Ajudhyabansi Sonar in India

The Ajudhyabansi Sonar 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

According to Hindu legend the first Sonar was used by the goddess Devi to destroy a powerful demon who was made of gold. The Sonar convinced that vain demon that he would look better if he were polished, which meant he had to be melted down. When this happened and the demon was destroyed, Devi rewarded the Sonar by giving him the head of this demon.

There are subgroups of the Sonars based on location. They are part of the Vaishya caste groupings, the third in rank of the four. Vaishyas may not have the status of the higher two caste groupings, but they often have more wealth, since they are businessmen and merchants.


Where Are they Located?

Sonar live primarily in Maharashtra state, but there are also sizable populations in Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Bihar, and Odisha.


What Are Their Lives Like?

Known for their work with gold and silver, Sonars produce elaborate jewelry and ornaments, using precious and semi-precious stones. Some engrave deities on plates of gold and silver as well as pendants. Others cut and polish diamonds. Typically, the Sonars own their own jewelry stores, while others are paid for skilled designs in delicate filigree.

Being a skilled goldsmith brings status in Hindu India. In a Hindu wedding, the bride literally wears her worldly possessions as products made by the Sonars. Even if a Sonar is not present at a wedding, their presence is felt by everyone who sees the bride decked out in a Sonar's beautiful golden artwork. Sonars have contact with just about every Hindu community. For that reason, if members of the Sonar community became believers, they could potentially influence all Hindu people groups.

Today, their role is becoming more diverse. Some are skilled artisans who develop beautiful jewelry and art work. Others are landowners, pawnbrokers, or money lenders. They are becoming more educated as a community which is opening doors for more opportunities.


What Are Their Beliefs?

Sonars are Hindus who worship the regular Hindu gods, especially Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth. They also have family, clan and regional gods that they worship. Along with other Hindu communities, the Sonars celebrate Holi, Dussehra, Janamashtami, Navrati, and Diwali.


What Are Their Needs?

Sonars need humility and the desire to serve the God who created all gold, and everything else they see. They need to taste and see that the Lord is good … and great!


Prayer Points

Pray for the Holy Spirit to move among Sonar families 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 disciple making movement among Sonar peoples in the 2020s.
Pray that soon many members of the Sonar communities will have faith that is more precious and durable than gold.


Scripture Prayers for the Sonar Ajudhyabansi in India.


References

https://peoplegroupsindia.com/profiles/sonar/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sunar


Profile Source:   Keith Carey  

People Name General Sonar Ajudhyabansi (Hindu traditions)
People Name in Country Sonar Ajudhyabansi
Natural Name Ajudhyabansi Sonar
Alternate Names सोनार अजुधयाबंसी
Population this Country 124,000
Population all Countries 124,000
Total Countries 1
Indigenous Yes
Progress Scale 1
Unreached Yes
Frontier People Group Yes
Pioneer Workers Needed 2
People ID 21238
ROP3 Code 118061
ROP25 Code 307633
ROP25 Name Sonar
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 5
Largest States
Uttar Pradesh
107,000
Bihar
12,000
Chhattisgarh
2,300
Madhya Pradesh
2,300
Jharkhand
300
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 5
  Uttar Pradesh 107,000
  Bihar 12,000
  Chhattisgarh 2,300
  Madhya Pradesh 2,300
  Jharkhand 300
Website South Asia Peoples
Primary Religion: Hinduism
Major Religion Percent *
Buddhism
0.00 %
Christianity  (Evangelical 0.00 %)
0.00 %
Ethnic Religions
0.00 %
Hinduism
100.00 %
Islam
0.00 %
Non-Religious
0.00 %
Other / Small
0.00 %
Unknown
0.00 %
* From latest India census data.
Current Christian values may substantially differ.
Primary Language Hindi (87,000 speakers)
Language Code hin   Ethnologue Listing
Language Written Yes   ScriptSource Listing
Total Languages 9
Secondary Languages
Bhojpuri
10,000
Bundeli
3,000
Kanauji
2,400
Chhattisgarhi
1,400
Awadhi
1,000
Maithili
200
Magahi
100
Angika
60
Primary Language Hindi (87,000 speakers)
Language Code hin   Ethnologue Listing
Total Languages 9
Secondary Languages
  Bhojpuri 10,000
  Bundeli 3,000
  Kanauji 2,400
  Chhattisgarhi 1,400
  Awadhi 1,000
  Maithili 200
  Magahi 100
  Angika 60
People Groups Speaking Hindi

Primary Language:  Hindi

Bible Translation Status  (Years)
Bible-Portions Yes  (1806-1962)
Bible-New Testament Yes  (1811-1998)
Bible-Complete Yes  (1818-2022)
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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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