Sikligar (Hindu traditions) 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: | Sikligar (Hindu traditions) |
| Country: | India |
| 10/40 Window: | Yes |
| Population: | 84,000 |
| World Population: | 84,000 |
| Primary Language: | Hindi |
| 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
Sikligar people are weapon polishers by tradition. The word Saiqai, which is related to their name, means a "polisher." Sikligars say they were once Rajputs.
Where Are they Located?
Sikligar people live in Gujarat and Haryana states.
What Are Their Lives Like?
Sikligar people are blacksmiths who sharpen knives and agricultural tools using child labor. Their main work is metal polishing and repairing damaged metal tools. They also make spades and iron baskets. Some are farmers who breed poultry and cattle.
They live in huts near the towns. Others live a nomadic lifestyle since towns don't always need full-time blacksmiths.
Sikligar people speak Hindi with those who are not in their community. They read and write in Devanagari.
They marry within their own community. Families and clans are important to them.
What Are Their Beliefs?
They follow Hinduism in Gujarat. In Haryana they are Sikhs.
What Are Their Needs?
Adequate visual, audio and written Bible resources are available in the Hindi language, which Sikligar people speak, but they are still an unreached people group. Who will reach them?
Their most important need is to understand that their good works and worship of false gods will never pay the penalty for their sins, and that Almighty Creator God has made a provision for them through His son, Jesus Christ.
Prayer Points
Pray for workers to go as His ambassadors to Sikligar communities to lead them to saving knowledge of the Almighty God who offers provision for the penalty of their sins through Jesus Christ.
Ask Almighty God to raise up entire families and communities until their culture is transformed to fully glorify God and represent His Kingdom here on earth.