Introduction / History

The Basor Kandra people, a small ethnic group in India, primarily reside in Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh. Historically, the Basor Kandra have been known for their traditional occupations related to bamboo weaving and basket-making. Over time, they have maintained a distinct identity despite pressures from modernization and changes in the labor market. Their history is rooted in a combination of craftsmanship and marginalization, as they have long faced socio-economic challenges due to their association with lower caste status within the complex caste system.

What Are Their Lives Like?

The Basor Kandra primarily earn their living through manual labor, with many continuing to practice traditional bamboo craftwork, such as weaving baskets and mats. However, economic changes have reduced demand for their handmade products, forcing many to find alternative forms of income, such as day labor in agriculture or construction. Family and community remain central to their lives, with strong social ties governing much of their day-to-day activities. Homes are typically simple, made from mud and thatch, and their villages are often located in rural areas with limited access to modern infrastructure like roads, electricity and clean water.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Basor Kandra practice a blend of Hinduism and animist beliefs. Their Hindu faith integrates aspects of the broader religious traditions in India, including devotion to gods and goddesses like Shiva, Durga and Hanuman. At the same time, they maintain local religious practices that involve nature worship and the veneration of spirits believed to inhabit the natural world. Rituals and festivals mark important life events and agricultural cycles, with offerings made to ensure harmony between the community and the spiritual forces that govern their environment. Ancestral worship also plays a role in their spiritual life.

What Are Their Needs?

The Basor Kandra face numerous socio-economic challenges, particularly related to poverty, limited access to education and healthcare. Their traditional bamboo-based economy has diminished due to industrialization and changing market demands, leaving many in the community struggling for stable income. Most Basor Kandra children have limited access to education, which perpetuates the cycle of poverty. Healthcare services are scarce, and the community is often left vulnerable to diseases and poor living conditions. Development programs that focus on improving education, healthcare access, and providing alternative economic opportunities are essential for the Basor Kandra to break free from systemic marginalization and build a more sustainable future.

Prayer Points

Pray for Basor Kandra culture to be renewed and enhanced by a work of the Holy Spirit into a God-into a God-centered and God-honoring mold.
Pray for the Holy Spirit to move among Basor Kandra family and community leaders to seek his face and enjoy his blessings.
Pray for the Lord to thrust out workers who will be compelled to nurture a movement to Christ among the Basor Kandra people.
Pray that soon the Basor Kandra people will have faith that will lead them to live honorable lives that will draw others to the savior.

Scripture Prayers for the Basor Kandra in India.

References

Ethnologue: Languages of the World
Reports from Indian NGOs on marginalized communities
Academic research on the caste system and bamboo artisans in India
https://www.gutenberg.org/files/20583/20583-h/20583-h.htm#d0e14458