Batwal (Muslim traditions) in India

Batwal (Muslim traditions)
Photo Source:  Copyrighted © 2024
Isudas  All rights reserved.  Used with permission
Map Source:  People Group data: Omid. Map geography: UNESCO / GMI. Map Design: Joshua Project
People Name: Batwal (Muslim traditions)
Country: India
10/40 Window: Yes
Population: 2,700
World Population: 2,700
Primary Language: Kashmiri
Primary Religion: Islam
Christian Adherents: 0.00 %
Evangelicals: 0.00 %
Scripture: Complete Bible
Online Audio NT: No
Jesus Film: Yes
Audio Recordings: Yes
People Cluster: South Asia Muslim - other
Affinity Bloc: South Asian Peoples
Progress Level:

Introduction / History

Batwal is a Muslim community also known as Bhojpas or Dhee. They are a scheduled tribe, which means they have low status.

In their early days the Batwal were hunters and food gatherers. The vast majority live in India, but a small number are in neighboring Pakistan.

What Are Their Lives Like?

The Batwal are mainly farmers, but there are many who are traders and craftsmen who make wool shawls and blankets.

Though they are Muslim, the caste system affects them. They have their own clans and subcastes, each led by a headman. They make decisions and solve conflicts as a group.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Most are Sunni Muslim, but a few are Shia.

What Are Their Needs?

Most live in Jammu and Kashmir, a land where neither India’s or Pakistan’s government provides adequate healthcare or schools. It is difficult to provide these services in a war zone.

Prayer Points

Pray for loving workers to go to the Batwal people until there are disciples who make more disciples.

Pray the Lord will prepare the hearts of the Batwal to understand and to believe the gospel.

Pray for the Lord to bless the Batwal people with adequate education and medical facilities.

Pray for the Lord to bless the Batwal people so abundantly that they will see he is the only one worthy of praise and worship.

Text Source:   Joshua Project