Murasing in India

Introduction / History

The Murasing people are a tribe who live in northeast India and in Bangladesh. The Murasing are one of the 21 scheduled tribes in the Indian state of Tripura. Tripura had its own ruling dynasty until the 18th century when the British took over the area. In 1949 Tripura became part of India. Since the Murasing are a scheduled tribe they are eligible for public jobs and special consideration for university admission.

The main language of the Murasing people is a Tibetan dialect called Kok Borok. The official languages of the Tripura state are Bengali and Kok Borok. A complete Bible became available in Kok Borok in 1998.

Where Are they Located?

Most of the Murasing live in Tripura, a state in northeastern India. A smaller group resides in Bangladesh.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Most of the Murasing live as their ancestors have for hundreds of years. They wander the hills looking for food and forest products to sell for household items. With the passing of time, they are settling down to one place and becoming farmers and day laborers. They live in bamboo houses on poles six feet or more off the ground to protect them from animals and floods.

They have different types of marriages. Some are arranged by families, some young people elope and some young people choose each other with the consent of their families. A headman who acts as a judge rules each village of five to 50 families. When they are a week old, the parents give them their first name, but when a young man or woman comes of age, he or she is given a completely new name.

The main foods of the Murasing are rice, fish and vegetables. They were once vegetarian, but now they are starting to eat fish and even some meats.

What Are Their Beliefs?

If a devout Brahmin from Delhi examined the religion of the Murasing, he would probably think the Murasing were more animists than Hindus. They have their own god, Baba. Though the Murasing people are officially Hindu, they have traditional beliefs, much like other tribal peoples in India. There are numerous festivals celebrated throughout the year in Tripura with great pomp and show.

The main festivals celebrated by the Tripura are the Durga Puja, Karchi Puja, Diwali, Holi, Buddha's birthday, Christmas and New Year. Like many tribal peoples, the Murasing have their own priests and do not employ Brahmins for important family events.

What Are Their Needs?

The Murasing need to hear the life-changing message of Jesus Christ. He alone can free them from their fear of evil spirits and the forces of nature. The Murasing need help in educating their children and in learning new job skills that can bring them into the 21st century. Modern medical workers can do much to improve the lives of the Murasing.

Prayer Points

Pray for the Holy Spirit to give the Murasing people teachable and understanding hearts.
Pray for a strong movement of the Holy Spirit to bring entire Murasing families into a rich experience of God's blessing.
Pray for Murasing families to be drawn by the Holy Spirit to seek God’s forgiveness and to understand the adequacy of Christ's work on the cross.
Pray for loving workers.

Text Source:   Keith Carey