Bhil Mina in India

Introduction / History

The word mina means fish. The Meena tribe is believed to be a mixture of more than one tribe. It seems the fisher men community called Meenavar eventually became Meena, who are notoriously known as thieves and robbers. They once had their own kingdom called the Matsya Kingdom.

The Mina Bhil are a scheduled tribe which means they have low status in Hindu society. They have a low literacy level, so the gospel will need to be given in oral forms. They live in a swarth of land from Rajasthan in the west to Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh in central India. The Mina Bhil in Rajasthan speak Wagdi. Some of them can speak Hindi, the key trade language in northern India.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Mina Bhil like to stay scattered. Most of the hills have not more than two or three houses. Each of these houses will have a single room and a single entrance. Since there are no windows, a door is the only source for light to creep in. This is ideal in a land of extreme climates. In summer when there is no agricultural activity, many of the men will be involved in making tiles. They bake hand-made clay tiles in fire. Ladies kill time by making brooms and mats from palm branches. To beat boredom some will be distilling liquor. Country liquor made from the mova flower is the common and favorite hot drink in the season. In summer, water is very scarce. In some places they even use sand to wash vessels! Water is precious in most places and fetching them is harder. Women walk quite a long away with several pots on head; this is a common scene in Rajasthan.

Though pastures are scanty, several of them are also involved in tending cattle, trying to make a living by the sale of milk products. They do not intermarry with other tribes. The younger brother of a deceased can marry his widow. It is told that a married man has freedom and access to his older brother's wife and wife's younger sister. Drums and dances are usual in weddings and other festivals. As the drum beats tightens, dresses loosen, and the dance can become indecent.

What Are Their Beliefs?

They are officially Hindu, but many of their beliefs are unique to them. In the empty slopes of a hill among the cactus were found stones installed and wooden poles stood with flags. These are places of offerings and chants. Meena in Udaipur area, worship spirits and the chief among them is 'Magarababji '. Mina believe in life after death and rebirth. Those who do well in this life are supposed to be born as stars in the next birth. Those who lean towards Hinduism celebrate the Meenesh Jayanti festival in honor of Vishnu.

What Are Their Needs?

Lack of education, illiteracy and lack of access to proper facilities keep the Mina Bhil under the clutches of several sicknesses. Tuberculosis and death during delivery is common in the villages.

Prayer Points

Pray that the council leaders come to Jesus Christ and lead others to him. Pray that gospel recordings will lead Mina Bhil families to salvation. Pray for spiritual discernment in Christ and a hunger for truth.

Text Source:   Joshua Project