Introduction / History

The Vellalan or Vellalar of south India have a long and proud history. They served as the landed aristocracy and as military officers and court officials in the three great Tamil dynasties. They were patrons of literature and the arts. The Vellalars made up the majority of government leaders and administrators in south India during the British period. Lower castes began calling themselves Vellalars and acting like them in order to gain their high status. The word Sozhia means Sozha or Chola country people. They are a subgroup of the Vellalar peoples. They live in Tamil Nadu and Pondicherry and speak in Tamil.

What Are Their Lives Like?

The Sozhia Vellala work mainly in agriculture and cultivation. Some work for the government. The Sozhia Vellala are a large group of the Vellala and are mostly landowners. The Sozhia Vellala prefer cousin marriages. The bride's family gives the groom's family a dowry. They allow for re-marriage if there is a divorce. Boys and girls are both educated. A traditional caste council looks after their interests.

What Are Their Beliefs?

These Hindus worship their ancestors.

What Are Their Needs?

The Sozhia Vellala need the opportunity to follow the Christ, the only one who can offer them life to the full.

Prayer Points

Pray for a spiritual hunger that will lead them to the empty grave. Pray that the council leaders will come to Jesus Christ and lead others to Him. Pray that gospel materials will lead them to salvation.

Scripture Prayers for the Vellalan Sozhia in India.