Gond Maria in India
Photo Source:
Shashank Deora - Wikimedia
Creative Commons
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Map Source:
People Group data: Omid. Map geography: UNESCO / GMI. Map Design: Joshua Project
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| People Name: | Gond Maria |
| Country: | India |
| 10/40 Window: | Yes |
| Population: | 1,706,000 |
| World Population: | 1,706,000 |
| Primary Language: | Gondi, Northern |
| Primary Religion: | Hinduism |
| Christian Adherents: | 0.89 % |
| Evangelicals: | 0.00 % |
| Scripture: | New Testament |
| Ministry Resources: | No |
| Jesus Film: | Yes |
| Audio Recordings: | Yes |
| People Cluster: | South Asia Tribal - Gond |
| Affinity Bloc: | South Asian Peoples |
| Progress Level: |
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Introduction / History
The Maria are one of the Gond people groups and are a scheduled tribe. They live in the Bastar district of Madhya Pradesh in the hills. They speak Maria.
What Are Their Lives Like?
Cultivation is their main work, and they also collect forest products. They eat rice and meat. Beef is a delicacy for them.
They have several clans. Child marriages are common, often between cousins. Unlike most peoples in this region, they bury their dead. They have a traditional council to look after their interests.
What Are Their Beliefs?
Though they are officially Hindu, the Maria Gond worship local gods and clan gods more than any of the Hindu deities.
What Are Their Needs?
The Maria Gonds are not keen on education or modern medicine. They need a change of heart.
Prayer Points
Pray that the council leaders will come to Jesus Christ and lead others to him.
Pray for spiritually open hearts that will gravitate to the Lord of lords.
Pray that Indian Christians and gospel materials will become easily available.