Introduction / History

Lakshadweep Islands of India consist of almost 40 islands; the capital is Kavaratti. Ten of the Lakshadweep islands are inhabited. They have had several different rulers in history, including the Portuguese and the British. Today, they are part of India. Lakshadweep people are culturally related to the people of Kerala, a state in southwestern India. They speak Malayalam and their own language, Jeseri.

What Are Their Lives Like?

The Lakshadweep people like spicy vegetarian food with coconuts. The non-vegetarians eat fish and meat. The Lakshadweep people are honest and there is a lower crime level.

The main work of the inhabitants is fishing and coconut cultivation. Tuna fish is the main export product. Women are given a yearly maintenance payment when married by their husbands. The wife can divorce her husband if she does not receive these payments and she may remarry. Widows may also remarry.

Aminidivi people, who live on Amini Island, are friendly and well-liked for their craft work. They design beautiful flowers and plants on coral stones and also make walking sticks from coconuts and tortoise shells to be sold to tourists.

Koyas are land owners, cultivators and sailors. They live on the Kavaratti, Kalpeni and Andrott islands. Regarding important economic and social matters, someone from the Koya group gives the final verdict. Koyas are considered superior and make the major decisions for the Lakshadweep people.

Malmis islanders are primarily sailors. They transport essential products such as rice from one island to another.

Melacheris people live on Amini Island. They collect nuts from coconut trees. They are the lowest of social classes on Lakshadweep.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Most people living on the Lakshadweep Islands are Muslims belonging to the Sunni sect. There are a small number of Wahabi mosques in Kavaratti and Agatti. A small number of Ahmadiyya (an Islamic religious movement founded in Punjab) are also in Kalpeni. Animism is also part of this island culture.

What Are Their Needs?

There are many Bible resources in the Malayalam language. However, Christian influence is minimal.

Their family, community, and inter-tribal involvement may be an opportunity for those who know God's truth of the gospel to earn eventual acceptance and privilege to speak.

Tourism may be a door of opportunity to meet and develop friendly relationships and offer educational and life-skills help.

Prayer Items

Pray that Almighty God would strengthen, encourage, and protect those who would be church planters and disciplers among these needy island people who do not yet know their Savior.
Pray that tourists who are believers will be kind and considerate to islanders as seed planters of God's love.
Ask the Lord to raise up strong local churches among these island people.

Scripture Prayers for the Lakshadweep in India.