Hurkiya in India

Hurkiya
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Map Source:  People Group data: Omid. Map geography: UNESCO / GMI. Map Design: Joshua Project
People Name: Hurkiya
Country: India
10/40 Window: Yes
Population: 4,900
World Population: 4,900
Primary Language: Hindi
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 Hindu - other
Affinity Bloc: South Asian Peoples
Progress Level:

Introduction / History

Their name comes from hurka which is a hand drum. The Hurkiya are a scheduled caste which gives them low to medium status in India. They speak Kumaoni and Hindi.

What Are Their Lives Like?

In Uttar Pradesh the Hurkiyas are mostly day laborers. Others sell such things as combs, mirrors and toys. Some of them have a good reputation as tailors. A caste association looks after their needs and judges their disputes. Hurkiya in Uttarakhand prefer to marry within their group or clan, further closing them off from possible Christian influence.

What Are Their Beliefs?

In Uttarakhand they are Hindus while in Uttar Pradesh they are Muslims. They keep mostly to their individual clans. This leads to much confusion and diversity within their belief and value systems. They also have folk beliefs in spirits, and they follow the advice of shamans. There is no evidence that they have ever been influenced by the knowledge of the one true God who loves them.

What Are Their Needs?

Hurkiya people need the opportunity to advance socially and economically. They need to take advantage of higher education. There might be opportunities for Christ's followers to help them in the areas of education and their economy.

Prayer Points

Pray that gospel materials will be useful for them to begin Discovery Bible Studies. Pray for a spiritual hunger to develop among Hurkiya people that will lead them to Christ. Pray for obedient intercessors and workers who will bring the full range of Bible resources in their Hindi language to them.

Text Source:   Keith Carey