Karnam in India

Karnam
Photo Source:  Bhaskar T M 
Map Source:  People Group data: Omid. Map geography: UNESCO / GMI. Map Design: Joshua Project.
People Name: Karnam
Country: India
10/40 Window: Yes
Population: 94,000
World Population: 94,000
Primary Language: Odia
Primary Religion: Hinduism
Christian Adherents: 0.00 %
Evangelicals: 0.00 %
Scripture: Complete Bible
Ministry Resources: Yes
Jesus Film: Yes
Audio Recordings: Yes
People Cluster: South Asia Forward Caste - other
Affinity Bloc: South Asian Peoples
Progress Level:

Introduction / History

The word Kanakku means accountant which is their traditional work. They are also known as the Karnam people. The Karnam of Andhra Pradesh migrated from Tamil Nadu. Many live in Odisha and speak the local language, Odiya.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Most work in government and private service often as accountants. They are well educated. In Tamil Nadu, the Karnam are monogamous and they marry as adults. Cousins can marry. They allow for divorce. On the death of the father, sons inherit the property with the oldest son becoming the new head of the family. Widows can marry again. Women are usually vegetarians but some of the men are not.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Karnam are Hindus. Like most Hindus with status, their spiritual beliefs can be almost anything. Some worship Hindu gods while others look to Hinduism as a philosophy or as part of their culture.

What Are Their Needs?

The Karnam people need to experience life to the full which only comes from a submitted relationship with God the Father.

Prayer Points

Pray that gospel materials and the internet will help them begin their own movement to Christ. Pray that Indian believers will be faithful, loving ambassadors for Christ. Pray for spiritual hunger. Pray for intercessors and workers.

Text Source:   Joshua Project