Originally their name meant "headman." The Mudaliyar in Maharashtra migrated from Tamil Nadu. They speak Tamil, Marathi and Hindi and read and write in Tamil and Devanagari. The Mudaliyar in Karnataka speak Tamil and Kannada. They write in Kannada.
They work in agriculture and in several other occupations such as private business. They have a community association that helps them. They prefer marriages between cousins. Divorcees and widows cannot marry again. Widowers are permitted to marry again. Sons inherit the property. The dead are either buried or cremated.
The Mudaliyar people practice Hinduism, the ancient religion of India. Hinduism is a catch-all phrase for the local religions of South Asia, so it is very diverse. At the popular level, Hindus worship and serve the gods of the Hindu pantheon. They visit Hindu temples and offer prayers, food, flowers, and incense to their gods in hopes of gaining protection and benefits. They do not have a personal or familial relationship with their gods like Christians or Jews. There are other Hindus who are much more philosophical, especially among the Brahmins.
Mudaliyar people need the abundant life that only Jesus offers.
Please pray that the leaders of the community association come to Jesus Christ and lead others into a disciple making movement. Please pray that gospel materials will become easily available to them. Pray for workers and intercessors.
Scripture Prayers for the Vellalan Mudaliar in India.
| Profile Source: Keith Carey |
