Tharu in India

Introduction / History

Traditionally the Tharu tribe lived in the forests of central India where they hunted wild game, fished and gathered food. They also practiced agriculture. They would clear a plot and farm it until the land became unproductive, then repeat the process elsewhere.

They have their own language called Tharu or Tharuhati. Most live in Nepal’s Terai region, but some are in India where they reside in the states of West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand.

What Are Their Lives Like?

The Tharu have their own forms of folk music, dancing and traditions. They build their homes from bamboo and mud. Most of their food involves rice, lentils and vegetables. They are not vegetarian, however.

With deforestation, the Tharu people have had to leave the forests and adapt to a new lifestyle. This usually involves being a day laborer or a small time farmer. They have organized their communities to fight back against being displaced.

What Are Their Beliefs?

They have their own gods and follow a Bharra (shaman). Besides the Bharra, who treats their diseases, the village headman, bhalamansa, and the Desi-Mahajan—a moneylender—are important people within the village.

What Are Their Needs?

The Tharu people need to be given the chance to hear the life-changing gospel so they can enjoy life to the full.

Prayer Points

Pray for loving gospel workers to catch a vision for reaching the Tharu people for Jesus and that in God's sovereign timing the hearts of these people would be open and ready to follow him.

Pray for Jesus movements to bless extended families so the gospel will spread rapidly.

Pray for the spiritual lives of the Tharu people to become fruitful so others will be drawn to Jesus Christ.

Text Source:   Joshua Project