Vanjara 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 Vanjara or Banjara originally came from the western Indian state of Rajastan. Their main occupation before the British period was transporting salt, cattle and grain. Their name means "dwellers of the forest or jungle." During colonial times and the coming of the railroads, the Vanjara ceased their nomadic ways and settled down to become farmers. The Vanjara now grow rice, other grains, vegetables and fruit for themselves and to sell to others. They also raise cattle for dairy products and sale. The Vanjara also make bamboo products like baskets and mats to sell.

In the Vanjara community there is a wide disparity in their education levels. Some have college educations while most are barely literate or illiterate.

In most Indian states they are a Scheduled Class meaning they are eligible for guaranteed spots in universities and public service.

The primary language of the Vanjara is Marathi. Some others speak Telegu and other regional Indian languages.


Where Are they Located?

The vast majority of the Vanjara live in Maharashtra, west India. Some also live in Telangana and other regions of India.


What Are Their Lives Like?

The formerly nomadic Vanjara have settled down to live as farmers. One source said that the men are allowed to eat meat except for beef while the women must be vegetarians. The women work in the homes and in the fields. They are especially skilled in embroidery. The men also work in the field and make things to sell for currency. Unfortunately, most children receive only a minimal education and must work in agriculture to help support their families.

The Vanjara are endogamous, they prefer to marry within their group. Families arrange marriages. Sons inherit property upon the death of their fathers. They create their dead except for young children who are buried.


What Are Their Beliefs?

The Vanjara practice Hinduism, the ancient religion of India. They worship and serve the many gods of the Hindu pantheon. They offer food, incense and flowers at Hindu temples and at household shrines.

Sevala or Sevabhaya is the most important saint of the Banjara. He was a cattle merchant of the 18th century who lived an exemplary of morality. He was a musician and devoted to Durga, the mother-warrior goddess.
Banjara people celebrate the festival of Teej during Shravana (the month of August).

This holiday celebrates the monsoon season and the god Shiva and goddess Parvati.

The Vanjara also celebrate the yearly Hindu festivals, of Holi, the festival of colors, Diwali, the festival of lights and Navratri, the nine-day festival of autumn.


What Are Their Needs?

The Vanjara need to hear the life-changing message of Jesus Christ in a way they can understand. Christian teachers could help with the educational needs of their children. Agricultural experts could increase the crop yields of their lands. The Vanjara must see that Durga and Shiva will not help them obtain salvation and that their only hope is Christ.


Prayer Points

Pray that God moves Indian Christians to reach out to the Vanjara and share the gospel with them.
Pray Christian workers come to live among the Vanjara and show them the love and mercy of God.
Pray the Lord wins some Vanjara to Himself and that Bible-believing churches are planted in their community.


Scripture Prayers for the Vanjara in India.


References

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Banjara


Profile Source:   David Kugel  

People Name General Vanjara
People Name in Country Vanjara
Pronunciation vahn-jah-RAH
Alternate Names Vantari; Vindhar; Wandhara; Wanjara; वंजारा
Population this Country 1,080,000
Population all Countries 1,080,000
Total Countries 1
Indigenous Yes
Progress Scale 1
Unreached Yes
Frontier People Group Yes
GSEC 1  (per PeopleGroups.org)
Pioneer Workers Needed 22
PeopleID3 18329
ROP3 Code 113879
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 7
Largest States
Maharashtra
946,000
Telangana
121,000
Karnataka
11,000
Odisha
700
Gujarat
600
Delhi
100
Andhra Pradesh
30
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 7
  Maharashtra 946,000
  Telangana 121,000
  Karnataka 11,000
  Odisha 700
  Gujarat 600
  Delhi 100
  Andhra Pradesh 30
Website South Asia Peoples
Primary Religion: Hinduism
Major Religion Percent *
Buddhism
0.22 %
Christianity  (Evangelical 0.00 %)
0.00 %
Ethnic Religions
0.00 %
Hinduism
99.78 %
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 (833,000 speakers)
Language Code mar   Ethnologue Listing
Language Written Yes   ScriptSource Listing
Total Languages 6
Secondary Languages
Telugu
97,000
Hindi
25,000
Kannada
1,700
Konkani
800
Gujarati
400
Primary Language Marathi (833,000 speakers)
Language Code mar   Ethnologue Listing
Total Languages 6
Secondary Languages
  Telugu 97,000
  Hindi 25,000
  Kannada 1,700
  Konkani 800
  Gujarati 400
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)
FCBH NT (www.bible.is) Online
YouVersion NT (www.bible.com) Online
Possible Print Bibles
Amazon
World Bibles
Forum Bible Agencies
National Bible Societies
World Bible Finder
Virtual Storehouse
Resource Type Resource Name Source
Audio Recordings Audio Bible teaching Global Recordings Network
Audio Recordings Online Audio Scripture Talking Bibles
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
Film / Video Story of Jesus for Children Jesus Film Project
Film / Video World Christian Videos World Christian Videos
General Bible and Resources in text or audio or video Internet Publishing Sevice
General Bible for Children Bible for Children
General Bible in text or audio or video South Asia Bibles
General Bible in text or audio or video South Asia Bibles
General Bible in text or audio or video South Asia Bibles
General Biblical answers to your questions Got Questions Ministry
General Faith Comes By Hearing - Bible in text or audio or video Faith Comes by Hearing
General Faith Comes By Hearing - Bible in text or audio or video Faith Comes by Hearing
General Faith Comes By Hearing - Bible in text or audio or video Faith Comes by Hearing
General Four Spiritual Laws Cru
General Scripture Earth Gospel resources links Scripture Earth
General Voice of the Martyrs resources Voice of the Martyrs
General YouVersion Bible versions in text and/or audio YouVersion Bibles
General Zume Resources Zume Project
General Zume Training Zume Project
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
Mobile App Download audio Bible app from Google Play Store Faith Comes by Hearing
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 Sonam Prajapati - Pixabay 
Map Source People Group Location: Omid. Other geography / data: GMI. Map Design: Joshua Project  
Profile Source David Kugel 
Data Sources Data is compiled from various sources. Learn more.


Joshua Project logo    Terms of Use   Privacy Policy   Contact Us   Copyright © 2024