A Scheduled Tribe, the Koli Dhor have derived their name from the word dhor, meaning cattle. They were traditionally cattle hide tanners, which gave them more of a stigma among Hindus than Muslims. The vast majority of them are in India but there are a couple thousand in Pakistan.
The Koli Dhor are divided into two endogamous (marry within) occupational divisions, namely Dhor Koli and Tokra Koli, and each is divided into various clans. Their traditional vocation has been the tanning of cattle hides, but today many are involved with other agricultural pursuits. Community control is accomplished jointly by the community head and the village heads, both being hereditary positions.
Their religion combines some traditional as well as Hindu elements. Commonly in South Asia, traditional religious practices blend with Hindu ones. This is one of the reasons one cannot define Hinduism using a particular creed.
Lack of access to the gospel by most of these people is an ongoing problem.
Several hundred Koli Dhor have reported themselves as Christians to the census of India. Please pray these people will be nurtured by the Lord's Spirit and that they will grow to become Christ-like in character, representing him well.
Pray this large tribe will be sent loving workers to help them learn of Christ.
Scripture Prayers for the Koli Dhor in Pakistan.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Scheduled_Castes
https://www.alamy.com/stock-photo-settlement-pattern-koli-dhor-tribe-nandgaon-maharashtra-india-122378421.html
Profile Source: Joshua Project |