Kotal 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: | Kotal |
| Country: | India |
| 10/40 Window: | Yes |
| Population: | 30,000 |
| World Population: | 30,000 |
| Primary Language: | Bengali |
| 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 Dalit - other |
| Affinity Bloc: | South Asian Peoples |
| Progress Level: |
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Introduction / History
The word Kotwal means watchman or guard. The Kotal are a scheduled caste who live in West Bengal and are also called Kotwal. A few of the Kotal live in Tripura also. They speak in Bengali.
What Are Their Lives Like?
The Kotal are mostly landless and work in agriculture. Some of them work for the government and in industry. Animal husbandry is another source of income for them. They make use of government loans to buy farm animals to help them make a living. Women work along with the men. They have a low literacy level, so the gospel will need to be given in oral form.
What Are Their Beliefs?
The Kotal people practice Hinduism, the ancient religion of India. Hinduism is a catch-all phrase for the local religions of South Asia, so it is very diverse. At the popular level, Hindus worship and serve the gods of the Hindu pantheon. They visit Hindu temples and offer prayers, food, flowers, and incense to their gods in hopes of gaining protection and benefits. They do not have a personal or familial relationship with their gods like Christians or Jews. There are other Hindus who are much more philosophical, especially among the Brahmins.
What Are Their Needs?
The Kotal people need the abundant blessings that only Jesus Christ can offer.
Prayer Points
Pray that Indian believers lead them into a disciple making movement. Pray for gospel recordings and the JESUS Film to become easily available to them. Pray for a spiritual hunger that will lead them to the Savior. Pray for faithful intercessors and workers.