Gauda, tribe in India
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Map Source:
People Group data: Omid. Map geography: UNESCO / GMI. Map Design: Joshua Project
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| People Name: | Gauda, tribe |
| Country: | India |
| 10/40 Window: | Yes |
| Population: | 122,000 |
| World Population: | 122,000 |
| Primary Language: | Konkani |
| Primary Religion: | Hinduism |
| Christian Adherents: | 42.89 % |
| Evangelicals: | 0.00 % |
| Scripture: | Complete Bible |
| Ministry Resources: | Yes |
| Jesus Film: | Yes |
| Audio Recordings: | Yes |
| People Cluster: | South Asia Tribal - other |
| Affinity Bloc: | South Asian Peoples |
| Progress Level: |
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Introduction / History
Gaudas are the original inhabitants of Goa. They speak Konkani, the language of that state.
What Are Their Lives Like?
Some are in agriculture. Others probably work in Goa’s vibrant tourist industry.
What Are Their Beliefs?
Tribal Gaudas are roughly half Hindu and half Roman Catholic. They were converted to Catholicism by Portuguese missionaries when Goa was a Portuguese colony. In the 1920s, Goan Hindu Brahmins requested Vinayak Maharaj Masurkar begin a movement back to Hinduism. It led to a high percentage of Tribal Gaudas becoming folk Hindus. Other Hindus did not accept them because they did not keep caste purity for generations. These Hindus are now referred to as Nav-Hindu Gaudas, meaning “New Hindu Gaudas.”
What Are Their Needs?
These people need acceptance. They are not considered “pure” Hindus because of their Catholic past. They need to know that the God of the Bible loves and accepts them if they are willing to submit to him.
Prayer Points
Pray for Tribal Gaudas to seek and find the love and acceptance of the King of kings.
Pray for the Holy Spirit to move in Goa’s Catholic Church, giving them a faith based on the finished work of Christ, and nothing less.
Pray that soon Tribal Gaudas will be leading others to the cross.