Baret in India

Introduction / History

South of the Rajasthani desert, the land is rugged and bare. There are very few trees to break the vast horizon, and mountains stand high against the sky. Ancient palaces stand amidst bustling shops and on arid plains. Remnants of the people's long and royal history are scattered throughout the Haroti (or Hadothi) region.

What Are Their Lives Like?

The Haroti people reflect their long heritage. The women wear brightly colored dresses, adorned with numerous bangles and necklaces. Even their toes are decorated with bright toe rings. The men stand tall in dhotis, their colorful turbans carefully wound, each with its long tail hanging behind.

Different people groups, each having their own interesting stories, speak the same language – Haroti. The Mina, a scheduled tribe, are one of the major groups that speak Haroti. Long ago, they were rulers of the region but about 800 years ago, descendants of Hada took over the Haroti (or Hadothi) region after defeating the Mina kingdom. They ruled the region until it was conquered by the British and it later became part of free India.

Education has been highly valued within the Haroti culture for centuries. Formal education existed even in ancient times, mainly to promote Hindu teachings. Kings encouraged the literary world. Ancient books that focus on astrology, medicines, medical treatment and epic poetry are available even now. Even today, the Haroti people strongly promote education. It is difficult at times for school children as the medium of education is Hindi. Yet, the people esteem the Haroti language very highly.

What Are Their Beliefs?

While travelling the hard roads to the villages along the agricultural belt, one can often find a carefully placed stone representing a god to protect the land and its crops. There are few if any Christians among the Haroti. The few churches in the region are often in cities, mainly attended by Christians who have migrated from South India or from other regions.

What Are Their Needs?

Only the educated Haroti are able to understand the Hindi translation of the Word of God. God's Word in Haroti is essential for the Haroti people to be able to understand the good news and for laying a good foundation for the church.

Prayer Points

Pray that God will raise his messengers to take the gospel specifically to the Haroti region and to present it in culturally appropriate ways, using Haroti.
Pray that God will open doors for starting the translation of His Word into Haroti.
Pray for the few Christians in Rajasthan to stand strong in the Lord and reach others with the truth.

Text Source:   Joshua Project