Patharwat in India

Introduction / History

The Marathi-speaking Hindu Patharwat people live primarily in northern Karnataka and Maharashtra, India. Historically, they have been involved in stonework and quarrying, with many families engaged in occupations related to cutting and shaping stone for construction and local trade. Over time, the Patharwat people have adapted to changing economic circumstances, with some diversifying into other manual labor jobs. Despite these shifts, stonework remains central to their identity in many communities.

What Are Their Lives Like?

The Patharwat people traditionally work in stone-cutting and construction, with families often specializing in quarrying and shaping stones for building materials. In addition to their work with stone, some families engage in agriculture, cultivating small plots of land to grow crops like millet, vegetables and pulses to supplement their income.

Patharwat communities live in small villages or settlements, often near quarries or construction sites. Families live in simple homes made from locally available materials like brick, stone and mud. The work is labor-intensive, and families often work together, with men primarily handling the quarrying and women managing household responsibilities. Though some younger Patharwat members seek education and employment in nearby towns or cities, many remain tied to traditional stonework and labor jobs.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Patharwat people follow Hinduism and observe religious festivals such as Diwali, Holi and Ganesh Chaturthi. They worship deities like Vishnu, Shiva and Ganesh, with special emphasis on local gods connected to their land and work. Temples and shrines serve as important spiritual and social gathering places, where the community comes together for prayers and religious ceremonies.

Religious practices in the Patharwat community often reflect their connection to the land and stonework. Rituals and prayers are sometimes offered to seek protection and blessings for safety in their labor-intensive work environments.

What Are Their Needs?

The Patharwat people face several challenges, particularly regarding economic stability, education and healthcare. Traditional stonework is physically demanding and often yields low financial returns, leaving many families struggling to make ends meet. Access to training in alternative occupations, improved safety measures for stoneworkers, and opportunities for diversifying income sources would greatly benefit the community.

Education is another critical need. Many children in Patharwat villages lack access to quality schooling, which limits their opportunities for future employment beyond manual labor. Expanding educational resources would provide the younger generation with the tools to pursue more diverse career paths.

Healthcare services are often limited, with families having to travel long distances for medical care. Expanding healthcare infrastructure in Patharwat communities and providing easier access to medical services would improve overall health outcomes for the population.

Prayer Points

Pray for their educational and medical needs to be met.
Pray for Patharwat family leaders learn about Jesus, embrace him and take him to their family members.
Pray for a spiritual hunger among these people and a longing to know God personally.
Pray the Marathi language JESUS Film will soon become easily available to the Patharwat people.
Pray that soon Patharwat disciples will make more disciples.

Text Source:   Joshua Project