Introduction / History

Traditionally the Dhanwar people have been archers who make their living by hunting wild game in the forests of central Indian states of Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra. The Indian government regulates such activities, so the Dhanwar people are more likely to engage in making baskets or agriculture. Most are landless, and the less fortunate among them are day laborers.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Being a poor people, they seldom have the luxury of sending their children to school. That keeps their literacy rate low and their economic opportunities limited.

The Dhanwar people often use their clan names as their family names. They are marrying later, but unfortunately, their divorce rate is increasing. They live in nuclear families where property is inherited equally among all siblings, whether male or female.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Dhanwar 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.

Almost all Hindus participate in yearly celebrations like Holi, the festival of colors and the start of spring / Diwali, the festival of lights / Navratri, the celebration of autumn / and Rama Navami, Rama’s birthday.

What Are Their Needs?

The Dhanwar people need the chance to hear about and respond to the Lord of lords. As it stands, they only worship Hindu gods who can do nothing to help them. Few of them have access to computers, so evangelistic efforts have their limitations.

Prayer Points

Pray for the JESUS Film to become available to the Dhanwar people in a language that they can understand.
Pray for believers to go to them in efforts to develop their economic life and to introduce them to the Christ.

Scripture Prayers for the Dhanwar in India.