Dhanuk Dhankar in India

Map Source:  People Group data: Omid. Map geography: UNESCO / GMI. Map Design: Joshua Project
People Name: Dhanuk Dhankar
Country: India
10/40 Window: Yes
Population: 83,000
World Population: 90,300
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:

Introduction / History

The Dhanuk are a scheduled caste except in Tripura and Bihar.

What Are Their Lives Like?

In Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Haryana and Rajasthan, many work in agriculture and as laborers. In Tripura and Chandigarh many are scavengers. In Punjab they mostly work as sweepers and weavers. In Delhi they do office and other general work.

They are not vegetarians who like pork but do not eat beef. Rice is their staple food.

The Dhanuk are mainly monogamous and have arranged marriages. They have birth, marriage and death rituals. They allow for divorce and remarriage.

What Are Their Beliefs?

They are Hindus who worship local deities.

What Are Their Needs?

They are not well educated so the gospel will need to be given in oral form too.

Prayer Points

Pray that loving Indian Christians will lead them into a movement to Christ.

Pray that gospel recordings and the JESUS Film will be easily available to the Dhanuk people.

Pray for Dhanuk leaders to have dreams and visions that will lead them to the risen Christ.

Text Source:   Joshua Project