Kandera in India

The Kandera have only been reported in India
Population
Main Language
Largest Religion
Christian
Evangelical
Progress
Progress Gauge
* From latest India census data.
Current Christian values may substantially differ.

Introduction / History

Initially, they were a relatively small group known for their skill in archery. Over time, they expanded their expertise to include the operation and production of artillery. The Kanderas trace their origins to Rajasthan, Bundelkhand, and Gw?lior State, with a significant presence in the Ajmer-Merwara province. Historically, they played a crucial role in producing gunpowder, iron missiles, and operating cannons in the Indian armies. The term "Kandera" is derived from "Kandir," associated with arrows, while "Hawaidar" refers to a maker of fireworks. They were commonly known as "Goland?z," emphasizing their role as native artillerymen. The community also has a historical connection to cotton ginning, a profession some Kanderas chose due to challenges in securing employment in native armies during the Mughal invasion. According to their traditions, their ancestor, Raja Kanakpal Singh of Chittor, settled at Amer in Samvat 1228.

His dynasty ruled over Amer for a considerable period. However, one of his grandson's daughters, Shakuntala, faced complications due to her love marriage with a Rajput, which was not accepted by her father. Subsequently, she was married to another Rajput, leading to a conflict with Sultan Alauddin Khalji. The Rajputs were defeated, and some converted to Islam, taking up cotton ginning, while others dispersed to different regions. This historical event contributed to certain Rajputs facing challenges in maintaining their social status and finding employment in their traditional roles, leading to their classification as other backward classes in some Indian states.

The Kanderas were also associated with the Ajmer-Merwara province, where Kadera served as the capital in the Rathore Rajput dynasty in 1811. During that time, Lal Singh, the Thakur of Kadera, ruled over the region.


What Are Their Lives Like?

The Kandera community is organized into 36 clans, and they follow a practice known as clan exogamy. Within the Hindu tradition, individuals adopt various surnames, including but not limited to Kandera, Kadera, Kandere, Rajput, Karan Rajput, Nagar, Golandaz and their gotras. The diversity of surnames used poses a challenge in accurately identifying members of the community.


What Are Their Beliefs?

The community is evenly divided between Hindu and Muslim segments, with a notable absence of intermarriage between these two groups.


What Are Their Needs?

There are few if any Christian believers in the Kandera homeland. They need Christ followers to go to them as his ambassadors.


Prayer Points

Pray that God will send culturally-sensitive missionaries who will show them the way to the cross.
Pray for a Disciple Making Movement to flourish among this people group in the near future.
Pray for the Kandera people to be blessed with peace, joy and spiritual prosperity as they follow Jesus Christ.


Scripture Prayers for the Kandera in India.


References

Prashant Kumar
The Tribes and Castes of the Central Provinces of India" and other sources, in 1911


Profile Source:   Joshua Project  

People Name General Kandera
People Name in Country Kandera
Alternate Names Dhuna; Dhunia; Dhunnewala; Karan; Penja; Pinjara; कंदरा
Population this Country 23,000
Population all Countries 23,000
Total Countries 1
Indigenous Yes
Progress Scale 1
Unreached Yes
Frontier People Group Yes
GSEC 1  (per PeopleGroups.org)
Pioneer Workers Needed 1
People ID 17078
ROP3 Code 112416
ROP25 Code 303638
ROP25 Name Kandera
Country India
Region Asia, South
Continent Asia
10/40 Window Yes
National Bible Society Website
Persecution Rank 11  (Open Doors top 50 rank, 1 = highest persecution ranking)
Total States on file 3
Largest States
Madhya Pradesh
21,000
Rajasthan
1,500
Delhi
300
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 11  (Open Doors top 50 rank, 1 = highest persecution ranking)
Total States 3
  Madhya Pradesh 21,000
  Rajasthan 1,500
  Delhi 300
Website South Asia Peoples
Primary Religion: Hinduism
Major Religion Percent *
Buddhism
0.00 %
Christianity  (Evangelical 0.00 %)
0.00 %
Ethnic Religions
0.00 %
Hinduism
100.00 %
Islam
0.00 %
Non-Religious
0.00 %
Other / Small
0.00 %
Unknown
0.00 %
* From latest India census data.
Current Christian values may substantially differ.
Primary Language Hindi (18,000 speakers)
Language Code hin   Ethnologue Listing
Language Written Yes   ScriptSource Listing
Total Languages 5
Secondary Languages
Bundeli
700
Dhundari
400
Malvi
400
Marwari (India)
100
Primary Language Hindi (18,000 speakers)
Language Code hin   Ethnologue Listing
Total Languages 5
Secondary Languages
  Bundeli 700
  Dhundari 400
  Malvi 400
  Marwari (India) 100
People Groups Speaking Hindi

Primary Language:  Hindi

Bible Translation Status  (Years)
Bible-Portions Yes  (1806-1962)
Bible-New Testament Yes  (1811-1998)
Bible-Complete Yes  (1818-2022)
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 DAVAR Partners recording, Old Testament DAVAR Partners International
Audio Recordings Online Audio Scripture Talking Bibles
Audio Recordings Oral Bible stories One Story
Audio Recordings Story of Jesus audio Jesus Film Project
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 Hindi Jesus Film Project
Film / Video Love letter to you from scripture Father's Love Letter
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 Rivka video Jesus Film Project
Film / Video Story of Jesus for Children Jesus Film Project
Film / Video The Hope Video Mars Hill Media
Film / Video World Christian Videos World Christian Videos
General Bible for Children Bible for Children
General Bible for Children Bible for Children
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
Photo Source Anonymous 
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.



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