Mavilan in India

Introduction / History

The Mavilan people are a Scheduled tribe in southern India. Traditionally they were hunters/gatherers, but as the population continued to increase in India, they had trouble keeping their land. They practiced slash and burn agriculture.

Where Are they Located?

They live in Tamil Nadu and Kerala, the two states in India's far south.

What Are Their Lives Like?

The Mavilan people, like other tribes in this crowded part of India, have often been pushed off their land. They have low status, and very little judicial power. This people group is vulnerable and has been for some time. They are currently farmers who are being forced to change their agricultural methods by the Indian government.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Mavilan people are officially Hindus, but their traditional religious beliefs are still very strong. Traditional beliefs are very important to ethnic groups that are being marginalized by others. It will be difficult to get their leaders to listen when people tell them about what Christ can do for their community.

What Are Their Needs?

They need to learn skills that will help them thrive in 21st century India.

Prayer Points

Pray for the lives and culture of the Mavilan people to evidence the rule and reign of the Kingdom of God as they open to the gospel, and for the beauty of Jesus to be seen in them.
Pray for gospel workers to catch a vision for reaching the Mavilan people for Jesus and that in God's sovereign timing their hearts would be open and ready to follow Him.
Pray for Jesus movements to bless extended Mavilan families so the gospel will spread rapidly among this people group.
Pray for the spiritual lives of the Mavilan people to become fruitful as they follow Christ.

Text Source:   Keith Carey