Bhil Mavchi (Hindu traditions) 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 Mavchi Bhil are an indigenous people who live in Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and Gujarat, all central and western states of India. They are classified as a scheduled tribe meaning that they are eligible for public jobs and special consideration for university admission. Most Mavchi reside in forests and hills much like their ancestors. The Mavchi speak a number of languages depending on where they live in India. These languages include Mawchi, Bhili, Hindi, and Marathi. A tiny number of Mavchi have become followers of Jesus Christ.


What Are Their Lives Like?

Most Mavchi make their living working as agricultural laborers often on land that they do not own. Hunting, fishing and logging are also ways they make money or obtain food for their families. Women add to their income by making mats and bamboo items. Some work as domestics. Unfortunately, most Mavchi are unable to read and write. Illiteracy is especially high among the women. Children frequently quit school early to help their parents in the fields. Educated Mavchi have become teachers, physicians, merchants, and administrators. The Mavchi marry within their Bhili group. Cousin marriages are common. Monogamy or marriage to one spouse is the norm. Families arrange marriages. The girls are often married off at the young age of 11 or 12. Boys marry in their late teens. Newly wedded couples live with the groom's family. Sons inherit their father's property. Each village has its own priests and shrines. Village elders settle legal disputes and promote the Mavchi's interests. The Mavchi are not vegetarians but as Hindus they do not eat beef.


What Are Their Beliefs?

The Mavchi practice Hinduism, the ancient religion of India with a strong element of folk religion. 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 Mavchi visit Hindu shrines and offer prayers, food, flowers, and incense to their gods in hopes of gaining protection and benefits. They do not have a personal or familial relationship with their gods as Christians do. There are many forms of Hinduism, each with its own deities and beliefs. The main yearly holidays of the Mavchi people are Holi, the festival of colors and the start of spring, Diwali, the festival of lights, Navratri, the celebration of autumn and Rama Navami, Rama's birthday. The caste system divides Hindus into four main categories. The lowest communities like the Mavchi are outside of the caste system.


What Are Their Needs?

As an impoverished tribal people, the Mavchi have many spiritual and physical needs. They need good schools and teachers for their children. The adults need to learn new job skills to escape the cycle of poverty. Most of all the Mavchi need to hear and understand the gospel of Christ. He alone can forgive their sins and grant them eternal life.


Prayer Points

Pray that Indian believers will take the good news to the Mavchi Bhil. Pray that God will raise up pastors, evangelists and church planters to serve the Mavchi Bhils. Pray that God's blessings will become a reality in the lives of the Mavchi as they seek Him. Pray an unstoppable movement to Christ begin among Mavchi villages and families.


Scripture Prayers for the Bhil Mavchi (Hindu traditions) in India.


Profile Source:   Keith Carey  

People Name General Bhil Mavchi (Hindu traditions)
People Name in Country Bhil Mavchi (Hindu traditions)
Alternate Names Manchi; Mavacha; Mavchi; Mawai; Mawci; भील मवची (हिंदू ट्रेडिशन्स)
Population this Country 562,000
Population all Countries 562,000
Total Countries 1
Indigenous Yes
Progress Scale 1
Unreached Yes
Frontier People Group No
Pioneer Workers Needed 11
PeopleID3 21017
ROP3 Code 117868
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 6
Largest States
Madhya Pradesh
271,000
Maharashtra
203,000
Gujarat
87,000
Karnataka
300
Daman and Diu
100
Odisha
80
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 6
  Madhya Pradesh 271,000
  Maharashtra 203,000
  Gujarat 87,000
  Karnataka 300
  Daman and Diu 100
  Odisha 80
Website South Asia Peoples
Primary Religion: Hinduism
Major Religion Percent *
Buddhism
0.01 %
Christianity  (Evangelical Unknown)
1.11 %
Ethnic Religions
0.00 %
Hinduism
97.61 %
Islam
0.76 %
Non-Religious
0.00 %
Other / Small
0.00 %
Unknown
0.51 %
* From latest India census data.
Current Christian values may substantially differ.
Primary Language Bhili (123,000 speakers)
Language Code bhb   Ethnologue Listing
Language Written Yes   ScriptSource Listing
Total Languages 21
Secondary Languages
(only 15 largest shown)
Hindi
114,000
Marathi
48,000
Gujarati
42,000
Nimadi
21,000
Khandesi
16,000
Bareli, Pauri
14,000
Dangi
7,800
Vasavi
7,100
Bareli, Rathwi
2,500
Malvi
2,100
Dungra Bhil
1,700
Gamit
1,200
Bareli, Palya
900
Ahirani
600
Urdu
200
Primary Language Bhili (123,000 speakers)
Language Code bhb   Ethnologue Listing
Total Languages 21
Secondary Languages (only 15 largest shown)
  Hindi 114,000
  Marathi 48,000
  Gujarati 42,000
  Nimadi 21,000
  Khandesi 16,000
  Bareli, Pauri 14,000
  Dangi 7,800
  Vasavi 7,100
  Bareli, Rathwi 2,500
  Malvi 2,100
  Dungra Bhil 1,700
  Gamit 1,200
  Bareli, Palya 900
  Ahirani 600
  Urdu 200
People Groups Speaking Bhili

Primary Language:  Bhili

Bible Translation Status  (Years)
Bible-Portions Yes  (1916-1996)
Bible-New Testament Yes  (1930)
Bible-Complete No
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
Film / Video Jesus Film: view in Bhili Jesus Film Project
Film / Video World Christian Videos World Christian Videos
General Bible for Children Bible for Children
General Scripture Earth Gospel resources links Scripture Earth
Photo Source Anonymous 
Map Source People Group data: Omid. Map geography: UNESCO / GMI. Map Design: Joshua Project  
Profile Source Keith Carey 
Data Sources Data is compiled from various sources. Learn more.


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