Maru Kumhar in India
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Map Source:
People Group data: Omid. Map geography: UNESCO / GMI. Map Design: Joshua Project
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| People Name: | Maru Kumhar |
| Country: | India |
| 10/40 Window: | Yes |
| Population: | 4,000 |
| World Population: | 4,000 |
| Primary Language: | Gujarati |
| 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 Hindu - other |
| Affinity Bloc: | South Asian Peoples |
| Progress Level: |
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Introduction / History
Per old Indian mythology the Kumhar are offspring of Lord Braham (Prajapati). This is why in some places in India the Kumhar use Pajapati / Prajapat as a surname according to the Indian caste system. Ancient Indian culture cannot be understood without acknowledging the Kumhar.
The Maru are one of the Kumhar subgroups. Maru is a surname that distinguishes not only this Kumhar people, but also members of other communities like the Rajputs.
Where Are they Located?
The Maru Kumhar people live mainly in Gujarat, a state in western India.
What Are Their Lives Like?
Historically the name Kumhar means "a maker of pots" or "one who creates," and the Kumhar are indeed known for their beautiful pottery and their hard work. Pottery-making has such a history in the Kumhar culture that they claim to have invented the pottery wheel. Even so, it is a difficult tradition to maintain, as the demand for earthenware vessels decreases. However, in addition to pottery, they also make statues of folk deities, famous people, and animals, which have a growing market in India's urban centers.
What Are Their Beliefs?
The Maru Kumhar are Hindu and pray to the Lord Shiva, Goddess Mother (Mata) and other deities.
What Are Their Needs?
Like other people groups, these Hindus need a personal relationship with Jesus Christ to live abundant lives.
Prayer Points
Pray for gospel workers to catch a vision for reaching the Maru Kumhar people for Jesus and that in God's sovereign timing their hearts would be open and ready to follow Him.
Pray for Jesus movements to bless extended Maru Kumhar families so the gospel will spread rapidly among this people group.
Pray for the spiritual lives of the Maru Kumhar people to become fruitful as they follow Christ.
Pray for the lives and culture of the Maru Kumhar people to evidence the rule and reign of the Kingdom of God as they open to the gospel, and for the beauty of Jesus to be seen in them.