Introduction / History

The word Beldar is derived from two words; "bel" meaning a digging instrument, and "dar" referring to the person who handles it. They are associated with digging and carrying soil in the context of agriculture. They have also been noted for making bricks and clearing agricultural land.

Where Are they Located?

They live in Madhya Pradesh, but some live in Uttar Pradesh or West Bengal. A smaller number are further east in Bangladesh or further north in Nepal.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Though fewer in number, there are Beldars who are engaged in animal husbandry, small business, industrial work and unskilled labor. Some produce and sell an alcoholic drink. Alcoholism and drug addiction is common among the Beldars. There are Beldars that are doing better economically in major cities. The Beldar people have their own folk songs and folk-tales. Though they speak in the Baghelkandi dialect at home, most of them also speak Bengali in Bangladesh.

What Are Their Beliefs?

They are Hindus. After cremating their dead, they worship the deceased's spirit a year later.

What Are Their Needs?

They perceive themselves as part of a lower caste, and others perceive them as being in this category as well. This belief holds them back socially and economically. The few Christian believers among them live in India, not Bangladesh.

Prayer Points

Pray for Indian missionaries to produce stories and songs in the Beldar traditions that will lead them to seek Jesus Christ. Pray for the Beldar people to have easy access to Christian materials in the Hindi language. Pray for spiritual discernment and hunger among the Beldar people in Bangladesh.

Scripture Prayers for the Beldar (Hindu traditions) in Nepal.