Introduction / History

This low status people group is considered by many to be a subdivision of the more numerous Chamars and Mochis. However, this is probably only because they get the raw skin from groups such as the Chamar, Kassi or Cheek (a Muslim group which sells goat meat) and store them and sell them to dealers. At one time they were cobblers, meaning they repaired shoes for a living. At that time they tanned hides, an occupation which gives any community low status in the Hindu world.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Today they often deal with leather good, but they use leather to make drums and toys. At their festivals, they use wind instruments and (not surprisingly) drums. Like many people groups in a rapidly modernizing India, they have abandoned child marriage. This people group of 113,000 lives in various parts of northern India, where the gospel presence is weak.

What Are Their Beliefs?

If someone were to take the gospel to these Hindus, they would want to conform to their oral traditions. Telling stories, showing films, and using gospel recordings would be effective. Their chief deity is Asapuri.

Prayer Points

* Pray that the Dagbar people will abandon Asapuri, and embrace Jesus Christ, the King of kings.
* Pray that they will look to the Lord for their dignity and worth instead of settling for the low caste status Hinduism has given them.