Baloch in India


Population
Main Language
Largest Religion
Christian
Evangelical
Progress
Progress Gauge
* From latest India census data.
Current Christian values may substantially differ.

Introduction / History

Their name, "Baloch," is shrouded in controversy. Some say it means "nomad," while others claim it is an old Persian word meaning "the cock's crest." Their history is just as mysterious. Some have traced their origins to Nimrod, son of Cush (Noah's grandson). But while some things are uncertain, we know that they first moved to the region in the twelfth century. During the Moghul period, this territory became known as "Balochistan."The various Baloch groups speak different languages, each with distinguishing characteristics. Their original homeland reaches from eastern Balochistan to southwestern Punjab, which borders India. This high, dry region was once a very populated country, watered by many flowing rivers. Today, it is a barren area of rocky mountains and dry river valleys mixed with desert land.


It is difficult to make a living in that region, so there is a large Baloch diaspora. This diaspora includes India, Sri Lanka, the UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, and even Turkmenistan in Central Asia. There are many other countries where the Baloch live as well. The Baloch people in India usually live either in Mumbai and the states of western India, or further east in Uttar Pradesh. Some have deep roots in India that date back hundreds of years when they first came as camel drivers.


What Are Their Lives Like?

The Baloch people in India are very unusual. A small number are Hindu. There are well-known entertainers in the Bollywood movie industry who are Baloch. Others have deep roots in India that date back hundreds of years.


Today most live in mixed ethnic communities, though most of their neighbors are also Sunni Muslim. They prefer to marry other Baloch, but it's common in India for them to marry Pathans, another ethnic group that has their roots in Pakistan.


Baloch marriages are arranged between the bride's father and the prospective groom. His family pays a bride price of livestock and cash. Once a woman is married, she passes from the authority of her father to that of her husband. Marriages are monogamous and lifelong, and marrying a non-Baloch is strictly forbidden, though they sometimes make exceptions for the Pathans.


Baluchmayar, or the "Baluchiway," is the honor code by which the Baloch live. These principles include extending hospitality and mercy, dealing with each other honestly, and offering refuge to strangers. Songs and poetry preserve these virtues. Children learn proper behavior by watching their elders and are taunted whenever they misbehave.


What Are Their Beliefs?

The Baloch are Sunni Muslims who in theory are part of several "schools." They identify with Sunni Islam, but for specifics, only the religious intellectuals actually adhere to the schools of Sunni Islam. A typical Baloch is likely to be involved with pre-Islamic practices that involve jinns, the evil eye, etc. They believe it is necessary to appease the spirit world for their practical needs, since Allah is so distant.


What Are Their Needs?

The Baloch need to understand that there is only one way to abundant life and eternal salvation: Jesus Christ.


Prayer Points

Pray for a movement of Jesus to heal and strengthen Baloch communities.


Pray for a "Book of Acts" type of movement to Christ among the Baloch in India.


Pray for the Baloch people to understand and embrace that Jesus wants to bless their families and neighborhoods.


Pray for Holy Spirit anointed believers from the Baloch people to change their society from within.


Pray for a movement in which the Holy Spirit leads and empowers disciples to make more disciples.


Scripture Prayers for the Baloch in India.


Profile Source:   Joshua Project  

The Waiting World - The Baluch

Source:  The Waiting World      Download

People Name General Baloch
People Name in Country Baloch
Pronunciation bah-LOACH
Alternate Names Baloc; Baluch; Eastern Baloch; Eastern Baluch; Mazari; बलोच, ईस्टर्न
Population this Country 69,000
Population all Countries 2,551,000
Total Countries 2
Indigenous Yes
Progress Scale 1
Unreached Yes
Frontier People Group Yes
GSEC 1  (per PeopleGroups.org)
Pioneer Workers Needed 1
People ID 11684
ROP3 Code 102830
ROP25 Code 300774
ROP25 Name Baloch
Country India
Region Asia, South
Continent Asia
10/40 Window Yes
National Bible Society Website
Persecution Rank 11  (Open Doors top 50 rank, 1 = highest persecution ranking)
Total States on file 12
Largest States
Uttar Pradesh
48,000
Gujarat
13,000
Haryana
2,800
Maharashtra
1,400
Delhi
1,200
Uttarakhand
1,100
Rajasthan
400
Punjab
300
Madhya Pradesh
200
Assam
80
West Bengal
50
Dadra and Nagar Have
20
Districts Interactive map, listing and data download
Specialized Website South Asia Peoples
Country India
Region Asia, South
Continent Asia
10/40 Window Yes
National Bible Society Website
Persecution Rank 11  (Open Doors top 50 rank, 1 = highest persecution ranking)
Total States 12
  Uttar Pradesh 48,000
  Gujarat 13,000
  Haryana 2,800
  Maharashtra 1,400
  Delhi 1,200
  Uttarakhand 1,100
  Rajasthan 400
  Punjab 300
  Madhya Pradesh 200
  Assam 80
  West Bengal 50
  Dadra and Nagar Have 20
Website South Asia Peoples
Primary Religion: Islam
Major Religion Percent *
Buddhism
0.00 %
Christianity  (Evangelical 0.00 %)
0.00 %
Ethnic Religions
0.00 %
Hinduism
0.00 %
Islam
100.00 %
Non-Religious
0.00 %
Other / Small
0.00 %
Unknown
0.00 %
* From latest India census data.
Current Christian values may substantially differ.
Primary Language Urdu (47,000 speakers)
Language Code urd   Ethnologue Listing
Language Written Yes   ScriptSource Listing
Total Languages 3
Secondary Languages
Gujarati
9,700
Kacchi
800
Primary Language Urdu (47,000 speakers)
Language Code urd   Ethnologue Listing
Total Languages 3
Secondary Languages
  Gujarati 9,700
  Kacchi 800
People Groups Speaking Urdu

Primary Language:  Urdu

Bible Translation Status  (Years)
Bible-Portions Yes  (1747-1894)
Bible-New Testament Yes  (1758-2000)
Bible-Complete Yes  (1843-2022)
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Photo Source Khalid Mahmood - Wikimedia  Creative Commons 
Map Source People Group Location: Omid. Other geography / data: GMI. Map Design: Joshua Project  
Video Source The Waiting World
Profile Source Joshua Project 
Data Sources Data is compiled from various sources. Learn more.



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