Introduction / History

The name Korku amounts to a combination of two words, one for "man" and the other the plural for "tribal men." The Indian government classifies all Korku peoples as "Scheduled Tribes," meaning they have a tribal background and they have low status. The Muwasi are a subgroup of the Korku peoples.

Where Are they Located?

This Hindu people group lives in Madhya Pradesh, a state in central India.

What Are Their Lives Like?

All Korku peoples, including the Muwasis, are facing the challenge of making a living with less and less land for farming. Some of them don't have enough food. They are beginning to use more modern farming techniques.

Korku villages include two rows of huts, each one with a fireplace in front. These fireplaces pose a danger since most of their homes are made out of bamboo or wood.

Marriage for the Muwasis Korku people is the initiation for youths who become adults. Religious rites are very important in weddings, which unite families. They do not have nuclear families. Most Muwasis Korku families include not only the couple, but also adult sons and daughters, their children, and even members of the bride's family who are still paying off the bride price through service to the groom's family.

The male head of a Korku family makes all major decisions regarding large purchases like land, livestock, and even smaller purchases like ornaments and clothes. His wife makes decisions regarding the purchase of clothes and cooking utensils.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Muwasi Korku people practice Hinduism, but it is blended in with their traditional animistic religion. In simple terms, Hinduism can be any spiritual belief system in this part of the world, so tribal religion can technically be labeled Hinduism. One major difference between Hinduism and tribal religion is that the Hindus employ Brahman priests for their rituals while tribal peoples have their own priests.

What Are Their Needs?

The Muwasi Kurku people need the tools and know-how for advanced farming techniques so they can adequately feed their families.

Prayer Points

Pray for workers to go to the Muwasi Korku people, and for their hearts to be ready to receive their Savior.
Pray for networks of believing families and fellowships that will throw the doors open for others to follow Jesus.
Pray for the Lord to bless the families among the Muwasi Korku people with His presence and mercy.
Pray for believers among this people group to disciple others who will disciple still others.
Pray for Bible believing fellowships and churches among the Muwasi Korku people.

Scripture Prayers for the Korku Muwasi in India.

References

https://joshuaproject.net/people_groups/17269/IN
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Korku_people
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k8nzr4VFKtA
https://www.britannica.com/topic/Korku
https://www.everyculture.com/South-Asia/Korku.html
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Korku_people