Chandala in India
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Map Source:
People Group data: Omid. Map geography: UNESCO / GMI. Map Design: Joshua Project
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| People Name: | Chandala |
| Country: | India |
| 10/40 Window: | Yes |
| Population: | 8,000 |
| World Population: | 8,000 |
| Primary Language: | Odia |
| Primary Religion: | Hinduism |
| Christian Adherents: | 0.00 % |
| Evangelicals: | 0.00 % |
| Scripture: | Complete Bible |
| Ministry Resources: | Yes |
| Jesus Film: | Yes |
| Audio Recordings: | Yes |
| People Cluster: | South Asia Dalit - other |
| Affinity Bloc: | South Asian Peoples |
| Progress Level: |
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Introduction / History
Most of the Chandala live in India's eastern state of Odisha. They speak Oria, Odisha's language.
What Are Their Lives Like?
The majority of them live in rural areas. Traditionally they were farmers or weavers. In recent years, landlessness was a problem for them. Many of their children have to work, which has resulted in a high rate of illiteracy, especially among girls.
The Chandala get married as adults. Though most of them have arranged marriages, sometimes the man and woman will decide to marry without their family's help, and sometimes they elope. They do not have a bride price for their weddings. Sons get an equal share of the family inheritance, with the exception of the oldest son, who gets an extra share.
What Are Their Beliefs?
The Chandala people are entirely Hindu, and they live in a part of India where less than three percent are Christian of any tradition.
What Are Their Needs?
The Chandala people need the chance to make Jesus the Lord of their lives. They need the abundant life that only he can offer.
Prayer Points
Pray that there will be a move of the Holy Spirit that will sweep thousands of Chandala people into God's Kingdom.
Pray for loving workers.
Pray for the Holy Spirit to move in the hearts of Chandala leaders and elders.
Pray for an abundant harvest this year for the Chandala people as a testimony of God's power and mercy.