How the mighty have fallen! The Bahelia people are now Dalits, but they were once high in the Hindu caste system and part of a powerful Rajput army. After a key defeat, they had to hide in the jungles, where they survived by catching birds and animals, honey extraction, all considered inferior jobs. Taking such jobs led to them losing their favorable caste status. Usually landless, many work as day laborers, though they have a tradition of making fans with peacock feathers and selling the birds they catch.

Modern India's development programs are greatly improving the lives of the Bahelia people. They are taking advantage of greater educational opportunities, and their literacy rate is improving, especially for boys. Their health care is also improving.

The Bahelia people live in Uttar Pradesh, a state where very few that follow Christ. They are virtually all Hindu.

* Scripture Prayers for the Bahelia (Hindu traditions) in Bangladesh.

* Pray that God will send culturally-sensitive missionaries who will show them the way to the cross.