Brahmin Indian Tamil in Sri Lanka
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Map Source:
People Group data: Omid. Map geography: UNESCO / GMI. Map Design: Joshua Project
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| People Name: | Brahmin Indian Tamil |
| Country: | Sri Lanka |
| 10/40 Window: | Yes |
| Population: | 32,000 |
| World Population: | 32,000 |
| Primary Language: | Tamil |
| Primary Religion: | Hinduism |
| Christian Adherents: | 0.45 % |
| Evangelicals: | 0.00 % |
| Scripture: | Complete Bible |
| Ministry Resources: | Yes |
| Jesus Film: | Yes |
| Audio Recordings: | Yes |
| People Cluster: | South Asia Forward Caste - Brahmin |
| Affinity Bloc: | South Asian Peoples |
| Progress Level: |
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Introduction / History
Ancient Tamil Sangam poetry suggests a civilization which was well established in southern India at the time of Christ. Between A.D. 600-1600, rival dynasties - Chera, Pallava, Chola, Pandya - backed literature, art, and the building of Hindu temples. During this period, peaceful migrations and military invasions, led Tamils to become well established in northern and eastern Sri Lanka. The Tamil language belongs to the Dravidian family of languages, which is possibly the earliest surviving language group in the South Asian subcontinent.
Though most live in India, especially the southern states, some are in Sri Lanka.
What Are Their Lives Like?
Most Tamils live in rural farming villages, but there is growth taking place in urban areas. The main food crop is rice which is accompanied mostly by fish and coconuts. Some of the most long-standing towns in Talimandu were built around Hindu temples. Others are fishermen, or washerman (laundering clothes for rituals such as births, weddings, and funerals). Weaving, spinning, and pottery are other very important occupations in this area.
What Are Their Beliefs?
Tamil Brahmins follow the Hindu religion, but during medieval times there were also Buddhists and Jains. There are Tamil-speaking Christians and Muslims in both India and Sri Lanka.
Tamil beliefs are based on Hindu concepts. The Tamils believe the different genders help give form and consciousness to the cosmos (male) and are given energy and substance (female). The Tamils call the pairing of the male (passive and cool) and female (active and hot) Siva-Sakti (the pairing of the male god Siva and the female aspect Sakti).
Prayer Points
Pray for Tamil Brahmins in Sri Lanka to be able to cope with economic hardships by seeking and finding truth in Jesus Christ.
Pray that Tamil believers in Sri Lanka would be Christ bearers to the Brahmins among them.
Pray for Tamil Brahmins to disciple hundreds in the ways of Jesus Christ.