Nihal in India

People Name:	Nihal
Country:	India
10/40 Window:	Yes
Population:	31,000
World Population:	31,000
Primary Language:	Korku
Primary Religion:	Hinduism
Christian Adherents:	0.06 %
Evangelicals:	0.00 %
Scripture:	New Testament
Ministry Resources:	No
Jesus Film:	Yes
Audio Recordings:	Yes
People Cluster:	South Asia Tribal - other
Affinity Bloc:	South Asian Peoples
Progress Level:

Introduction / History

In their language the word Nahal means lion or tiger. The Nahal are a Scheduled Tribe, meaning that they have a tribal background. They live in Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra. In Madhya Pradesh, the Nahal speak Nimari which is an Indo Aryan language.

What Are Their Lives Like?

They work mainly in agricultural labor. They eat goat meat and chicken. Their marriages are between one man and one woman. They may have a low literacy level, so the gospel will need to be given in oral form. A caste council looks after their interests.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Korku Nahal 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?

The Korku Nahal people need a special relationship with God that can only come by embracing the Son of Man.

Prayer Points

Pray that caste council leaders come to Jesus Christ and lead their people into a movement to Christ. Pray for a spiritual hunger that will lead them to the Savior. Pray for workers and intercessors to be thrust out by the Lord.