Bhil Dhanka 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: | Bhil Dhanka |
| Country: | India |
| 10/40 Window: | Yes |
| Population: | 338,000 |
| World Population: | 338,000 |
| Primary Language: | Gujarati |
| Primary Religion: | Hinduism |
| Christian Adherents: | 0.55 % |
| Evangelicals: | 0.00 % |
| Scripture: | Complete Bible |
| Ministry Resources: | Yes |
| Jesus Film: | Yes |
| Audio Recordings: | Yes |
| People Cluster: | South Asia Tribal - Bhil |
| Affinity Bloc: | South Asian Peoples |
| Progress Level: |
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Introduction / History
The name Dhanka is related to the word hill or bow. Others claim their name is related to a term for forest dweller. Some believe they are one of the Bhil subgroups. Dhanka are a scheduled tribe except in Madhya Pradesh. They live in Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Odisha.
What Are Their Lives Like?
They no longer have any land for farming so they migrate to the cities. The Dhanka often work in electricity and waterworks departments. The literacy of the Dhanka is 65%, one of the highest of the tribes of Rajasthan. Although the Dhanka are known as hard workers, they are often very poor. They need a proper share of reservation land. On the death of the father, all of the children get the same share of the property. The bereaved and divorced can marry again. The Dhanka people only marry within their community. They have a traditional council. They prefer traditional medicine, but they use modern medicines in more serious cases.
What Are Their Beliefs?
Hinduism is their religion. Spiritual beliefs of Hindus are very diverse from those who worship only one god to those who worship hundreds of them to those who are philosophical and do not worship any.
What Are Their Needs?
Dhanka people need fair job opportunities.
Prayer Points
Pray for them to experience the spiritual and social blessings of Christ who came to give life to the full. Pray that gospel recordings and the JESUS Film will give them the willingness to consider the claims of Christ. Pray that Indian believers will help lead them into a disciple making movement.