Alambadi Kurichchan in India

People Name:	Alambadi Kurichchan
Country:	India
10/40 Window:	Yes
Population:	49,000
World Population:	49,000
Primary Language:	Kurichiya
Primary Religion:	Hinduism
Christian Adherents:	4.61 %
Evangelicals:	0.00 %
Scripture:	Translation Started
Ministry Resources:	No
Jesus Film:	No
Audio Recordings:	Yes
People Cluster:	South Asia Tribal - other
Affinity Bloc:	South Asian Peoples
Progress Level:

Introduction / History

The Alambadi Kurichchan name comes from the word kuri, which is the sandalwood that they put on their foreheads and chests. They live in the forested areas of Kerala state, southern India, where they were among the earliest known inhabitants. They are primarily located in the Cannanore and Tamil Nadu districts. Their language is called Kurichiya, although many also speak Malayalam, the language of Kerala.

The Alambadi Kurichchan were the first migrants into the Wayanad hills and settled as the first farmers of the western region. When the Muslims and the British came into their area, the Alambadi Kurichchan rose against them in revolt and they were defeated by the strong arm of the British.

What Are Their Lives Like?

On their small patches of land, the Alambadi Kurichchan raise peppers and several other cash crops. Although they are primarily farmers, they are also expert archers and eat meat in addition to the crops they grow. Some must work on land provided by the government, while others are forced to make their living by cutting and selling wood from the forest.

The Alambadi Kurichchan claim to be superior to all other Hindu castes, even the Brahmins. This is partially because there are no beggars among them; their society does not tolerate the destitution of any of its members. Because they live in large family groups, it has always been possible for a poor Alambadi Kurichchan to find food and shelter.

A typical Alambadi Kurichchan would surprise even a casual observer with the strength of his convictions. The Alambadi Kurichchan are so concerned with keeping themselves pure that they will burn their huts if touched by outsiders. On returning from a journey, they will not enter their homes until they have purified themselves by bathing. They will neither eat food nor drink water that has been touched by non-Alambadi Kurichchan. They refrain from eating when visiting neighboring villages. Those who break dietary laws become outcasts.

One of the most powerful members of the Alambadi Kurichchan tribe is the sorcerer, who is also the village headman. They select him during a ritual performed before their idols. When someone in the group goes into a trance and does a frenzied dance, the Alambadi Kurichchan believe this is a sign that the gods have chosen this individual to be their leader. This person then assumes responsibility over the tribe by wearing the silver-handled knife (that was worn by his predecessor), on his waist.

One striking trait of the Alambadi Kurichchan is that they were traditionally a matriarchal (female-dominated) society. They are the only Indian community outside the province of Assam that has continued to follow this type of system, as recently as 1970. Their society survived because of their deep-rooted conservatism, as well as their isolation in the Wayanad plateau.

The Alambadi Kurichchan share many traits with other tribes in their area. These include the traditional fore-lock of hair, their house patterns, ornaments, style of presenting offerings, observance of shamanism (a type of spiritism) and kinship terminology.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Alambadi Kurichchan are Hindus and their supreme deity is Shiva. They worship a variety of gods and demons in addition to their own tribal gods. While their faith may be as deep as that of the Brahmins, their rituals are much simpler.

What Are Their Needs?

They need more ambassadors for Christ to live and work among them. There is an abundance of Christ followers in Kerala who can fill this role.

Prayer Points

Pray that the Lord will raise long-term workers to win, equip and send Alambadi Kurichchan people for his kingdom.
Ask the Holy Spirit to complete the work begun in the hearts of the few known Alambadi Kurichchan believers through adequate discipleship.
Ask the Lord to bring forth a vigorous Alambadi Kurichchan church that plants more churches.