The Bhand or Bhanr people get their name from the term in Sanskrit for 'jester' or bhanda. They are an occupational lower caste people who have been singers, dancers, actors and jesters since the days of feudal Kingdoms in India.
Today the Bhands are still known for their singing, dancing and story-telling in many areas of north and central India. The Damaleh Bhand in India are especially known for their folk-dance, folk-music and playing of the drum and flute. Most Bhand, however, can be found to have left their traditional occupation and moved into small business selling of household goods or toys. Being of a lower caste has forced some into rick-shaw pulling and begging for subsistance. The Bhands are Sunni Muslim and speak Maithili as well as Nepali and Urdu. Literacy is very low and many children are not able to attend school though the boys often attend some Islamic instruction.
Because of their prominent traditional position in the community in performing, the Bhand community ought to be more open to outside communication and likely the Gospel. Few have ever approached the Muslim Bhand in Nepal with the Gospel and consequently there are no known believers.
Scripture Prayers for the Bhand (Muslim traditions) in Pakistan.
Profile Source: Anonymous |
People Name General | Bhand (Muslim traditions) |
People Name in Country | Bhand (Muslim traditions) |
Alternate Names | Bhagat; Bhan; Bhand; Bhangat; Bhanr; Bhant; Kashmiri Bhand; Nakkal; Naqqal; Rana Bhand; भांड (मुस्लिम ट्रेडिशन्स) |
Population this Country | 4,500 |
Population all Countries | 54,000 |
Total Countries | 3 |
Indigenous | Yes |
Progress Scale | 1 ● |
Unreached | Yes |
Frontier People Group | Yes |
Pioneer Workers Needed | 1 |
People ID | 16423 |
ROP3 Code | 111574 |
Country | Pakistan | |||
Region | Asia, South | |||
Continent | Asia | |||
10/40 Window | Yes | |||
National Bible Society | Website | |||
Persecution Rank | 7 (Open Doors top 50 rank, 1 = highest persecution ranking) | |||
Total States on file | 2 | |||
Largest States |
|
Country | Pakistan |
Region | Asia, South |
Continent | Asia |
10/40 Window | Yes |
National Bible Society | Website |
Persecution Rank | 7 (Open Doors top 50 rank, 1 = highest persecution ranking) |
Total States | 2 |
Sindh 2,700 | |
Punjab 1,500 | |
Website | South Asia Peoples |
Primary Religion: | Islam |
Major Religion ▲ | Percent * |
---|---|
Buddhism |
0.00 %
|
Christianity (Evangelical 0.00 %) |
0.00 %
|
Ethnic Religions |
0.00 %
|
Hinduism |
0.00 %
|
Islam |
100.00 %
|
Non-Religious |
0.00 %
|
Other / Small |
0.00 %
|
Unknown |
0.00 %
|
* From latest Pakistan census data. Current Christian values may substantially differ. |
Primary Language | Sindhi (1,600 speakers) | ||||||
Language Code | snd Ethnologue Listing | ||||||
Language Written | Yes ScriptSource Listing | ||||||
Total Languages | 6 | ||||||
Secondary Languages |
|
Primary Language | Sindhi (1,600 speakers) |
Language Code | snd Ethnologue Listing |
Total Languages | 6 |
Secondary Languages | |
Urdu 1,100 | |
Saraiki 1,100 | |
Punjabi, Western 500 | |
Marwari 200 | |
Dhatki 60 | |
People Groups | Speaking Sindhi |
Primary Language: Sindhi
Bible Translation ▲ | Status (Years) |
---|---|
Bible-Portions | Yes (1825-1981) |
Bible-New Testament | Yes (1890-1992) |
Bible-Complete | Yes (1954) |
Bible-NT Audio | Online |
Possible Print Bibles | |
---|---|
Amazon | |
World Bibles | |
Forum Bible Agencies | |
National Bible Societies | |
World Bible Finder | |
Virtual Storehouse |
Photo Source |
(Representative photo) Copyrighted © 2023 Michael E All rights reserved. Used with permission |
Map Source | People Group data: Omid. Map geography: UNESCO / GMI. Map Design: Joshua Project |
Profile Source | Anonymous |
Data Sources | Data is compiled from various sources. Learn more. |