Vellalan Tondamandalam in India

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 Vellalans made up the majority of government leaders and administrators in south India during the British period. Lower castes began calling themselves Vellalans and acting like them in order to gain their high status. Most live either in Kerala or Tamil Nadu, India's two southernmost states. In Kerala the Vellalans use Malayalam as well as Tamil. They migrated from Tamil Nadu. In Tamil Nadu they speak, read and write in Tamil. They have a number of subgroups, most of which speak Tamil. One of these is the Tondamandalam Vellalan.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Today the Tondamandalam Vellalans continue to be agricultural landowners, military officers, politicians, businesspersons, Tamil scholars, and temple patrons. They are considered by the Indian government to be a forward or higher status caste so they are not eligible for special places in education and public service. They often marry their cousins. They do not allow for divorcees and widows to marry again, however widowers can marry again. On the death of the father, the oldest son takes charge of family affairs. Boys and girls both get education. Unlike most Hindu peoples, they allow for either cremation or burial. There are vegetarians and non-vegetarians among them.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The vast majority of Tondamandalam Vellalans are Hindus. They worship and serve the gods of the Hindu pantheon. Many 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.

What Are Their Needs?

Tondamandalam Vellalans 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 Savior. They need to see obedience to Christ lived out in practical ways.

Prayer Points

Pray that Tondamandalam Vellalan leaders come to Jesus Christ and lead others to a disciple making movement. Pray that gospel materials and the internet will lead them to Jesus Christ. Pray that the church will not neglect to pray for them.

Text Source:   Joshua Project