The word Mehtar means prince or leader. The Mehtar are a Scheduled Caste. Their traditional work is scavenging and sweeping. Many of them still do this kind of work. In Andhra Pradesh the Mehtar speak Hindi and Telugu. In Karnataka the Mehtar speak Hindi and Kannada. In Bihar they speak Hindi and Angika. Many are still sweepers or scavengers, two of the least prestigious occupations in the Hindu world. Some of them work for the government. Though their education level is improving, it is still low.

When there are few if any Christ followers within a community, it is very difficult for gospel workers. Ideally, they will win family and clan leaders to Christ who can open the door for others. If they only win individuals, these people are regarded as rebels and rejected by their community.

Pray for spiritual discernment and a hunger for truth that will lead them to Jesus. Pray for workers to go to them. Pray for a powerful Disciple Making Movement among this community. Pray that gospel recordings would lead them to salvation.

Scripture Prayers for the Valmiki Mehtar in India.