Like "Native American," Silpkar is a generic name, meaning "craftsman" due to their historic craftsman roles. Although many are in the profession, others are beggars. They are a Dalit caste or "harijan" meaning "child of God," and they are at the bottom of the caste hierarchy. They live on the outskirts of villages, hamlets, and towns, speaking local languages, worshipping family, village, and regional gods. Heads of household are family priests since Brahmins will not serve them. They also engage in the occult and exorcism of spirits, practicing shamanism.
Caste consciousness isolates them socially, and rugged terrain isolates them physically.
Crafts need markets, thus Christian entrepreneurs could help establish a market cooperative and be witnesses to the craftsmen among them. Christian professionals could deliberately witness to Silpkars in professional associations. The JESUS Film shows Jesus casting out demons, and that may speak to them. Evangelism could focus on power encounters.
"Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight, so that you may be justified in your words and blameless in your judgment." Psalm 51:4
Pray that leaders among this people group will understand the depth of their sin just as King David did.
Pray that the few believers among them would grow spiritually and have the love and boldness to share Christ with others. Pray that this entire group would seek to truly become Children of God (John 1:12). Pray that they would have dreams and visions of Jesus. Pray for a movement to Christ among the Silpkars.
| People Name | Silpkar (Hindu traditions) |
| Pronunciation | SILP-kar |
| Country | India |
| 10/40 Window | Yes |
| Population | 922,000 |
| World Population | 980,000 |
| Language | Kumaoni |
| Primary Religion | Hinduism |
| Bible | New Testament |
| Online Audio NT | No |
| Jesus Film | Yes |
| Audio Recordings | Yes |
| Christ Followers | Few, less than 2% |
| Status | Unreached |
| Progress Level: |
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