Koli Dhor in Pakistan

People Name:	Koli Dhor
Country:	Pakistan
10/40 Window:	Yes
Population:	2,400
World Population:	466,400
Primary Language:	Sindhi
Primary Religion:	Hinduism
Christian Adherents:	0.00 %
Evangelicals:	0.00 %
Scripture:	Complete Bible
Ministry Resources:	Yes
Jesus Film:	Yes
Audio Recordings:	Yes
People Cluster:	South Asia Tribal - other
Affinity Bloc:	South Asian Peoples
Progress Level:

Introduction / History

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.

What Are Their Lives Like?

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.

What Are Their Beliefs?

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.

What Are Their Needs?

Lack of access to the gospel by most of these people is an ongoing problem.

Prayer Points

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.