Paware Bhil in India

The Paware Bhil have only been reported in India
Population
Main Language
Largest Religion
Christian
Evangelical
Progress
Progress Gauge
* From latest India census data.
Current Christian values may substantially differ.

Introduction / History

There are two divisions of Bhil: the Central or "pure" Bhil, and the Eastern or part-Rajput Bhil. The Central Bhil live in the mountain regions of India, particularly in the states of Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and Rajasthan. They are known as the connecting link between the Gujarati and the Rajasthani. They speak Bhili, which is an Indo-Aryan language.

Many years ago, Bhil rajas (kings) permitted immigrants from the plains to settle in the hill regions. To safeguard their independence and rule, the Bhil fought against the Moghals, the Maratha and the British Raj.

The Paware Bhil peoples have always been experts in handling bows and arrows. In fact, the name "Bhil" was derived from the word billee, which means "bow." For years, the bow has been a characteristic weapon of the tribe, and the men usually carry their bows and arrows with them. They are known for their rugged independence, but also for their banditry.


Where Are they Located?

The Paware Bhil live in India's western state of Maharashtra.


What Are Their Lives Like?

Many Bhil are being threatened by the Sardar Saravor Dam Project, which when completed will flood the land where many Bhil currently live. Though re-settlement plans have been discussed, they remain incomplete.

Today, the Paware Bhil primarily work as farmers, field laborers and village watchmen. With a growth in population, most of their land holdings are small and generally non-productive. The women wear brightly colored clothes. The city boys are distinctive from other Hindus because they tie rags around their heads, wear earrings, and carry swords or guns.

The Paware Bhil are usually shy and love their independence. Festivals, dance, drama, and music are a large part of their culture. The length and enthusiasm for these events is usually directly proportional to the amount of alcohol that is consumed.

The Paware Bhil usually marry within their own classes. If they do marry someone of another class, the person of the lower class must convert to the higher, leaving behind all family ties. This custom is strictly enforced among the Bhil tribes.

Each Paware Bhil village is led by a head man who deals with disputes. Respect among family members is strong, and there is a great sense of connection between the living and the dead. Property is shared equally by the male descendants. Bhil villages are rather widely scattered. The houses are located in fields where they grow millet, maize, wheat, and barley. Bhil highlanders live in tidy houses made with walls of sticks intertwined with small branches. The roofs (shaped like bee-hives), are usually made of clay tiles, but are sometimes made of straw and leaves.


What Are Their Beliefs?

Almost all of the Paware Bhil practice ethnic religions that have been highly influenced by Hinduism. They consider Shiva to be the supreme god. Ancestor worship (praying to deceased ancestors) is also quite popular. They call upon shamans (priests) to offer sacrifices to their many gods and mud idols.


What Are Their Needs?

Much intercession is needed to see Paware Bhil eyes opened to the truth.


Prayer Points

Pray for his kingdom to come and his will to be done among the Paware Bhil Bhil people.
Pray for a movement of Paware Bhil Bhil households to study the Bible and accept the blessings of Christ.
Pray for a spiritual hunger that will drive the Paware Bhil Bhil people to the arms of Jesus.
Pray for workers who are filled with the fruit and the power of the Holy Spirit to go to the Paware Bhil Bhil people.


Scripture Prayers for the Bhil Paware in India.


References

https://joshuaproject.net/people_groups/16414/IN
https://www.britannica.com/topic/Bhil
http://www.ecoindia.com/tribes/bhils.html
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bhil_people
http://www.indianmirror.com/tribes/bhiltribe.html


Profile Source:   Keith Carey  

People Name General Bhil Paware
People Name in Country Bhil Paware
Natural Name Paware Bhil
Alternate Names Pavra; भील पवारे
Population this Country 123,000
Population all Countries 123,000
Total Countries 1
Indigenous Yes
Progress Scale 1
Unreached Yes
Frontier People Group No
Pioneer Workers Needed 2
People ID 21019
ROP3 Code 117871
ROP25 Code 301152
ROP25 Name Bhil
Country India
Region Asia, South
Continent Asia
10/40 Window Yes
National Bible Society Website
Persecution Rank 11  (Open Doors top 50 rank, 1 = highest persecution ranking)
Total States on file 2
Largest States
Maharashtra
112,000
Gujarat
10,000
Districts Interactive map, listing and data download
Specialized Website South Asia Peoples
Country India
Region Asia, South
Continent Asia
10/40 Window Yes
National Bible Society Website
Persecution Rank 11  (Open Doors top 50 rank, 1 = highest persecution ranking)
Total States 2
  Maharashtra 112,000
  Gujarat 10,000
Website South Asia Peoples
Primary Religion: Hinduism
Major Religion Percent *
Buddhism
0.01 %
Christianity  (Evangelical Unknown)
1.28 %
Ethnic Religions
0.00 %
Hinduism
94.20 %
Islam
2.69 %
Non-Religious
0.00 %
Other / Small
0.00 %
Unknown
1.82 %
* From latest India census data.
Current Christian values may substantially differ.
Primary Language Marathi (38,000 speakers)
Language Code mar   Ethnologue Listing
Language Written Yes   ScriptSource Listing
Total Languages 16
Secondary Languages
(only 15 largest shown)
Bareli, Rathwi
21,000
Bhili
19,000
Khandesi
5,800
Gujarati
3,900
Vasavi
3,600
Bareli, Pauri
3,200
Dangi
3,200
Ahirani
2,500
Gamit
800
Hindi
700
Dungra Bhil
600
Bareli, Palya
500
Urdu
200
Mawchi
80
Tulu
Primary Language Marathi (38,000 speakers)
Language Code mar   Ethnologue Listing
Total Languages 16
Secondary Languages (only 15 largest shown)
  Bareli, Rathwi 21,000
  Bhili 19,000
  Khandesi 5,800
  Gujarati 3,900
  Vasavi 3,600
  Bareli, Pauri 3,200
  Dangi 3,200
  Ahirani 2,500
  Gamit 800
  Hindi 700
  Dungra Bhil 600
  Bareli, Palya 500
  Urdu 200
  Mawchi 80
  Tulu 10
People Groups Speaking Marathi

Primary Language:  Marathi

Bible Translation Status  (Years)
Bible-Portions Yes  (1807-1957)
Bible-New Testament Yes  (1811-1982)
Bible-Complete Yes  (1821-2022)
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Map Source People Group data: Omid. Map geography: UNESCO / GMI. Map Design: Joshua Project  
Profile Source Keith Carey 
Data Sources Data is compiled from various sources. Learn more.



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