Moghia in India

Moghia
Photo Source:  Anonymous 
Map Source:  People Group data: Omid. Map geography: UNESCO / GMI. Map Design: Joshua Project.
People Name: Moghia
Country: India
10/40 Window: Yes
Population: 59,000
World Population: 59,000
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 Dalit - other
Affinity Bloc: South Asian Peoples
Progress Level:

Introduction / History

During the colonial days the British considered the Moghia people to be thieves and criminals. The Moghia are a scheduled caste living in Madhya Pradesh. They speak Hindi and read and write in Devanagari.

What Are Their Lives Like?

The Moghia do basket work and make brooms and mats from leaves that they gather in the forest. They sell the baskets in the markets. Some of them work as day laborers. Their education level is low, so the gospel message will need to be presented in oral forms. They are not vegetarians but as Hindus they won't eat beef. Widows inherit their dead husband's property. They are on the same level as men and help with the work.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Moghia people practice Hinduism, the ancient religion of India. Hinduism is a catch-all phrase for the local religions of South Asia, so it is very diverse. At the popular level, Hindus worship and serve the gods of the Hindu pantheon. They visit Hindu temples and offer prayers, food, flowers, and incense to their gods in hopes of gaining protection and benefits. They do not have a personal or familial relationship with their gods like Christians or Jews. There are other Hindus who are much more philosophical, especially among the Brahmins.

What Are Their Needs?

They need to accept the blessings of Jesus Christ, the one who came to give abundant life to all who call on His name.

Prayer Points

Pray that Indian believers will lead them into a movement to Christ this decade. Pray that gospel recordings and the JESUS Film will be easily available to them. Pray for a spiritual hunger that will lead them to the only Savior. Pray for intercessors and workers.

Text Source:   Keith Carey