Kharol in India

Kharol
Photo Source:  Anonymous 
Map Source:  People Group data: Omid. Map geography: UNESCO / GMI. Map Design: Joshua Project
People Name: Kharol
Country: India
10/40 Window: Yes
Population: 27,000
World Population: 27,000
Primary Language: Hindi
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

The Kharol people probably migrated to Rajasthan, where they now live, from Delhi, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and Maharashtra. They claim Rajput ancestry, yet they traditionally either made salt or farmed.

Where Are they Located?

The Kharol people live in the Indian states of Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan.

What Are Their Lives Like?

There are two main divisions of the Kharol people, the Todwalas and the Rajputs. Within those divisions, there are numerous gotras, or clans.

They no longer make salt. Most are now landless laborers.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Kharol people practice Hinduism, the ancient religion of India. They worship and serve the gods of the Hindu pantheon. Hindus believe that by performing rituals and good works that they will attain moksha or freedom from the endless cycle of birth, death and rebirth. 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 many forms of Hinduism, each with its own deities and beliefs.

The main yearly holidays of the Kharol people are Holi, the festival of colors and the start of spring / Diwali, the festival of lights / Navratri, the celebration of autumn / and Rama Navami, Rama's birthday.

What Are Their Needs?

The Kharol people need to find a way to make a good living in the rapidly changing nation of India. They make a very meager living as landless farm workers. Better education would help them advance economically.

Prayer Points

Pray for his kingdom to come and his will to be done among the Kharol people.
Pray for a movement of Kharol households to study the Bible and accept the blessings of Christ.
Pray for a spiritual hunger that will drive the Kharol people to the arms of Jesus.
Pray for workers who are filled with the fruit and the power of the Holy Spirit to go to the Kharol people.

Text Source:   Keith Carey