Vellalan Nanjanad in India

Introduction / History

The Vellalar or Vellalan people of South India have a long and distinguished history. They served as the landed aristocracy, military officers and court officials for three great Tamil dynasties. They were patrons of Tamil literature and the arts. The Vellalan made up the majority of government leaders and administrators in South India during the British Raj period. Lower castes began calling themselves Vellalan and acting like them in order to gain their high status.

The main language of the Vellalan is Tamil. They also speak other South Indian regional languages. A complete Bible and many Christian resources are available in Tamil. Most Vellalan also speak English which allows them to speak with educated people from all over India.

They have a number of subgroups, most of which speak Tamil. One of these is the Nanjanad Vellalan.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Today the Nanjanad Vellalan continue to be landowners, military officers, businesspersons, scholars, and Hindu temple patrons. They live at the highest levels of South Indian society. They take pride in their ancient Tamil heritage and are leading scholars in Tamil historical studies. The Nanjanad Vellalan encourage their children to attend universities and gain graduate degrees.

The Nanjanad Vellalan are endogamous, that is they marry within their families and clans. Vellalan often marry their cousins. Marriage to one spouse is the norm. Sons inherit property from their parents. Most Vellalan prefer to use their own priests rather than Brahmins in important life ceremonies.

What Are Their Beliefs?

As far as we know all Nanjanad Vellalans are Hindus. There are many forms of Hinduism, each with its own deities and beliefs. The Nanjanad Vellalan people worship and serve the gods of the Hindu pantheon. Many Vellalan people follow a branch of Hinduism called Saiva Siddhantam. In this Hindu order adherents desire to be enlightened by Lord Shiva or Siva, one of the three main gods of Hinduism. Some Vellalans join monasteries and propagate the teachings of Shiva.

Hindus believe that by performing rituals and good works that they will attain moksha or freedom from the endless cycle of birth, death and rebirth. The Nanjanad Vellalan visit Hindu temples and offer prayers, food, flowers, and incense to their gods.

The main yearly holidays of the Vellalan people are Holi, the festival of colors, Diwali, the festival of lights, Navratri, the celebration of autumn, and Rama Navami, Rama's birthday.

What Are Their Needs?

The Nanjanad Vellalan need to hear the life-changing message of Jesus Christ in a way they can understand. They need to see themselves as sinners in need of the only savior. They need to see Christianity lived out in a real way before them.

Prayer Points

Pray that Vellalan leaders will come to Jesus Christ and lead others to him.
Pray for entire Vellalan families to decide to follow Jesus no matter what the cost.
Pray for loving missionaries and South Indian believers to take Christ to every Vellalan community.
Pray that Vellalans would be led by the Holy Spirit to read the Tamil Bible and listen to Tamil radio programs.

Text Source:   Joshua Project