Gomatang Mahratta in India

The Gomatang Mahratta have only been reported in India
Population
Main Language
Largest Religion
Christian *
Evangelical
Progress
Progress Gauge
* Data can be from various sources including official census, agencies, and local research. Data from these sources can sometimes differ even by orders of magnitude. Joshua Project attempts to present a conservative, balanced estimate.

Introduction / History

The Gomatang Mahratta are a community in India connected to the broader Maratha cultural and historical tradition of western India. The Marathas rose to prominence between the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries under leaders such as Shivaji, whose kingdom became one of the major powers in India. Over time, numerous Maratha subgroups and regional communities developed distinct identities tied to occupation, geography, clan heritage, and local social customs. The Gomatang Mahratta appear to be one such community shaped by this wider Maratha heritage.

Historically, Maratha communities were associated with agriculture, military service, administration, horse breeding, trade, and village leadership. Communities preserved their identity through clan structures, marriage customs, regional language, and loyalty to family heritage. The Gomatang Mahratta have likely maintained these traditions while also adapting to the social and economic changes affecting modern India.


What Are Their Lives Like?

The daily lives of the Gomatang Mahratta are likely centered around family responsibilities, work, and strong community relationships. In many Maratha communities, extended families remain important sources of support, guidance, and social stability. Respect for elders and maintaining family reputation commonly shape household and social life.

Depending on where they live, Gomatang Mahratta families may work in agriculture, business, transportation, labor, skilled trades, local government, or professional occupations. Rural families often remain closely tied to farming cycles and village life, while younger generations increasingly pursue higher education and employment opportunities in cities.

Meals commonly reflect Maharashtrian cuisine and may include rice, lentils, vegetables, flatbreads, millet, yogurt, spicy curries, and locally prepared dishes. Festivals, weddings, and religious celebrations often serve as major social gatherings that reinforce community identity and family ties.

Like many communities across India, the Gomatang Mahratta are experiencing the effects of modernization, urbanization, migration, and changing economic pressures. Younger generations may balance traditional expectations with modern educational and professional opportunities.


What Are Their Beliefs?

The Gomatang Mahratta are associated primarily with Hindu religious traditions. Hindu religious life commonly includes devotion to gods and goddesses, temple worship, sacred festivals, ritual ceremonies, and household religious observances connected to family life and important life events.

Among Maratha communities, devotion to regional deities and participation in local festivals can be especially significant. In some communities, folk beliefs, ancestral customs, astrology, ritual purity practices, and local spiritual traditions may also shape everyday religious life. Religious identity is often closely connected to family heritage, social identity, and regional culture.

Although the Gomatang Mahratta may value morality, devotion, and inherited religious customs, they still need the gospel of Jesus Christ and the assurance of salvation that comes through faith in Him rather than through ritual observance, social identity, or religious tradition.


What Are Their Needs?

The Gomatang Mahratta need greater access to biblical teaching, Scripture, discipleship, and faithful Christian witness presented with humility, wisdom, and cultural understanding. Many communities within India continue to have limited exposure to evangelical Christianity and clear biblical teaching.

Practical needs may include educational opportunities, stable employment, healthcare access, support for rural families, and guidance for younger generations facing economic and social pressures. Urban migration and modernization can also weaken traditional family support systems and create spiritual uncertainty.

There is a need for mature believers who will demonstrate Christ's love through practical service while faithfully sharing biblical truth. Strong local fellowships capable of discipling believers and strengthening families are important for lasting spiritual growth and long-term gospel witness.


Prayer Items

Pray that the Gomatang Mahratta people would hear the gospel clearly and come to know Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.
Pray that God would raise up wise and compassionate believers who will faithfully serve among the Gomatang Mahratta community.
Pray that the Gomatang Mahratta would be adopted through the People Group Adoption program so that sustained prayer, discipleship, and long-term gospel outreach would continue among them.
Pray for strengthened families, educational opportunity, economic stability, and spiritual openness within the Gomatang Mahratta community.


Scripture Prayers for the Mahratta Gomatang in India.


References

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maratha
https://www.britannica.com/topic/Maratha
https://www.britannica.com/topic/Hinduism
https://www.britannica.com/place/Maharashtra-state-India


Profile Source:   Joshua Project  

People Name General Mahratta Gomatang
People Name in Country Mahratta Gomatang
Natural Name Gomatang Mahratta
Alternate Names Deoli; Devali; Devli; Naik; Naikan; महरातटा गोमटांग
Population this Country 78,000
Population all Countries 78,000
Total Countries 1
Indigenous Yes
Progress Scale Progress Gauge
Unreached Yes
Frontier Yes
GSEC 1  (per PeopleGroups.org)
Pioneer Workers Needed 2
PeopleID3 21187
ROP3 Code 111559
Country India
Region Asia, South
Continent Asia
10/40 Window Yes
National Bible Society Website
Persecution Rank 12  (Open Doors top 50 rank, 1 = highest persecution ranking)
Total States on file 3
Largest States
Maharashtra
55,000
Goa
15,000
Karnataka
7,600
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 12  (Open Doors top 50 rank, 1 = highest persecution ranking)
Total States 3
  Maharashtra 55,000
  Goa 15,000
  Karnataka 7,600
Website South Asia Peoples
Primary Religion: Hinduism
Major Religion Estimated Percent *
Buddhism
0.00 %
Christianity
0.00 %
Ethnic Religions
0.00 %
Hinduism
100.00 %
Islam
0.00 %
Judaism
0.00 %
Non-Religious
0.00 %
Other / Small
0.00 %
Sikhism
0.00 %
Unknown
0.00 %
* From latest India census data.
Current Christian values may substantially differ.
Primary Language Marathi (38,000 speakers)
Ethnologue Language Code mar
Ethnologue Language Familly Indo-European
Glottolog Language Family Indo-European
Written / Published Yes   (ScriptSource Listing)
Total Languages 3
Secondary Languages
Konkani, Goan
28,000
Konkani
7,200
Primary Language Marathi (38,000 speakers)
Ethnologue Language Code mar
Ethnologue Language Familly Indo-European
Glottolog Language Family Indo-European
Written / Published Yes   (ScriptSource Listing)
Total Languages 3
Secondary Languages
  Konkani, Goan 28,000
  Konkani 7,200

Primary Language:  Marathi

Bible Translation Status  (Years)
Bible-Portions Yes  (1807-1957)
Bible-New Testament Yes  (1811-1982)
Bible-Complete Yes  (1821-2024)
FCBH NT (www.bible.is) Online
YouVersion NT (www.bible.com) Online
Possible Print Bibles
Amazon
World Bibles
Forum Bible Agencies
National Bible Societies
World Bible Finder
Virtual Storehouse
Resource Type Resource Name Source
Audio Recordings Audio Bible teaching Global Recordings Network
Audio Recordings Online Audio Scripture Talking Bibles
Audio Recordings Online Scripture / Bible General / Other
Audio Recordings Oral Bible stories One Story
Film / Video Following Jesus video Jesus Film Project
Film / Video God's Story video God's Story
Film / Video Indigitube.tv Video / Animation Create International
Film / Video Jesus Film: view in Marathi Jesus Film Project
Film / Video LUMO film of Gospels Bible Media Group/LUMO
Film / Video Magdalena video Jesus Film Project
Film / Video My Last Day video, anime Jesus Film Project
Film / Video Rock International: King of Glory Rock International
Film / Video Story of Jesus for Children Jesus Film Project
Film / Video World Christian Videos World Christian Videos
General Bible and Resources in text or audio or video Internet Publishing Sevice
General Bible for Children Bible for Children
General Bible in text or audio or video South Asia Bibles
General Bible in text or audio or video South Asia Bibles
General Bible in text or audio or video South Asia Bibles
General Biblical answers to your questions Got Questions Ministry
General Faith Comes By Hearing - Bible in text or audio or video Faith Comes by Hearing
General Faith Comes By Hearing - Bible in text or audio or video Faith Comes by Hearing
General Faith Comes By Hearing - Bible in text or audio or video Faith Comes by Hearing
General Faith Comes By Hearing - Bible in text or audio or video Faith Comes by Hearing
General Faith Comes By Hearing - Bible in text or audio or video Faith Comes by Hearing
General Faith Comes By Hearing - Bible in text or audio or video Faith Comes by Hearing
General Faith Comes By Hearing - Bible in text or audio or video Faith Comes by Hearing
General Scripture Earth Gospel resources links Scripture Earth
General Voice of the Martyrs resources Voice of the Martyrs
General YouVersion Bible versions in text and/or audio YouVersion Bibles
General Zume Resources Zume Project
General Zume Training Zume Project
Mobile App Android Bible app direct APK download SIL
Mobile App Android Bible app: Marathi YouVersion Bibles
Mobile App Android Bible App: Marathi Bible (मराठी बायबल) Indian Revised Version (IRV) Operation Agape
Mobile App Android Bible app: Marathi Contemporary Bible Biblica
Mobile App Android Bible app: Marathi Study Bible Grace Ministries and Dusty Sandals
Mobile App Android Bible Radio app: Marathi Bible Radio Shalom Design S2dio
Mobile App Children's Bible app Bible4Kidz
Mobile App Download audio Bible app as APK file Faith Comes by Hearing
Mobile App Download audio Bible app from Google Play Store Faith Comes by Hearing
Mobile App iOS Bible app: Marathi YouVersion Bibles
Mobile App iOS Bible Radio App: Marathi Bible Radio iOS Revive India
Text / Printed Matter Children and youth resources One Hope
Text / Printed Matter Jesus Messiah comic book General / Other
Text / Printed Matter Literacy primer for Marathi Literacy & Evangelism International
Text / Printed Matter Love letter to you from scripture Father's Love Letter
Text / Printed Matter The Ancient Path Live Global
Text / Printed Matter tools for gospel conversations Cru
Text / Printed Matter Topical Scripture booklets and Bible studies World Missionary Press
Map Source People Group data: Omid. Map geography: UNESCO / GMI. Map Design: Joshua Project  
Profile Source Joshua Project 
Data Sources Data is compiled from various sources. Learn more.