Balasantoshi in India

The Balasantoshi have only been reported in India
Population
Main Language
Largest Religion
Christian
Evangelical
Progress
Progress Gauge
* Data can be from various sources including official census, agencies, and local research. Data from these sources can sometimes differ even by orders of magnitude. Joshua Project attempts to present a conservative, balanced estimate.

Introduction / History

The Balasantoshi people have a rich history in India, with roots tracing back to ancient times. They have traditionally lived in rural regions, engaging in agriculture and artisanal crafts. The Balasantoshi speak a distinct dialect of Marathi that incorporates elements of regional languages, reflecting their historical journey.

Most live in western India in states like Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh.


What Are Their Lives Like?

Today, the Balasantoshi people primarily reside in small villages, focusing on farming and craftsmanship. They grow crops such as rice, wheat, and vegetables and many also create traditional handicrafts. Their communities are tightly-knit, with a strong emphasis on family bonds and mutual support. Despite facing economic challenges and limited access to modern amenities, the Balasantoshi maintain a vibrant cultural life, celebrating their heritage through local festivals, music, and dance.

The Balasantoshi people stand out due to their unique dialect, distinct traditional crafts, and deeply rooted cultural practices. Barriers to outsiders interacting with the Balasantoshi include their strong adherence to traditional customs and a close-knit community structure that can be wary of external influences. Additionally, language differences and geographic isolation may further limit interactions with outsiders.


What Are Their Beliefs?

The Balasantoshi people practice Hinduism, worshiping a variety of deities and observing numerous religious rituals and festivals such as Diwali, Holi, and Navratri. Their belief system emphasizes values like dharma (duty), karma (action and consequence), and ahimsa (non-violence). They also honor their ancestors through rituals, ensuring the preservation of their religious practices and cultural traditions across generations.


What Are Their Needs?

The Balasantoshi people need improved access to quality education to provide more opportunities for their children. Enhanced healthcare services are essential, given the limited availability of medical facilities and high rates of preventable diseases. Economic support through modern agricultural techniques, market access, and vocational training can significantly enhance their livelihoods. Infrastructure development, including better roads, clean water supplies, and reliable electricity will greatly benefit the Balasantoshi community.


Prayer Points

Pray for the Lord to become the provider for the Balasantoshi people in such a way they cannot deny his hand as provider.
Pray for loving workers.
Pray for the Lord to give Balasantoshi elders a spiritual hunger that will open them to the gospel.


Scripture Prayers for the Balasantoshi in India.


References

AI generated


Profile Source:   Joshua Project  

People Name General Balasantoshi
People Name in Country Balasantoshi
Alternate Names Balasantavandlu; Balasanthanam; Balasanthosha; Balasanthu; Balasanthubandlu; Balasantu; Balasundari; Bale Santhanam; Balesanthanam; Bharadi; Bharagi; Bharari; Bhorpi; Katipapy Balasanthu; Kurrumamalu; Siriya Jangam; Veshagandlu; बालासांतोषी
Population this Country 32,000
Population all Countries 32,000
Total Countries 1
Indigenous Yes
Progress Scale 1
Unreached Yes
Frontier People Group Yes
GSEC 1  (per PeopleGroups.org)
Pioneer Workers Needed 1
PeopleID3 16533
ROP3 Code 111711
Country India
Region Asia, South
Continent Asia
10/40 Window Yes
National Bible Society Website
Persecution Rank 11  (Open Doors top 50 rank, 1 = highest persecution ranking)
Total States on file 9
Largest States
Maharashtra
26,000
Gujarat
3,700
Madhya Pradesh
1,400
Karnataka
300
Andhra Pradesh
70
Odisha
60
Daman and Diu
50
Telangana
30
Dadra and Nagar Have
30
Districts Interactive map, listing and data download
Specialized Website South Asia Peoples
Country India
Region Asia, South
Continent Asia
10/40 Window Yes
National Bible Society Website
Persecution Rank 11  (Open Doors top 50 rank, 1 = highest persecution ranking)
Total States 9
  Maharashtra 26,000
  Gujarat 3,700
  Madhya Pradesh 1,400
  Karnataka 300
  Andhra Pradesh 70
  Odisha 60
  Daman and Diu 50
  Telangana 30
  Dadra and Nagar Have 30
Website South Asia Peoples
Primary Religion: Hinduism
Major Religion Percent *
Buddhism
0.09 %
Christianity  (Evangelical 0.00 %)
0.00 %
Ethnic Religions
0.00 %
Hinduism
99.91 %
Islam
0.00 %
Non-Religious
0.00 %
Other / Small
0.00 %
Unknown
0.00 %
* From latest India census data.
Current Christian values may substantially differ.
Primary Language Marathi (21,000 speakers)
Language Code mar   Ethnologue Listing
Language Written Yes   ScriptSource Listing
Total Languages 9
Secondary Languages
Gujarati
3,200
Hindi
2,700
Khandesi
700
Nimadi
500
Telugu
200
Kannada
200
Malvi
80
English
30
Primary Language Marathi (21,000 speakers)
Language Code mar   Ethnologue Listing
Total Languages 9
Secondary Languages
  Gujarati 3,200
  Hindi 2,700
  Khandesi 700
  Nimadi 500
  Telugu 200
  Kannada 200
  Malvi 80
  English 30
People Groups Speaking Marathi

Primary Language:  Marathi

Bible Translation Status  (Years)
Bible-Portions Yes  (1807-1957)
Bible-New Testament Yes  (1811-1982)
Bible-Complete Yes  (1821-2024)
FCBH NT (www.bible.is) Online
YouVersion NT (www.bible.com) Online
Possible Print Bibles
Amazon
World Bibles
Forum Bible Agencies
National Bible Societies
World Bible Finder
Virtual Storehouse
Resource Type Resource Name Source
Audio Recordings Audio Bible teaching Global Recordings Network
Audio Recordings Online Audio Scripture Talking Bibles
Audio Recordings Online Scripture / Bible General / Other
Audio Recordings Oral Bible stories One Story
Film / Video Following Jesus video Jesus Film Project
Film / Video God's Story video God's Story
Film / Video Indigitube.tv Video / Animation Create International
Film / Video Jesus Film: view in Marathi Jesus Film Project
Film / Video LUMO film of Gospels Bible Media Group/LUMO
Film / Video Magdalena video Jesus Film Project
Film / Video My Last Day video, anime Jesus Film Project
Film / Video Rock International: King of Glory Rock International
Film / Video Story of Jesus for Children Jesus Film Project
Film / Video World Christian Videos World Christian Videos
General Bible and Resources in text or audio or video Internet Publishing Sevice
General Bible for Children Bible for Children
General Bible in text or audio or video South Asia Bibles
General Bible in text or audio or video South Asia Bibles
General Bible in text or audio or video South Asia Bibles
General Biblical answers to your questions Got Questions Ministry
General Faith Comes By Hearing - Bible in text or audio or video Faith Comes by Hearing
General Faith Comes By Hearing - Bible in text or audio or video Faith Comes by Hearing
General Faith Comes By Hearing - Bible in text or audio or video Faith Comes by Hearing
General Four Spiritual Laws Cru
General Scripture Earth Gospel resources links Scripture Earth
General Voice of the Martyrs resources Voice of the Martyrs
General YouVersion Bible versions in text and/or audio YouVersion Bibles
General Zume Resources Zume Project
General Zume Training Zume Project
Mobile App Android Bible app direct APK download SIL
Mobile App Android Bible app: Marathi YouVersion Bibles
Mobile App Android Bible App: Marathi Bible (मराठी बायबल) Indian Revised Version (IRV) Operation Agape
Mobile App Android Bible app: Marathi Contemporary Bible Biblica
Mobile App Android Bible app: Marathi Study Bible Grace Ministries and Dusty Sandals
Mobile App Android Bible Radio app: Marathi Bible Radio Shalom Design S2dio
Mobile App Download audio Bible app as APK file Faith Comes by Hearing
Mobile App Download audio Bible app from Google Play Store Faith Comes by Hearing
Mobile App iOS Bible app: Marathi YouVersion Bibles
Mobile App iOS Bible Radio App: Marathi Bible Radio iOS Revive India
Text / Printed Matter Children and youth resources One Hope
Text / Printed Matter Jesus Messiah comic book General / Other
Text / Printed Matter Literacy primer for Marathi Literacy & Evangelism International
Text / Printed Matter Love letter to you from scripture Father's Love Letter
Text / Printed Matter The Ancient Path Live Global
Text / Printed Matter Tools for faith conversations Cru
Text / Printed Matter Topical Scripture booklets and Bible studies World Missionary Press
Map Source People Group data: Omid. Map geography: UNESCO / GMI. Map Design: Joshua Project  
Profile Source Joshua Project 
Data Sources Data is compiled from various sources. Learn more.


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