Introduction / History

Tanning has always been the main occupation of the Jaggali people. They make shoes and repair old ones. For this reason these 11,000 people are sometimes associated with the much more numerous Chamars. Today some of them do upholstery work or ride cycle rickshaws.

Where Are they Located?

For the most part, the Jaggali people live in the state of Odisha, formerly called Orissa. Some of them live in Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh or even Tamil Nadu, which is further south. Though many of them speak Oriya, the language of Odisha, their mother tongue is Telegu, the language of Andhra Pradesh.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Working with the hides of cattle in a Hindu land means that they have very low status. Most Hindus consider them to be inferior. Tanning work is very unpleasant partly because of the strong odor, so their work environment is not a good one. Their literacy rate is low even for a scheduled caste in Odisha. This keeps them from advancing economically.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Jaggali people are now 100 percent Hindu, though the book, "The Scheduled Castes" tells us that there were once Christians among them.

What Are Their Needs?

The Jaggali people need better educational opportunities. They also need to hear the gospel.

Prayer Points

Pray for educational opportunities for the Jaggali people.
Pray for evangelists and missionaries to take non-printed gospel materials such as the JESUS Film to the Jaggali people. Since they speak Telegu, there are plenty of materials available to them.

Scripture Prayers for the Jaggali in India.