) was born to a Sudra girl by a Kshtriya.

Where Are they Located?

The Aguir's are mostly located in the Districts of West Bengal concentrated in Anguna Village and other neighboring villages.

What Are Their Lives Like?

They have two caste among them now the upper and the lower. The upper caste are agricltural people who own land. Some of the younger generations have moved out of the village and now live in Kolkata and different parts of India. Some have even migrated to America and live in New York City. The lower caste work on the farms as laborers and are cowherders involved with cattle farming. Some of the village home are empty and idle most of the occupants have moved to the city for better work opportunities.

What Are Their Beliefs?

They worship Shiva and old "Shiv Mandirs" are prevalent in the village. They also celabrate Durga puj and Kali Puja during the Bengali festivals.

What Are Their Needs?

They have a spiritual hunger for knowing the truth. They have come in hundreds to watch the Jesus movie which we have shown with our teams and hundreds have accepted Jesus Christ as they Savior. Their basic needs are education, medical facilities and water wells. Their villages do not have schools for higher education so most of the children after a formal education through class five drop out and become farmers. It is the very fortunate ones who go on to higher education to Burdawan or the Kolkata. The women and children need medical aid and these fecilities are 30 to 40 kms aways in town of Burdawan. Dusty and muddy roads become foot deep in mud during monsoons, they need decent roads to walk on.

Prayer Points

Prayer that the Strong holds are broken and families may come to know Jesus Christ. Many have already accepted Christ and are coming forward.
Pray that schools are opened by the government so education to reach the poor section.
Pray for access to clean water.
Pray for good harvest of farmers which will bring joy into their lives.
Pray that we are able to reach them with the word of God.

Text Source:   Prem Sarkar