Keralamuthali in India
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Map Source:
People Group data: Omid. Map geography: UNESCO / GMI. Map Design: Joshua Project
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| People Name: | Keralamuthali |
| Country: | India |
| 10/40 Window: | Yes |
| Population: | 6,800 |
| World Population: | 6,800 |
| Primary Language: | Malayalam |
| Primary Religion: | Hinduism |
| Christian Adherents: | 0.33 % |
| Evangelicals: | 0.00 % |
| Scripture: | Complete Bible |
| Ministry Resources: | Yes |
| Jesus Film: | Yes |
| Audio Recordings: | Yes |
| People Cluster: | South Asia Hindu - other |
| Affinity Bloc: | South Asian Peoples |
| Progress Level: |
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Introduction / History
The Kerala Muthali (Mudali) belong to various Mudaliar communities found elsewhere in South India. Due to their social, linguistic and educational backwardness Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Pondicherry states have categorized them as Backward Castes. They are predominantly found in the areas of Trivandrum and Palghat Districts of Kerala and Kanyakumari District of Tamil Nadu. They migrated to these places starting in the late 17th century for various purposes including agriculture, and coconut oil extraction. They were specialized fighters and reliable spies. Theirs is a weaver community.
What Are Their Lives Like?
Unlike the Tamil Brahmins settled in various places of Kerala, Muthalis/Mudalis can marry Nairs, Chakravar, Sakravar (Kavathi) and those who have converted to Christianity but retaining Mudaliar identity. Kerala Muthalis still keep their separate identity even though they are a micro-minority caste in Kerala.
What Are Their Beliefs?
During the British era many Muthali families came into the influence of Christianity and eventually embraced that religion. Gradually after independence and state reorganization, Kerala Muthalis have completely integrated with the Kerala culture, but still consider Lord Muruga/Subramanya as their primary god of worship while most of the Kerala Hindus are devotees of Lord Vishnu.
What Are Their Needs?
They are socially and educationally in a backward stage in India. The social backwardness can be addressed through education. The educational institutions in India are accessible to the elite class, hence more and more educational institutions are required for the Kerala Muthali on an urgent basis.
Prayer Points
Pray that the Muthali people will have a spiritual hunger that will open their hearts to the King of kings. Pray for workers who are driven by the love and boldness of the Holy Spirit to go to them. Pray for a Disciple Making Movement among them to begin this decade.