Introduction / History

The word Dhavad is from the original Marathi word Dhatu which means mineral. This small group of people lives in Western Ghats in Maharashtra, where the soil is rich in iron ore. That has given them the chance to extract iron from the earth and mold it into tools for daily use. Traditionally the Dhavad were mostly located on the mountains of Western Ghats, mostly around Satara, as the soil is red and rich in iron ore. Some traveled to the coastal region in search of other livelihoods. The primary language of the Dhavad is Marathi.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Today many Dhavad live below poverty line as the iron deposits of the Western Ghats Mountains have been exhausted. With the iron trade gone, now they are working in various small businesses for earning their living.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Dhavad people are Sunni Muslims. They believe that the One Supreme God, Allah who spoke through his prophet, Mohammed. He taught mankind how to live a righteous life through the Koran and the Hadith. To live a righteous life, you must utter the Shahada (a statement of faith), pray five times a day facing Mecca, fast from sunup to sundown during the month of Ramadan, give alms to the poor, and make a pilgrimage to Mecca if you have the means. Muslims are prohibited from drinking alcohol, eating pork, gambling, stealing, slandering, and making idols. They gather for corporate prayer on Friday afternoons at a mosque, their place of worship. The two main holidays for Sunni Muslims are Eid al Fitr, the breaking of the monthly fast and Eid al Adha, the celebration of Abraham's willingness to sacrifice his son to Allah.

What Are Their Needs?

As Dhavad iron trade has died, they need new job skills. The Dhavad need to understand that Jesus or Isa is much more than a human prophet. He is the Son of God and the Savior of the world.

Prayer Points

Ask the Lord to lead many Dhavad to investigate the claims of Jesus Christ. Pray for a disciple making movement that will bless the Dhavad people this decade. Pray for the Lord to send out workers to the Dhavad people to share with the good news.

Scripture Prayers for the Dhavad in India.