Kumhar, Kusavar (Hindu traditions) in Pakistan

Map Source:  People Group Location: Omid. Other geography / data: GMI. Map Design: Joshua Project
People Name: Kumhar, Kusavar (Hindu traditions)
Country: Pakistan
10/40 Window: Yes
Population: 129,000
World Population: 18,460,400
Primary Language: Sindhi
Primary Religion: Hinduism
Christian Adherents: 0.04 %
Evangelicals: 0.00 %
Scripture: Complete Bible
Ministry Resources: Yes
Jesus Film: Yes
Audio Recordings: Yes
People Cluster: South Asia Hindu - Kumhar
Affinity Bloc: South Asian Peoples
Progress Level:

Introduction / History

The Kumhar can be found throughout South Asia by different surnames: Verma, Kumhar, Prajapat, Prajapati and Kumawat. According to ancient mythology the Kumhar are offspring of Lord Braham (Prajapati). This is why in some places in India the Kumhar use Pajapati / Prajapat as a surname according to the Indian caste system.

They claim to be the first inventors of the wheel. Their name means makers of earthen pottery. The Kumhar can be found throughout India, but there are smaller populations in Bangladesh and Pakistan. They speak the languages of the areas where they live. In Pakistan that means they speak Sindhi.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Like their ancestors, the Kumhar's livelihood is making earthen pots. It is very difficult for a Kumhar artisan to maintain his existence by kumbhkal, or pot making so a number of them are now farmers. They claim to be the first inventors of the wheel.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Kumhar are Hindus who pray to the Lord Shiva the Goddess Mother. Others are dedicated to other Hindu deities, even in Muslim Pakistan.

What Are Their Needs?

The Kumhar people in Pakistan need more education so they can rise above their modest ways. It would be wonderful if their children could find higher paying jobs.

Prayer Points

Pray for better schools for Pakistan s Kumhar community.
Pray for the Lord to thrust out dedicated workers to them in Pakistan and India.
Pray for a spiritual hunger among the Kumhars that will lead them to the cross and the empty grave.
Pray for Kumhar disciples who will make more disciples.

Text Source:   Joshua Project