Maravan in Sri Lanka

People Name:	Maravan
Country:	Sri Lanka
10/40 Window:	Yes
Population:	102,000
World Population:	3,723,000
Primary Language:	Tamil
Primary Religion:	Hinduism
Christian Adherents:	13.51 %
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 Maravan (aka, Maravar) people of India and Sri Lanka speak, read and write in Tamil. A few speak English. The Maravans in Kerala migrated from Tamil Nadu. They were classed as the Most Backward Class but are not classed among the lowest castes.

Where Are they Located?

Most Maravan (aka, Maravar) people live in India's two southernmost states, Kerala and Tamil Nadu, but a smaller number are in Sri Lanka.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Most Maravan people work in agriculture and the majority of them are landowners. There are businessmen, office workers and military personnel among them.

They have their own caste councils that settle disagreements. They also have an association that helps the community.

Usually Maravan males marry in their early twenties and females in their late teens. They have cross cousin marriages and allow for divorce. By inheritance the oldest son becomes in charge of the home. Women do housework and paid work.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Most of them are Hindus but some are Christians. The deceased are buried or are cremated.

What Are Their Needs?

These Hindus need to hear the true gospel from people who follow Jesus faithfully in word and deed.

Prayer Points

Pray for spiritual hunger among the Maravan people in India and Sri Lanka.
Pray that believers will take the name of Jesus to the Maravan people in Sri Lanka, and disciple them in his ways.