Sandhai 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: | Sandhai |
| Country: | India |
| 10/40 Window: | Yes |
| Population: | 1,700 |
| World Population: | 1,700 |
| Primary Language: | Gujarati |
| Primary Religion: | Islam |
| Christian Adherents: | 0.00 % |
| Evangelicals: | 0.00 % |
| Scripture: | Complete Bible |
| Ministry Resources: | Yes |
| Jesus Film: | Yes |
| Audio Recordings: | Yes |
| People Cluster: | South Asia Muslim - other |
| Affinity Bloc: | South Asian Peoples |
| Progress Level: |
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Introduction / History
The nomadic Sandhai people once lived in what is now Pakistan's Sindh Province; however now most of them live in Gujarat, India. They migrated to India about 300 years ago. Many have moved to other parts of India for jobs. They speak not only Gujarati, the trade language of Gujarat, but their heart language which includes words from both Sindhi and Kacchi.
What Are Their Lives Like?
They are often livestock herders. In Saurashtra in Gujarat, many are farmers. They have an association to protect their interests. The Sandhai are endogamous (they only marry members of their own group) and have more than 80 clans. Some of the main ones are the Samma, the Sameja and the Jadeja.
What Are Their Beliefs?
The Sandhai are Sunni Muslims and many follow the Barelvi way that has to do with mysticism.
What Are Their Needs?
They need the opportunity to earn a good living, staying in one place long enough for the next generation to enjoy higher education.
Prayer Points
Pray that spiritual heaviness from mysticism will be replaced with spiritual refreshment from the Holy Spirit, and that Christ's light of truth will shine forth into their culture. Pray that churches will be planted, and new disciples will flourish among them, bringing blessings to the Sandhai people. Pray for intercessors and workers.