Bharathar (Christian traditions) 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: | Bharathar (Christian traditions) |
| Country: | India |
| 10/40 Window: | Yes |
| Population: | 43,000 |
| World Population: | 45,300 |
| Primary Language: | Tamil |
| Primary Religion: | Christianity |
| Christian Adherents: | 100.00 % |
| Evangelicals: | 0.00 % |
| Scripture: | Complete Bible |
| Ministry Resources: | Yes |
| Jesus Film: | Yes |
| Audio Recordings: | Yes |
| People Cluster: | South Asia Christian |
| Affinity Bloc: | South Asian Peoples |
| Progress Level: |
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Introduction / History
Bharathar Christians are Roman Catholics. They converted from Hinduism by St. Francis Xavier who came to India with Portuguese in 1500s or 16th century. They migrated to Sri Lanka and Travancore for business purposes. They flourished in these places. Others worked in shipping and international trade.
They might no longer be a separate community due to intermarriage.
What Are Their Lives Like?
Many own businesses such as supermarkets, duty free shops and departmental stores. Some are in the lace and silk trade. Living in south India, their cooking includes much coconut. They have no consistent political leaning.
What Are Their Beliefs?
These Roman Catholics print prayer booklets for death anniversaries. They celebrate church feasts by dressing up and eating special foods.
What Are Their Needs?
The Bharathar people need to center their lives around Jesus Christ.
Prayer Points
Pray for the Bharathar community to center their lives around Jesus Christ.
Pray for Bharathar Roman Catholics to disciple others in the ways of Christ.
Pray they will look to the Bible for guidance.