Meo (Hindu traditions) in India

Meo (Hindu traditions)
Photo Source:  Copyrighted © 2024
Kerry Olson  All rights reserved.  Used with permission
Map Source:  People Group data: Omid. Map geography: UNESCO / GMI. Map Design: Joshua Project.
People Name: Meo (Hindu traditions)
Country: India
10/40 Window: Yes
Population: 319,000
World Population: 325,600
Primary Language: Hindi
Primary Religion: Hinduism
Christian Adherents: 0.00 %
Evangelicals: 0.00 %
Scripture: Complete Bible
Online Audio NT: Yes
Jesus Film: Yes
Audio Recordings: Yes
People Cluster: South Asia Hindu - other
Affinity Bloc: South Asian Peoples
Progress Level:

Introduction / History

The Meo people have a Rajput background, so they once served in the military. Most are Muslim, but there is also a Hindu community among them. The Meo people live in some of the least reached parts of north-central India. In Rajasthan, the Meo speak Mewati and read and write in Devanagari. In Haryana the Meo speak Haryanvi.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Agriculture and working with livestock are their main occupations. Many of them are day laborers. Their marriages are between one man and one woman. They allow for divorce. In Madhya Pradesh the Meo usually marry their cousins. Property goes to the sons when the father dies. Traditional councils settle their disputes.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Meo people have a strong Muslim community, but there is also a Hindu equivalent. Though there is not likely to be marriage between members of both communities, they tend to blend their religious rituals.

What Are Their Needs?

The Meo people need to have the chance to enjoy all the blessings of Jesus Christ, but they live in parts of India where His name is seldom proclaimed.

Prayer Points

Pray that the traditional council leaders of the Meo will come to Jesus Christ and lead their entire community into a Christ-ward movement. Pray that God will give them dreams and visions leading them to put their faith in the One who came to give life to the full.

Text Source:   Keith Carey