People cluster
Vanniyan
Unreached
0%
Evangelicals
Who they are
The Vanniyans are part of a large community of southern India, the Vanniyars, who by tradition were farmers and warriors. They form a caste, that is, a group of families who, by tradition, are born into a trade and marry within their own group. Many call themselves Agnikula, which means “born of fire,” because of an ancient story in which their ancestors arose from a sacred fire.
They number close to 850 thousand people, all in India, especially in the southern states such as Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. They speak Tamil, the language of southern India, and in some areas also Kannada, the language of Karnataka. Most live off the land, growing rice, vegetables and flowers, and many now work in the cities.
They are Hindu and have great devotion to Draupadi, a heroine of the Mahabharata, the great epic poem of ancient India, honored as a goddess, with festivals that bring together the whole village. There are few Christians among them, and the gospel is still little known in these communities.
What sets the subgroups apart
Most of the groups live in the countryside and are very similar in their way of life. The best-known exception is the Thigalas of Karnataka, who traditionally were gardeners and vegetable growers, especially in Bangalore. There they hold the Karaga every year, a great night festival in honor of Draupadi, which draws crowds to the streets of the city.
Where they are still unreached
1
Country
847K
Population
| Country | Share of the people | Population |
|---|---|---|
India
|
100%
|
847.000 |
The 6 peoples in this cluster
What to pray for
Intercede for this people
May the Vanniyans come to know Jesus, the true light that gives light to every person.
For farming families who suffer from droughts, debts and loss of land.
May young Vanniyans who study and work in the cities find Christians who welcome them.
May the Bible in Tamil and in Kannada be read and understood in Vanniyan villages.
For the few Vanniyans who follow Jesus, that they may be firm and well received by their families.
May the churches of southern India love their Vanniyan neighbors and overcome every barrier of caste.