Gond Jhare in India

Gond Jhare
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Map Source:  People Group data: Omid. Map geography: UNESCO / GMI. Map Design: Joshua Project
People Name: Gond Jhare
Country: India
10/40 Window: Yes
Population: 119,000
World Population: 119,000
Primary Language: Gondi, Northern
Primary Religion: Hinduism
Christian Adherents: 0.05 %
Evangelicals: 0.00 %
Scripture: New Testament
Online Audio NT: No
Jesus Film: Yes
Audio Recordings: Yes
People Cluster: South Asia Tribal - Gond
Affinity Bloc: South Asian Peoples
Progress Level:

Introduction / History

The term Jhare is related to forest dwellers as they live in forests. The Jhare are one of the Gond subgroups. They are a scheduled tribe which means they have low status in Hindu society. They speak Gondi. They live in eastern Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand, and Odisha.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Most of the Gonds possess agricultural land. Those who have a god portion of the land cultivate rice, javar (cereals) and green dal (pulses). Many tend goats and cattle as well. Poorer Gonds work in the fields of the richer Gonds. There is not much work available for them except during farming seasons. They love hunting and wild meats are their favorites. Jhare Gond women help with activities such as agriculture, and they usually have tattoos. The Jhare Gonds make baskets and weave mats.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Though they are officially Hindu, their traditional beliefs are what they practice the most. They believe that evil spirits are the cause for sicknesses and that sacrifices will keep them away. Perumal, the high priest, offers these sacrifices for every v

What Are Their Needs?

The Jhare Gonds need to allow Jesus Christ to give them life to the full. Someone needs to go to them!

Prayer Points

Pray that the council leaders come to Jesus Christ and lead others to begin a community-wide disciple making movement. Pray that gospel materials will become easily available to them. Pray for intercessors and workers.

Text Source:   Keith Carey