Valluvan in India

Valluvan
Photo Source:  Anonymous 
Map Source:  People Group data: Omid. Map geography: UNESCO / GMI. Map Design: Joshua Project.
People Name: Valluvan
Country: India
10/40 Window: Yes
Population: 132,000
World Population: 135,100
Primary Language: Tamil
Primary Religion: Hinduism
Christian Adherents: 0.00 %
Evangelicals: 0.00 %
Scripture: Complete Bible
Ministry Resources: Yes
Jesus Film: Yes
Audio Recordings: Yes
People Cluster: South Asia Dalit - other
Affinity Bloc: South Asian Peoples
Progress Level:

Introduction / History

The Valluvan are Hindu priests by tradition. They live in Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala, and Pondicherry. In Tamil Nadu the Valluvan live mainly in villages. They speak Tamil. Because of their high status, their males wear the exclusive sacred thread starting at age 12.

What Are Their Lives Like?

The Valluvan people are usually landless. Though there are priests, many have gone into other work such as business and trade. They believe in education for boys and to a lesser degree for girls. They have cross-cousin marriages. They do not allow their widows to marry again.

What Are Their Beliefs?

They are Hindu priests by tradition, but they also do fortune telling and practice astrology. Some are devotees of either Vishnu or Shiva, and these two groups do not intermarry.

What Are Their Needs?

The Valluvan people need to put their faith in the God of Heaven and His son, Jesus Christ so they can enjoy life to the full.

Prayer Points

Pray that God will give the Valluvan dreams and visions leading them to begin a community movement to Christ. Pray for faithful intercessors and workers. Pray that gospel materials will become easily available to them.

Text Source:   Keith Carey