Kaikadi in India

Introduction / History

The Kaikadi are located mainly in the states of Maharashtra and Karnataka. Their language (also called Kaikadi) is a member of the Dravidian language family, associated with southern India. We know very little about their specific lifestyle and culture.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Most of India's population lives in rural areas and is engaged in some form of agricultural activity. Many are farmers barely growing enough to survive. The raising of livestock, particularly horned cattle, buffalo, horses, and mules is a central feature of the Indian agricultural economy. Because of Hindu influence, however, these animals are used almost exclusively as beasts of burden rather than sources of meat. Indian culture is primarily Hindu-oriented, and that affects the Kaikadi people. Many Hindu institutions, including the rigid caste (social class) system, have wide-ranging effects on Indian secular society. The word "caste" basically means breed, race or kind. Indian society is divided into hierarchical castes. We don't know where the Kaikadi are in the caste system. There is a need for more research to clearly identify their needs and to develop strategies for reaching them with the gospel message.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Kaikadi are predominantly ethnic religionists, following their own ancient traditions and religions. Their religion is primarily animistic; that is, they worship a variety of inanimate objects and spirits. Many of the Kaikadi are also involved in ancestor worship. They believe that the spirits of deceased ancestors are alive and need to be fed and tended. These spirits must be properly appeased or else they will become hungry and dissatisfied and turn into dangerous evil spirits. The influence of Hinduism is very strong among the Kaikadi, and many of their religious practices have become mixed with Hindu beliefs. To some Hindus, their religion is highly personal; to others, it is impersonal. While most Hindus worship Brahman (the creator), Shiva (the destroyer), Vishnu (the preserver), and the goddess Shaktri, they also worship a pantheon of other minor gods, their incarnations, spouses or offspring. A belief in reincarnation (continuous cycle of death and rebirth) is one of the few unifying features of Hinduism.

What Are Their Needs?

There is a need for full-time missionaries and Christian materials in their language if the Kaikadi people are going to be won to Christ.

Prayer Points

Pray for workers to go to the Kaikadi people this decade. Pray for an abundant blessing of Kaikadi families and communities as they embrace Jesus Christ, the Lord of Lords. Pray for a movement to Christ that will enrich the Kaikadi community. Pray for spiritual openness to Jesus Christ that will not be hindered by the false belief in religious institutions rather than the person, Jesus Christ.

Text Source:   Joshua Project