Introduction / History

The word Kuruba means "warrior." The Kuruba people of India are one of the oldest people groups in that ancient country.

Where Are they Located?

They live in Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, and Karnataka.

What Are Their Lives Like?

The Kuruba people read and write Kannada, Marathi, Tamil, and Telugu.

Traditionally they have been farmers and shepherds. In addition to farming, they weave rough blankets made of wool. They are not vegetarians, and they eat grains such as rice and wheat.

The Kuruba people allow marriage between cousins. The couple is married at the home of the bridegroom. Divorcees and the bereaved may marry again. Property goes to the sons when the father dies, and the oldest son becomes the head of the family. There is a birth pollution that is observed for nine days and the ceremony of naming the baby takes place on the tenth day. Their dead are buried and there is a ten-day death pollution period.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The most important need of Kuruba people is to understand that their good works and worship of Hindu gods will never pay the penalty for their sins, and that the Almighty Creator God has made the provision for them to be forgiven.

What Are Their Needs?

Adequate visual, audio, and video Christian resources are available in the languages which Kuruba people speak, but they are still an unreached people group.

Prayer Points

Pray that intercessors worldwide will pray for salvation and spiritual transformation of the Kuruba people.
Pray for workers to disciple them.
Ask Almighty God to raise up entire Kuruba families and communities until their culture is transformed to glorify God and represent His Kingdom here on earth.

Scripture Prayers for the Kuruba in India.

References

Singh, K. S., ed. "India's Communities A-Z", Oxford University Press, USA 1999