Hatkar in India


Population
Main Language
Largest Religion
Christian
Evangelical
Progress
Progress Gauge
* Data can be from various sources including official census, agencies, and local research. Data from these sources can sometimes differ even by orders of magnitude. Joshua Project attempts to present a conservative, balanced estimate.

Introduction / History

The Hatkar are a subgroup of the Dhangars, or shepherd caste of Maharashtra. One source says the name Hatkar comes from the word for "cowherd." Another source says their name mean "one who is obstinate." The traditional work of the Hatkar is taking care of sheep and cattle. They are also known for weaving wool into blankets and other articles. Due to their nomadic life, low education levels are common among the Hatkars. Some Hatkar work in agriculture on small plots of land that they own. There is a debate going on now in the government about whether the Hatkars should become a Scheduled Caste and become eligible for special treatment.

The Hatkar are proud of their military tradition. The bravest and most loyal soldiers of a 17th century Marathi king Shivji were his Hatkar. The Hatkar led an unsuccessful rebellion against the British in the early 19th century. Hatkars today join and serve in the Indian Army.

The primary language of the Hatkars is Marathi. Others speak Kannada and other Indian regional languages.


Where Are they Located?

The largest groups of Hatkar live in the Indian states of Maharashtra and Karnataka.


What Are Their Lives Like?

The traditional semi-nomadic lifestyle of the Hatkar is changing. The Indian government encourages nomadic people to live in one place, not wander around the forests, deserts and grasslands of India. More and more Hatkar are leaving their profession of raising animals to become famers and small businesspersons. A small number of educated urban Hatkars have become wealthy. However, most Hatkars fall into the lower middle and lower class category.

The Hatkar obtain the services of Brahmin priests for their important life event like births, weddings and funerals. Their babies are given a name on his or her 12th day of life. Families negotiate marriages with the father of the bride asking the father of the groom if his daughter can join his family. The dead are both cremated and buried depending upon the age and circumstances of the person who died.

The Hatkars are not vegetarians. However, they do not eat pork or beef. Their main foods are lentils, sorghum, rice, wheat, vegetables and fruit. Meat is eaten on special days and festivals.


What Are Their Beliefs?

The Hatkar practice Hinduism, the ancient religion of India. They worship and serve the gods of the Hindu pantheon. Hindus believe that by performing rituals and good works that they will attain moksha or freedom from the endless cycle of birth, death and rebirth. The Hatkar visit Hindu temples and offer prayers, food, flowers and incense to their gods. Their patron god is Khandoba, a fierce manifestation of Shiva, the destroyer god. They also worship Krishna, the avatar of Vishnu, preserver god.

The main yearly holidays of the Hatkar people are Holi, the festival of colors, Diwali, the festival of lights and Navratri, the celebration of autumn.


What Are Their Needs?

The Hatkar need to hear the life-changing message of Jesus Christ in a way they can understand. They need help in gaining new job skills and in educating their children.


Prayer Points

Pray that a strong movement to Jesus will bring whole Hatkar families and communities into a rich experience of God's blessings.
Pray for Christian laborers to have wisdom in applying the pattern Jesus gave in Matthew 10 and Luke 10, leading to blessing among Hatkar households.
Pray that God will overthrow spiritual forces of darkness opposing the spread of His Gospel among the Hatkar.


Scripture Prayers for the Hatkar in India.


References

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hatkar
http://dhangarsamaj.blogspot.com/p/blog-page_30.html
indpaedia.com/ind/index.php/Hatkar,_Hatgar


Profile Source:   David Kugel  

People Name General Hatkar
People Name in Country Hatkar
Alternate Names Atagara; Attagara; Attakar; Attakara; Hatagar; Hatagara; Hatgar; Hattakar; Hatwa; Khilari; Mendhpal Samaj; Talari; Talayari; Talwar; Telari; Thelari; हटकर
Population this Country 397,000
Population all Countries 397,000
Total Countries 1
Indigenous Yes
Progress Scale 1
Unreached Yes
Frontier People Group Yes
GSEC 1  (per PeopleGroups.org)
Pioneer Workers Needed 8
PeopleID3 16430
ROP3 Code 111581
Country India
Region Asia, South
Continent Asia
10/40 Window Yes
National Bible Society Website
Persecution Rank 11  (Open Doors top 50 rank, 1 = highest persecution ranking)
Total States on file 4
Largest States
Maharashtra
300,000
Karnataka
88,000
Odisha
7,700
Andhra Pradesh
1,600
Districts Interactive map, listing and data download
Specialized Website South Asia Peoples
Country India
Region Asia, South
Continent Asia
10/40 Window Yes
National Bible Society Website
Persecution Rank 11  (Open Doors top 50 rank, 1 = highest persecution ranking)
Total States 4
  Maharashtra 300,000
  Karnataka 88,000
  Odisha 7,700
  Andhra Pradesh 1,600
Website South Asia Peoples
Primary Religion: Hinduism
Major Religion Percent *
Buddhism
1.24 %
Christianity  (Evangelical 0.00 %)
0.00 %
Ethnic Religions
0.00 %
Hinduism
98.76 %
Islam
0.00 %
Non-Religious
0.00 %
Other / Small
0.00 %
Unknown
0.00 %
* From latest India census data.
Current Christian values may substantially differ.
Primary Language Marathi (214,000 speakers)
Language Code mar   Ethnologue Listing
Language Written Yes   ScriptSource Listing
Total Languages 8
Secondary Languages
Kannada
93,000
Khandesi
27,000
Hindi
5,700
Odia
5,400
Ahirani
5,400
Telugu
1,000
Bengali
60
Primary Language Marathi (214,000 speakers)
Language Code mar   Ethnologue Listing
Total Languages 8
Secondary Languages
  Kannada 93,000
  Khandesi 27,000
  Hindi 5,700
  Odia 5,400
  Ahirani 5,400
  Telugu 1,000
  Bengali 60
People Groups Speaking Marathi

Primary Language:  Marathi

Bible Translation Status  (Years)
Bible-Portions Yes  (1807-1957)
Bible-New Testament Yes  (1811-1982)
Bible-Complete Yes  (1821-2024)
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Audio Recordings Online Scripture / Bible General / Other
Audio Recordings Oral Bible stories One Story
Film / Video Following Jesus video Jesus Film Project
Film / Video God's Story video God's Story
Film / Video Indigitube.tv Video / Animation Create International
Film / Video Jesus Film: view in Marathi Jesus Film Project
Film / Video LUMO film of Gospels Bible Media Group/LUMO
Film / Video Magdalena video Jesus Film Project
Film / Video My Last Day video, anime Jesus Film Project
Film / Video Rock International: King of Glory Rock International
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General YouVersion Bible versions in text and/or audio YouVersion Bibles
General Zume Resources Zume Project
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Mobile App Android Bible app direct APK download SIL
Mobile App Android Bible app: Marathi YouVersion Bibles
Mobile App Android Bible App: Marathi Bible (मराठी बायबल) Indian Revised Version (IRV) Operation Agape
Mobile App Android Bible app: Marathi Contemporary Bible Biblica
Mobile App Android Bible app: Marathi Study Bible Grace Ministries and Dusty Sandals
Mobile App Android Bible Radio app: Marathi Bible Radio Shalom Design S2dio
Mobile App Download audio Bible app as APK file Faith Comes by Hearing
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Mobile App iOS Bible app: Marathi YouVersion Bibles
Mobile App iOS Bible Radio App: Marathi Bible Radio iOS Revive India
Text / Printed Matter Children and youth resources One Hope
Text / Printed Matter Jesus Messiah comic book General / Other
Text / Printed Matter Literacy primer for Marathi Literacy & Evangelism International
Text / Printed Matter Love letter to you from scripture Father's Love Letter
Text / Printed Matter The Ancient Path Live Global
Text / Printed Matter Tools for faith conversations Cru
Text / Printed Matter Topical Scripture booklets and Bible studies World Missionary Press
Photo Source Anonymous 
Map Source People Group data: Omid. Map geography: UNESCO / GMI. Map Design: Joshua Project.  
Profile Source David Kugel 
Data Sources Data is compiled from various sources. Learn more.


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