Dusadh Bahelia in India

Dusadh Bahelia in India

pronounced: doo-SAHT bah-HEH-lee-ah

The Dusadh (or Dosadh), live on the east coast of India. They were palanquin long ago. The community is largely employed as village watchmen and messengers. They say that Robert Clive's army was comprised mostly of Dusadh. The Dusadh were known for their criminal behavior, looting and robbing travelers. The Dusadh accept food from higher castes but this is not reciprocated. The Brahmin and the Rajput do not accept them in their Holi festivities. Sometimes they earn their livelihood by searching for insects in the cattle of the peasants.

Ministry Obstacles

The fact that this caste has been oppressed and looked down on may contribute to an attitude of suspicion toward outsiders. Trust will have to be gained.

Outreach Ideas

The Dusadh struggle with sufficient education and direction at a young age. Literacy is low among them. Perhaps neighboring Christians could serve them in helping improve education while teaching them also about the Good news.

Scripture Focus

Rise up, O Lord, in all your power. With music and singing we celebrate your mighty acts. Ps 21:13

Scripture Prayer

Pray that this people group will rejoice in the Lord with singing and celebration when they see His mighty acts of mercy and salvation.

Prayer Focus

* A small number of Dusadh are believers. Pray they will not keep the good news to themselves. * Pray workers will be sent to encourage the brothers and sisters to find their part in the Great Commission. * Pray they will obtain the education that could help them have better opportunities and make better decisions. * Pray they will see how fiercely Jesus loves them and how he does not consider them to have low status but rather high value as their Creator.