Majhwar in India

Majhwar
Photo Source:  Copyrighted © 2024
Isudas  All rights reserved.  Used with permission
Map Source:  People Group data: Omid. Map geography: UNESCO / GMI. Map Design: Joshua Project.
People Name: Majhwar
Country: India
10/40 Window: Yes
Population: 222,000
World Population: 241,000
Primary Language: Hindi
Primary Religion: Hinduism
Christian Adherents: 0.49 %
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

Majhwar are considered an important tribe. They are also called Manjhi which means "headman of a tribal sub division," and Madhya meaning, "in the center." It is thought that Majhwar people originated from the tribes of the Gond, Mundas and Kawars.

Where Are they Located?

Majhwar people are located in the states of Madhya Pradesh, in some regions of Chhattisgath and Uttar Pradesh.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Festivals are important in Majhwar culture. Majhwar tribes are involved in agriculture and livestock production, and some are laborers.

Majhwar are a low status caste. They normally marry within the group, but with partners from clans other than their own. Marriage to a partner within the same clan is not allowed.

What Are Their Beliefs?

They are Hindus and worship most of the Hindu gods such as Shiva, Vishnu and Rama, and they also worship their family, and tribal gods. They have customs similar to other local groups.

The Bhainsa clan regard the buffalo as holy. Baghani Majhwars have been named after the tiger. They believe that clan members will not be attacked by tigers, provided they do not cause an offense.

Majhwar people observe birth and death rituals, and celebrate the Karma festival.

What Are Their Needs?

Bible resources are available in the Hindi language which they speak. However, anti-conversion laws in Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgath which will make access more difficult, but not for Almighty God.

Majhwar people are an unreached people group who do not know their Creator God who loves them, and has made provision for them to live eternally with Him. Who will tell them?

Prayer Points

Pray that key Majhwar people will become interesrted in the JESUS Film, recordings, and written materials that may be exposed to them by faithful servants.
Pray that God will raise up Indian churches to boldy and lovingly evangelize Majhwar people.
Pray for a disciple making movement to emerge among them.

Text Source:   Karen Hightower