Saonta 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 Saonta people live in India, primarily in the state of Chhattisgarh. Their history dates back to ancient times, with roots in the region’s indigenous populations. The Saonta have traditionally engaged in agriculture, hunting and gathering relying on the land and forests for their sustenance. Over the centuries, they have navigated various socio-political changes, adapting to new environments and influences while maintaining their distinct identity.


What Are Their Lives Like?

The Saonta people primarily engage in subsistence farming, cultivating crops such as rice, millet and vegetables. Many also rely on forest resources, including fruits, honey and medicinal plants which they use for both sustenance and trade. Their villages are typically small, with houses made from locally available materials like mud, bamboo and thatch.

Social life centers around the extended family and village community, with cooperation being essential for agricultural and daily activities. Education access remains limited, particularly in remote areas, leading to low literacy rates and limited opportunities for higher education. Healthcare services are often inadequate, resulting in a reliance on traditional medicine and local healers.


What Are Their Beliefs?

The Saonta people practice a blend of animism and Hinduism. They believe in spirits associated with nature, including those inhabiting trees, rivers, and mountains, and perform rituals to honor these spirits and seek their protection. Hindu deities are also worshiped, particularly those associated with agriculture and fertility. Festivals and ceremonies play a significant role in their spiritual life, often involving the entire community. The coexistence of animist traditions with Hindu practices reflects the Saonta’s deep connection to their environment and their adaptation to external religious influences.


What Are Their Needs?

The Saonta people face challenges related to economic opportunities, education and healthcare. Many still rely on subsistence farming and forest resources, with limited access to alternative livelihoods. Educational opportunities are scarce, particularly in rural areas, leading to low literacy rates and limited access to formal education. Healthcare services are minimal, leading to poor health outcomes and a reliance on traditional practices that may not always address modern health needs. Infrastructure improvements, including better roads, sanitation and access to clean water, are crucial for enhancing their quality of life. Initiatives focused on sustainable development, education, and healthcare are essential for the long-term progress of the Saonta people.


Prayer Points

Pray for the Saonta people to refrain from revenge and seek the freedom of having the same forgiving hearts as the Lord. Pray that as revenge gives way to forgiveness that the gospel will spread far and wide. Pray for loving and dedicated workers who will disciple the Saonta people to disciple others.


Scripture Prayers for the Saonta in India.


References

Eastern India Tribal Studies. (2023). Ethnographic Overview of the Saonta People. Retrieved from easternindiatribalstudies.org
UNDP India. (2023). Development Needs of Tribal Communities in Eastern India. Retrieved from in.undp.org


Profile Source:   Joshua Project  

People Name General Saonta
People Name in Country Saonta
Alternate Names Dhanohar Baiga; Paliha; Savara; Sawara; Sevata; साओन्टा
Population this Country 5,100
Population all Countries 5,100
Total Countries 1
Indigenous Yes
Progress Scale 1
Unreached Yes
Frontier People Group No
GSEC 1  (per PeopleGroups.org)
Pioneer Workers Needed 1
PeopleID3 18022
ROP3 Code 113517
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 3
Largest States
Chhattisgarh
4,700
Madhya Pradesh
400
Odisha
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 3
  Chhattisgarh 4,700
  Madhya Pradesh 400
  Odisha 30
Website South Asia Peoples
Primary Religion: Hinduism
Major Religion Percent *
Buddhism
0.00 %
Christianity  (Evangelical Unknown)
0.13 %
Ethnic Religions
0.00 %
Hinduism
99.25 %
Islam
0.13 %
Non-Religious
0.00 %
Other / Small
0.00 %
Unknown
0.48 %
* From latest India census data.
Current Christian values may substantially differ.
Primary Language Chhattisgarhi (2,500 speakers)
Language Code hne   Ethnologue Listing
Language Written Yes   ScriptSource Listing
Total Languages 8
Secondary Languages
Hindi
2,000
Santhali
20
Odia
20
Bengali Gujarati Kurux
Bhili
Primary Language Chhattisgarhi (2,500 speakers)
Language Code hne   Ethnologue Listing
Total Languages 8
Secondary Languages
  Hindi 2,000
  Santhali 20
  Odia 20
  Bengali 10
  Gujarati 10
  Kurux 10
  Bhili 0
People Groups Speaking Chhattisgarhi

Primary Language:  Chhattisgarhi

Bible Translation Status  (Years)
Bible-Portions Yes  (1904-1952)
Bible-New Testament Yes  (2005-2014)
Bible-Complete Yes  (2024)
FCBH NT (www.bible.is) Online
YouVersion NT (www.bible.com) Online
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Amazon
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Forum Bible Agencies
National Bible Societies
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Virtual Storehouse
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Audio Recordings Audio Bible teaching Global Recordings Network
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 Chhattisgarhi Jesus Film Project
Film / Video LUMO film of Gospels Bible Media Group/LUMO
Film / Video Magdalena video Jesus Film Project
Film / Video Story of Jesus for Children Jesus Film Project
Film / Video World Christian Videos World Christian Videos
General Bible for Children Bible for Children
General Bible in text or audio or video Internet Publishing Sevice
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General Faith Comes By Hearing - Bible in text or audio or video Faith Comes by Hearing
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General Scripture Earth Gospel resources links Scripture Earth
General YouVersion Bible versions in text and/or audio YouVersion Bibles
Mobile App Android Bible app: Chhattisgarhi YouVersion Bibles
Mobile App Download audio Bible app from Google Play Store Faith Comes by Hearing
Mobile App iOS Bible app: Chhattisgarhi YouVersion Bibles
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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