Kunbi Dhaneja 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: | Kunbi Dhaneja |
| Country: | India |
| 10/40 Window: | Yes |
| Population: | 53,000 |
| World Population: | 53,000 |
| Primary Language: | Marathi |
| 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 - Kunbi |
| Affinity Bloc: | South Asian Peoples |
| Progress Level: |
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Introduction / History
The Dhonoje are one of the Kunbi subgroups. The Kunbis are a cluster of non-elite farming castes in western India. They are a large people group in Maharashtra. They speak Marathi and read and write in Devanagari.
What Are Their Lives Like?
Many are agricultural landowners. Some do other work. There are teachers and businesspeople among them. They prefer to marry their cousins. They are endogamous meaning that they marry within their people group. When the marriage arrangement is finalized the bride's family pays a dowry. They allow remarriage for the divorced and the bereaved. The dead are cremated, though they bury deceased children under ten years of age. Sons inherit the property when the father dies.
What Are Their Beliefs?
The Dhonoje people practice Hinduism, the ancient religion of India. Hinduism is a catch-all phrase for the local religions of South Asia, so it is very diverse. At the popular level, Hindus worship and serve the gods of the Hindu pantheon. They visit Hindu temples and offer prayers, food, flowers, and incense to their gods in hopes of gaining protection and benefits. They do not have a personal or familial relationship with their gods like Christians or Jews. There are other Hindus who are much more philosophical, especially among the Brahmins.
What Are Their Needs?
They need the hope and joy that Christ offers all who call upon His name.
Prayer Points
Pray that God will give the Kunbi Dhonoje dreams and visions leading them towards a movement to Christ. Pray for discernment and a spiritual desire for truth that will lead them to the only Savior. Pray that gospel materials will be easily available to any who hunger for truth.