Mair Sonar in India

The Mair Sonar have only been reported 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 Sonar Mair community, traditionally known for their expertise in goldsmithing, is a prominent artisan group in India. Historically, they have played a crucial role in crafting intricate jewelry, serving royal families and blending artistry with culture. Over generations, their skills have been passed down, ensuring the preservation of traditional goldsmith techniques while integrating modern craftsmanship.

The Sonar Mair people are primarily found in various states across northern and central India, including Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan. Many have also migrated to urban centers such as Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata in search of better economic opportunities. Their communities are often established in market areas where they run family-owned jewelry businesses.


What Are Their Lives Like?

The Sonar Mair community continues to be engaged in jewelry-making, though modern economic shifts have led some to diversify into other trades and business sectors. While many still follow traditional methods of crafting gold and silver ornaments, younger generations are increasingly pursuing higher education and exploring careers in engineering, business, and technology. Family and community ties remain strong, with many members participating in guilds and trade associations.


What Are Their Beliefs?

The Sonar Mair people predominantly follow Hinduism, with devotion to deities such as Vishwakarma, the divine architect and craftsman in Hindu mythology. Religious practices include participation in festivals like Diwali, Dhanteras (auspicious for gold purchase), and Vishwakarma Puja, where artisans worship their tools and seek blessings for prosperity. Some members of the community also follow Jainism and Sikhism, particularly in regions with historical religious influence.


What Are Their Needs?

While traditional jewelry-making remains a primary occupation, access to modern technology and digital marketing could help artisans expand their reach. They also need education and skill development. For example, the younger generation needs to learn contemporary jewelry design techniques and financial management so they can sustain their businesses.

Government and NGO initiatives can support the documentation and promotion of traditional Sonar Mair craftsmanship. Many artisans work long hours in challenging conditions, making healthcare awareness and social security essential for their well-being.


Prayer Points

Pray for the Sonar Mairs to give thanks to God as they experience his spiritual and physical blessings.
Pray that soon Sonar Mair disciples will make more disciples.
Pray for the well-being and economic stability of Sonar Mair families as they adapt to changing market demands.
Ask God for increased opportunities for education and skill development for younger generations.


Scripture Prayers for the Sonar Mair in India.


References

Government census and ethnographic records on artisan communities in India. Studies on traditional Indian goldsmithing practices. Interviews and reports from trade guilds and community leaders. Historical


Profile Source:   Joshua Project  

People Name General Sonar Mair
People Name in Country Sonar Mair
Natural Name Mair Sonar
Alternate Names Hemkar; Konkar; Mehr Sonar; Merhbansi Sonar; Potdar; Sanur; Saraf; Soni; Sunar; Suniar; Suvarnakar; सोनार मेर
Population this Country 88,000
Population all Countries 88,000
Total Countries 1
Indigenous Yes
Progress Scale 1
Unreached Yes
Frontier People Group Yes
Pioneer Workers Needed 2
PeopleID3 21253
ROP3 Code 118076
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 9
Largest States
Uttar Pradesh
65,000
Bihar
7,300
Himachal Pradesh
6,600
Uttarakhand
3,400
Chhattisgarh
2,500
Madhya Pradesh
1,600
Rajasthan
800
Chandigarh
500
Jharkhand
200
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 9
  Uttar Pradesh 65,000
  Bihar 7,300
  Himachal Pradesh 6,600
  Uttarakhand 3,400
  Chhattisgarh 2,500
  Madhya Pradesh 1,600
  Rajasthan 800
  Chandigarh 500
  Jharkhand 200
Website South Asia Peoples
Primary Religion: Hinduism
Major Religion Percent *
Buddhism
0.00 %
Christianity  (Evangelical 0.00 %)
0.00 %
Ethnic Religions
0.00 %
Hinduism
100.00 %
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 Hindi (65,000 speakers)
Language Code hin   Ethnologue Listing
Language Written Yes   ScriptSource Listing
Total Languages 15
Secondary Languages
Bhojpuri
2,600
Kangri
2,100
Braj Bhasha
1,900
Garhwali
1,700
Chhattisgarhi
1,500
Punjabi, Eastern
800
Mandeali
700
Kanauji
600
Awadhi
300
Pahari, Mahasu
200
Maithili
200
Wagdi
100
Magahi
90
Bengali
30
Primary Language Hindi (65,000 speakers)
Language Code hin   Ethnologue Listing
Total Languages 15
Secondary Languages
  Bhojpuri 2,600
  Kangri 2,100
  Braj Bhasha 1,900
  Garhwali 1,700
  Chhattisgarhi 1,500
  Punjabi, Eastern 800
  Mandeali 700
  Kanauji 600
  Awadhi 300
  Pahari, Mahasu 200
  Maithili 200
  Wagdi 100
  Magahi 90
  Bengali 30
People Groups Speaking Hindi

Primary Language:  Hindi

Bible Translation Status  (Years)
Bible-Portions Yes  (1806-1962)
Bible-New Testament Yes  (1811-1998)
Bible-Complete Yes  (1818-2022)
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Mobile App Android Bible app: Hindi Word General / Other
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Text / Printed Matter Literacy primer for Hindi Literacy & Evangelism International
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Map Source People Group data: Omid. Map geography: UNESCO / GMI. Map Design: Joshua Project  
Profile Source Joshua Project 
Data Sources Data is compiled from various sources. Learn more.