Bhansala in India
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Map Source:
People Group data: Omid. Map geography: UNESCO / GMI. Map Design: Joshua Project.
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| People Name: | Bhansala |
| Country: | India |
| 10/40 Window: | Yes |
| Population: | 313,000 |
| World Population: | 321,900 |
| Primary Language: | Marathi |
| Primary Religion: | Hinduism |
| Christian Adherents: | 0.00 % |
| Evangelicals: | 0.00 % |
| Scripture: | Complete Bible |
| Ministry Resources: | Yes |
| Jesus Film: | Yes |
| Audio Recordings: | Yes |
| People Cluster: | South Asia Hindu - other |
| Affinity Bloc: | South Asian Peoples |
| Progress Level: |
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Introduction / History
The Bhansala live throughout the western states of India, especially Rajasthan, Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Gujarat. They speak Marathi, the language of Maharashtra.
What Are Their Lives Like?
Agriculture along with business and laboring are their main occupations. They are not well educated, so the gospel will need to be presented in oral form. The Bhansala are endogamous, meaning that they prefer to marry within their community or clan. Marriage is arranged through the parents. On the death of the father, sons and daughters inherit the property. The dead are cremated except for young children.
What Are Their Beliefs?
The Bhansala people practice Hinduism, the ancient religion of India. Hinduism is a catch-all phrase for the local religions of South Asia, so it is very diverse. At the popular level, Hindus worship and serve the gods of the Hindu pantheon. They visit Hindu temples and offer prayers, food, flowers, and incense to their gods in hopes of gaining protection and benefits. They do not have a personal or familial relationship with their gods like Christians or Jews. There are other Hindus who are much more philosophical, especially among the Brahmins.
What Are Their Needs?
The Bhansala people need adequate education to advance. As it stands, a lack of education hampers their community.
Prayer Points
Pray that gospel recordings and the JESUS Film will lead the Bhansala to begin their own movement to Christ. Pray that God will give them dreams and visions leading them to the Savior. Pray for intercessors and workers. Pray for loving workers.