Introduction / History

If you were to purchase any sort of saddle or leather shoes in the area of northern India and Nepal, chances are good that it was put together by a Mochi. The name "Mochi" comes from the Sanskrit mochika and the Hindi word Mojna which mean "to fold." While the Chamars would do the initial slaughtering and preparation of the cattle hide, the Mochis are the ones who typically do the finishing work on the leather items.

In Hindu cultures like we find in Nepal, people are given low status for doing menial or unpleasant work, especially anything having to do with dead animals. This attitude spills over to the Muslim peoples. For this reason, the Chamars have very low status. The Mochis are somewhat more respected than the Chamars. There has been a long running competition between the two groups for superiority. However, in some areas the two groups are indistinguishable.

Educational standards are quite low for the Mochis with the literacy rate at no more than 15 per cent. Their customs allow for polygamy, but they do not widely practice it. Sons usually marry at around age 17, while daughters marry sooner. Mochis usually marry off their daughters earlier than Chamars.

Prayer Points

* Pray that the Church will begin connecting with Mochi Muslims.
* Pray for a harvest of souls among the Mochi Muslims.