Kapu in Sri Lanka


Population
Main Language
Largest Religion
Christian
Evangelical
Progress
Progress Gauge
* Data can be from various sources including official census, agencies, and local research. Data from these sources can sometimes differ even by orders of magnitude. Joshua Project attempts to present a conservative, balanced estimate.

Introduction / History

Kapus were inhabitants of the Andhra region, people who migrated from the north, cleared forests for agriculture and built settlements. They are the descendants of the Kaampu tribe, an Indo-Aryan tribe, which migrated from Kampilya, Mithila and Ayodhya. These were ancient cities situated in the Gangetic Plains of North India spread across Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. The migration seems to have occurred 2500 years ago, which coincides with the rise of the first Andhra Kingdom, Satavahanas. This migrant tribe initially settled along the banks of the Godavari River, cleared forests and built settlements and towns.

The Telugu word Kapu or Kaapu means protector. They are also referred to by their caste title Naidu, which means leader. The Kapus were primarily a military/agrarian community which took up military service and participated in farming during peace time. Consequently, the Kapu subcastes also evolved based on occupation. Kapus who engaged in trade were referred to as Balija. Balijas who took up military service and protected trading caravans were called Balija Nayakulu or Balija Naidu. Modern day Kapus have banded together to fight for their political rights in the caste system. They have also organized agricultural unions to protect their way of life.


Where Are they Located?

They are found primarily in the southern Indian state of Andhra Pradesh, where they make up about one-quarter of the population. The Kapu community in Andhra Pradesh is predominantly concentrated in the coastal districts, North Telangana and Rayalaseema regions of Andhra Pradesh. They are also found in large numbers in Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh and Odisha. A smaller number live in Sri Lanka.


What Are Their Lives Like?

A significant number of Kapus have today diversified into industry, arts and academia. However, substantial segments of the population are still farmers. They are similar to farming peoples in neighboring Karnataka, Maharashtra, Tamilnadu, Orissa, Rajasthan and also Madhya Pradesh.


Fear that Christianity aims to turn individuals from their families, communities and traditions is one means Satan uses to hinder Kapu families and communities from considering what Jesus can do for their communities.
What Are Their Beliefs?

Kapu are primarily Hindu. Hindus believe in and worship millions of gods, Brahman being the most important. To them, salvation means escaping from the seemingly endless cycle of death and reincarnation (the principle that you are reborn as another person, or even an animal after you die). This escape is achieved through knowledge, devotion, and deeds.


What Are Their Needs?

Their greatest need is to know that apart from their multitudes of gods feared and worshiped, Almighty Jehovah God exists, loves them, and has paid their sin debt.

Kapu people are considered a forward caste, consequently, they do not qualify for government assistance or benefits. They are a perfect example of people in need of God's healing touch.


Prayer Points

Pray for a chain reaction of Kapu families reaching families that results in thousands of new believers who share their faith with others.
Pray for grace and truth expanding into the entire Hindu Kapu society in Sri Lanka as all believers learn to love others.
Pray that churches and believers will bless their entire people group in such a way that God's love will change the Hindu Kapu people in Sri Lanka like yeast changes dough.


Scripture Prayers for the Kapu in Sri Lanka.


References

https://joshuaproject.net/people_groups/19597/ce
https://joshuaproject.net/people_groups/19597/in
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/kapu_(caste)
http://www.kapusangam.com/history.php
https://www.quora.com/what-is-kapu-caste


Profile Source:   Keith Carey  

People Name General Kapu
People Name in Country Kapu
Pronunciation KAH-ahpoo
Alternate Names Chowdhary; Kamma Naidu; Naidu; Telaga; कापु
Population this Country 1,400
Population all Countries 15,843,000
Total Countries 2
Indigenous Yes
Progress Scale 1
Unreached Yes
Frontier People Group Yes
Pioneer Workers Needed 1
PeopleID3 19597
ROP3 Code 113756
Country Sri Lanka
Region Asia, South
Continent Asia
10/40 Window Yes
National Bible Society Website
Persecution Rank Not ranked
Total States on file 4
Largest States
Central
1,100
Western
90
Sabaragamuwa
90
Uva
80
Country Sri Lanka
Region Asia, South
Continent Asia
10/40 Window Yes
National Bible Society Website
Persecution Rank Not ranked
Total States 4
  Central 1,100
  Western 90
  Sabaragamuwa 90
  Uva 80
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 Sri Lanka census data.
Current Christian values may substantially differ.
Primary Language Telugu (1,400 speakers)
Language Code tel   Ethnologue Listing
Language Written Yes   ScriptSource Listing
Total Languages 1
Primary Language Telugu (1,400 speakers)
Language Code tel   Ethnologue Listing
Total Languages 1
People Groups Speaking Telugu

Primary Language:  Telugu

Bible Translation Status  (Years)
Bible-Portions Yes  (1812-1966)
Bible-New Testament Yes  (1818-1989)
Bible-Complete Yes  (1854-2022)
FCBH NT (www.bible.is) Online
YouVersion NT (www.bible.com) Online
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Amazon
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Mobile App Android Bible app: Pastors Telugu Study Bible Grace Ministries and Dusty Sandals
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Mobile App Android Bible App: Telugu Bible (తెలుగు బైబిల్) Indian Revised Version (IRV) Operation Agape
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Mobile App Android Bible Radio app: Telugu Bible Radio Shalom Design S2dio
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Mobile App iOS Bible app: Telugu YouVersion Bibles
Mobile App iOS Bible Radio App: Telugu Bible Radio iOS Revive India
Text / Printed Matter Children and youth resources One Hope
Text / Printed Matter Literacy primer for Telugu Literacy & Evangelism International
Text / Printed Matter The Ancient Path Live Global
Text / Printed Matter Tools for faith conversations Cru
Text / Printed Matter Topical Scripture booklets and Bible studies World Missionary Press
Photo Source Anonymous 
Map Source People Group Location: Omid. Other geography / data: GMI. Map Design: Joshua Project  
Profile Source Keith Carey 
Data Sources Data is compiled from various sources. Learn more.


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