Sunri Sadhubanik in India

Map Source:  People Group data: Omid. Map geography: UNESCO / GMI. Map Design: Joshua Project
People Name: Sunri Sadhubanik
Country: India
10/40 Window: Yes
Population: 326,000
World Population: 578,000
Primary Language: Bengali
Primary Religion: Hinduism
Christian Adherents: 0.17 %
Evangelicals: 0.00 %
Scripture: Complete Bible
Online Audio NT: Yes
Jesus Film: Yes
Audio Recordings: Yes
People Cluster: South Asia Hindu - other
Affinity Bloc: South Asian Peoples
Progress Level:

Introduction / History

The Sunri people was divided under the British during colonial days. The British elevated one group of Sunris into a higher caste, and the others were reduced to a lower caste. This has caused bitterness, because these communities are often discriminated against by other Sunris in business dealings. The national Indian government has not rectified this situation. Most live in West Bengal and Bihar, but they are also scattered throughout other parts of India. Many live in Bangladesh. They speak, read and write in Bengali.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Most earn their living through farming, trade, fishing, and being household service workers. Some of the Sunri continue with their traditional work of distilling and selling alcohol. Others are self-employed or work in other trades. Women help in financial matters. They have made good progress in the field of education. The Sunri are generally well educated. They prefer to have no more than three children.

What Are Their Beliefs?

They are Hindus, but there is another large Muslim community that are also Sunris.

What Are Their Needs?

The Sunri people need to experience the abundant life that only Jesus Christ can offer.

Prayer Points

Pray that Indian believers will lead the Sunri to a movement to Christ. Pray for spiritual hunger and discernment.

Text Source:   Keith Carey