Soligaru in India

Soligaru
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Map Source:  People Group data: Omid. Map geography: UNESCO / GMI. Map Design: Joshua Project
People Name: Soligaru
Country: India
10/40 Window: Yes
Population: 38,000
World Population: 38,000
Primary Language: Kannada
Primary Religion: Hinduism
Christian Adherents: 0.08 %
Evangelicals: 0.00 %
Scripture: Complete Bible
Ministry Resources: Yes
Jesus Film: Yes
Audio Recordings: Yes
People Cluster: South Asia Tribal - other
Affinity Bloc: South Asian Peoples
Progress Level:

Introduction / History

The Soligas people are a shy nomadic people who have lived in the Biligiriranga Hills region of southern Karnataka for hundreds of years.

Where Are they Located?

The Soligaru people live in Karnataka.

What Are Their Lives Like?

They are influenced little by modern ways, although younger generations are leaving and learning other ways.
Soligaru people harvest honey, berries, and timber from the forest. They are also cultivators of pigeon peas, beans, pumpkins, and millet for their own use. They build small shelters (pudus) deep in the forests of southern and western Ghats.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Soligaru people practice Hinduism, the ancient religion of India. Hinduism is more of a catch-all phrase for the indigenous religions of South Asia, so there are many forms of it, each with its own deities and beliefs. At the popular level, Hindus worship and serve the gods whom they believe will give them favor and protection, much like a business transaction. They do not have a personal or familial relationship with their gods like Christians or Jews.

What Are Their Needs?

Although audio, visual, and written Bible resources are available in Kannada, the spoken language of Soligaru people, they remain unreached with the truth of the gospel. Their greatest need is to understand the infinite love of almighty God for them, and His provisional payment of the penalty for their sins. They need missionaries to go to them as Christ-bearers.

Prayer Points

Pray for the Soligaru culture to be renewed and enhanced by a work of the Holy Spirit and shaped into a God-centered and God-honoring mold.
Pray for the Holy Spirit to move among Soligaru family and community leaders to seek His face and enjoy His blessings.
Pray for the Lord to thrust out workers who will be compelled to nurture a disciple-making movement among the Soligaru people.
Pray that soon Soligaru family leaders will have faith that will lead them to live honorable lives that will draw other families to the Savior.

Text Source:   Keith Carey