Valanchian in India

The Valanchian have only been reported in India
Population
Main Language
Largest Religion
Christian
Evangelical
Progress
Progress Gauge
* Data can be from various sources including official census, agencies, and local research. Data from these sources can sometimes differ even by orders of magnitude. Joshua Project attempts to present a conservative, balanced estimate.

Introduction / History

The Hindu Valanchian people of Kerala, India, trace their origins back to ancient times when they settled in the lush, fertile regions of the state. Historically, they have been known for their skills in agriculture and trade, significantly contributing to the local economy. Over centuries, they have adapted to the diverse cultural influences of Kerala, while maintaining their unique identity. Their history reflects a blend of resilience and adaptation to the socio-political changes, including the periods of colonial rule and post-independence development.


What Are Their Lives Like?

The Valanchian people primarily engage in agriculture, cultivating crops such as rice, coconut and spices. They also participate in fishing and small-scale trade. Their communities are closely knit, characterized by strong family ties and cooperative social structures. Daily life revolves around farming, community gatherings, and cultural celebrations. Despite modernization, they uphold traditional practices and celebrate festivals with enthusiasm. Education access has improved, allowing many to pursue higher studies, but healthcare services remain uneven, especially in rural areas.


What Are Their Beliefs?

The Valanchian people practice Hinduism, deeply integrating their religious beliefs into their daily lives. They worship a pantheon of deities, with special reverence for local gods and goddesses who they believe protect their community and agricultural activities. Major Hindu festivals such as Onam, Vishu and Diwali are celebrated with elaborate rituals and communal feasts. Their spiritual practices include traditional ceremonies and rituals conducted by local priests, reflecting a blend of mainstream Hinduism and regional customs.


What Are Their Needs?

The Valanchian people need enhanced economic opportunities beyond traditional agriculture and fishing to ensure sustainable livelihoods. Improved educational facilities and vocational training programs are essential to empower the younger generation. Better healthcare infrastructure is crucial, particularly in remote and rural areas where access remains limited. Infrastructure development, including improved roads, sanitation, and clean water supply, can significantly enhance their quality of life. Government and non-governmental initiatives focusing on sustainable development, education, and healthcare are vital for their progress.


Prayer Points

Pray for gospel workers to catch a vision for reaching the Valanchian people for Jesus and that in God’s sovereign timing their hearts would be open and ready to follow him.
Pray for Jesus movements to bless extended families so the gospel will spread rapidly among this people group.
Pray for the spiritual lives of the Valanchian people to become fruitful as they follow Christ.
Pray for the lives and culture of the Valanchian people to evidence the rule and reign of the Kingdom of God as they open to the gospel, and for the beauty of Jesus to be seen in them.


Scripture Prayers for the Valanchian in India.


References

Kerala State Profile. (2023). Socio-Economic Overview of Kerala. Retrieved from keralastate.gov.in
Kerala Heritage Foundation. (2023). Cultural History of the Valanchian Community. Retrieved from keralaheritage.org
Hinduism in Kerala. (2023). Re


Profile Source:   Joshua Project  

People Name General Valanchian
People Name in Country Valanchian
Alternate Names वालांचियाँ
Population this Country 6,000
Population all Countries 6,000
Total Countries 1
Indigenous Yes
Progress Scale 1
Unreached Yes
Frontier People Group Yes
Pioneer Workers Needed 1
PeopleID3 18295
ROP3 Code 113840
Country India
Region Asia, South
Continent Asia
10/40 Window Yes
National Bible Society Website
Persecution Rank 11  (Open Doors top 50 rank, 1 = highest persecution ranking)
Total States on file 3
Largest States
Kerala
5,700
Tamil Nadu
300
Puducherry
30
Districts Interactive map, listing and data download
Specialized Website South Asia Peoples
Country India
Region Asia, South
Continent Asia
10/40 Window Yes
National Bible Society Website
Persecution Rank 11  (Open Doors top 50 rank, 1 = highest persecution ranking)
Total States 3
  Kerala 5,700
  Tamil Nadu 300
  Puducherry 30
Website South Asia Peoples
Primary Religion: Hinduism
Major Religion Percent *
Buddhism
0.00 %
Christianity  (Evangelical 0.00 %)
0.00 %
Ethnic Religions
0.00 %
Hinduism
100.00 %
Islam
0.00 %
Non-Religious
0.00 %
Other / Small
0.00 %
Unknown
0.00 %
* From latest India census data.
Current Christian values may substantially differ.
Primary Language Malayalam (6,000 speakers)
Language Code mal   Ethnologue Listing
Language Written Yes   ScriptSource Listing
Total Languages 1
Primary Language Malayalam (6,000 speakers)
Language Code mal   Ethnologue Listing
Total Languages 1
People Groups Speaking Malayalam

Primary Language:  Malayalam

Bible Translation Status  (Years)
Bible-Portions Yes  (1811-1968)
Bible-New Testament Yes  (1829-1995)
Bible-Complete Yes  (1841-2022)
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Mobile App Android Bible app: Malayalam Contemporary Bible Biblica
Mobile App Android Bible app: Malayalam Gospel Films (മലയാളം ഗോസ്പൽ ഫിലിംസ്) Shalom Design S2dio
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Text / Printed Matter Literacy primer for Malayalam Literacy & Evangelism International
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Map Source People Group data: Omid. Map geography: UNESCO / GMI. Map Design: Joshua Project  
Profile Source Joshua Project 
Data Sources Data is compiled from various sources. Learn more.


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