Introduction / History
This people group is located mainly in three states -- namely Gujarat, Hyderabad,and Maharastra. Some also live at Goa and Bihar. Their origin is African -- specifically Nigerian -- but around 400 years ago they were traded as slaves by a Muslim king and they served as sailors. Their spoken language is Gujarati and they are known as badshah.

Where are they located?
They are located mainly in the state of Gujarat of India. They are mainly located in the Junagadh district of the Saurashtra region of the state of Gujarat. their village name is Sirvan and Janmbur. In these two vilages there are around 5,000 of them and both villages lie with in the range of Gir Forest National Park

What are their lives like?
They are a neglected community. Although they speak the Guajarati language, due to their different appearance they have been treated indifferently. Most of the men work on farms and in the forest. Women also work on the farms and also collect wood from the forest. Children barely get education up to middle school because their village is 12 km from the main connecting road and 21 km from the nearest town. Mostly their life is nomadic and their houses are made of mud and cow dung. They don't have a well-organized drinking water supply and no electricity. Most of them suffer with skin disease and many of the men are alcoholics.

What are their beliefs?
By religion they are Muslim but generally they follow folk beliefs. They do not know much about Islam and even the Islamic community doesn't regard them as their own people. They are suffering from an identity crisis. They have a bad impression about Christian missionaries.

What are their needs?
1. Education for children.
2. Primary health care.
3. Proper livelihood.
4. Water and electricity.

Prayer Points
Pray that God will send more workers.
Pray that God will open doors for missionaries.
Please pray for the School ministry that is being planned for them.
Pray for the men and their bad habits of alcoholism.
Pray for health improvements, especially for their skin diseases.