Tamboli (Muslim traditions) in India

People Name:	Tamboli (Muslim traditions)
Country:	India
10/40 Window:	Yes
Population:	177,000
World Population:	309,000
Primary Language:	Urdu
Primary Religion:	Islam
Christian Adherents:	0.00 %
Evangelicals:	0.00 %
Scripture:	Complete Bible
Online Audio NT:	Yes
Jesus Film:	Yes
Audio Recordings:	Yes
People Cluster:	South Asia Muslim - other
Affinity Bloc:	South Asian Peoples
Progress Level:

Introduction / History

The Tamboli or Tambuli (also Barai) derive their name from the Sanskrit term for 'betel leaves' (tambula). Tambul or betel leaf packing has commonly been the primary source of income for thousands of Tamboli as they bundle and sell the betelnut and betel leaf product. The Tamboli live in India, Pakistan, Nepal and Bangladesh.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Today the Tamboli can still be found in the tradition business of cultivating the piper betel plant or the areca nut or packaging the leaves in 200 leaf packs for sale and distribution, though not all remain in this profession. Scores of Tamboli, because of a higher or 'clean' caste status, can be found in small business trading and as hardware shop owners.

What Are Their Beliefs?

About 90% of Tamboli are Hindus but the other 10% are Muslims and trace this heritage back to conversion from Hinduism.

What Are Their Needs?

Little to no ministry work has ever been done among the Tamboli and despite this large population there are probably no Christians among them.

Prayer Points

Pray that the betel leaf and areca nut industry could be penetrated with the gospel so that many Tamboli whether Muslims or Hindus could know the God who created them.
Pray for Tamboli disciples to make many more disciples in India and Bangladesh.