+2
+2
People cluster
Teli
Unreached
< 0.1%
Evangelicals
Who they are
The Telis are a Hindu caste, that is, a group of families who, by tradition, are born into a trade and marry within their own group. The Telis were traditionally oil makers: they pressed mustard, sesame and other seeds in presses driven by oxen, and sold the oil used in cooking and in lamps. The name comes from the word tel, which means oil.
They number more than 21 million people, almost all in India, especially in the north and center of the country, in states such as Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Chhattisgarh, with smaller groups in Nepal, Bangladesh, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. They speak the language of the region, such as Hindi. With the arrival of oil factories, many moved into trade, shops and farming, and many use surnames such as Sahu or Gupta.
The great majority are Hindu, with a strong religious life in the family and in the festivals of the calendar. There are almost no Christians among them. In thousands of towns and villages where the Telis live, there is no one to tell them about Jesus in their own language.
Where they are still unreached
5
Countries
21.7M
Population
| Country | Share of the people | Population |
|---|---|---|
India
|
97.3%
|
21.107.000 |
Nepal
|
1.9%
|
419.000 |
Bangladesh
|
0.7%
|
159.900 |
Pakistan
|
0%
|
6.300 |
Sri Lanka
|
0%
|
5.100 |
The 5 peoples in this cluster
What to pray for
Intercede for this people
May the Telis come to know Jesus, the Christ, whose name means Anointed of God, and whose light does not go out.
For Teli families who lost their old trade and look for a living in trade and farming.
May Teli merchants and young people find honest Christians who live out and proclaim the gospel.
May the Bible in Hindi and in local languages reach Teli homes.
For the first Telis who follow Jesus, that they may have courage and be well received by their families.
For the churches of northern India, that they may have love and vision to reach this great people.