Pallan (Christian traditions) in Sri Lanka


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 Pallan people, also known as Pallar, primarily speak Tamil, the official language of Tamil Nadu and widely spoken in southern India. Historically, the Pallans were agricultural laborers and part of the Scheduled Castes.Many Pallans converted to Christianity during the colonial period, particularly under the influence of Catholic and Protestant missionaries who offered education, healthcare, and spiritual hope. Today, Pallan Christians form a distinct community within the broader Pallan ethnic group.


What Are Their Lives Like?

Pallan Christians typically live in rural and semi-urban areas, especially in Tamil Nadu. Many are engaged in farming, manual labor, and government jobs. Education levels are improving, and younger generations are increasingly pursuing higher education and professional careers. Despite progress, caste-based discrimination still affects their social mobility. Churches often serve as centers for both spiritual and social support, helping to foster community resilience.


What Are Their Beliefs?

Most Pallan Christians belong to Roman Catholic and Protestant denominations. Their faith is expressed through regular church attendance, prayer, and participation in Christian festivals. The Bible is available in Tamil, and many churches offer Sunday schools, youth ministries, and discipleship programs. While their Christian identity is strong, some cultural traditions may still influence their religious practices.


What Are Their Needs?

Pallan Christians need continued discipleship and biblical literacy to deepen their faith. Training for pastors and lay leaders is essential to strengthen local churches.Many families require access to sustainable livelihoods and vocational training. Scholarships and mentoring programs can help students break cycles of poverty.


Prayer Items

Pray for spiritual renewal and a deeper understanding of the Great Commission among Pallan Christians.Ask God to raise up strong, biblically grounded leaders within their communities.Pray for economic opportunities and educational advancement for Pallan youth.Intercede for healing from caste-based wounds and for unity in the body of Christ.Pray for boldness in sharing the gospel with unreached groups.


Scripture Prayers for the Pallan (Christian traditions) in Sri Lanka.


References

AI generated by CopilotEthnographic studies on Scheduled Castes in Tamil NaduHistorical records of Christian missions in South India.


Profile Source:   Joshua Project  

People Name General Pallan (Christian traditions)
People Name in Country Pallan (Christian traditions)
Alternate Names Pallar
Population this Country 7,400
Population all Countries 474,000
Total Countries 2
Indigenous Yes
Progress Scale Progress Gauge
Unreached No
Frontier People Group No
Pioneer Workers Needed
PeopleID3 21607
ROP3 Code 118401
Country Sri Lanka
Region Asia, South
Continent Asia
10/40 Window Yes
National Bible Society Website
Persecution Rank Not ranked
Total States on file 9
Largest States
Central
4,400
Western
1,200
Sabaragamuwa
800
Uva
500
Eastern
200
North Western
100
Northern
100
Southern
60
North Central
30
Country Sri Lanka
Region Asia, South
Continent Asia
10/40 Window Yes
National Bible Society Website
Persecution Rank Not ranked
Total States 9
  Central 4,400
  Western 1,200
  Sabaragamuwa 800
  Uva 500
  Eastern 200
  North Western 100
  Northern 100
  Southern 60
  North Central 30
Website South Asia Peoples
Primary Religion: Christianity
Major Religion Estimated Percent *
Buddhism
0.00 %
Christianity
100.00 %
Ethnic Religions
0.00 %
Hinduism
0.00 %
Islam
0.00 %
Non-Religious
0.00 %
Other / Small
0.00 %
Unknown
0.00 %
* From latest Sri Lanka census data.
Current Christian values may substantially differ.
Primary Language Tamil
Language Code tam   Ethnologue Listing
Written / Published Yes   ScriptSource Listing
Total Languages 2
Secondary Languages
Malayalam
Primary Language Tamil
Language Code tam   Ethnologue Listing
Total Languages 2
Secondary Languages
  Malayalam
People Groups Speaking Tamil

Primary Language:  Tamil

Bible Translation Status  (Years)
Bible-Portions Yes  (1714-1956)
Bible-New Testament Yes  (1715-1998)
Bible-Complete Yes  (1727-2024)
FCBH NT (www.bible.is) Online
YouVersion NT (www.bible.com) Online
Possible Print Bibles
Amazon
World Bibles
Forum Bible Agencies
National Bible Societies
World Bible Finder
Virtual Storehouse
Resource Type Resource Name Source
Audio Recordings Audio Bible teaching Global Recordings Network
Audio Recordings General Ministry Resources General / Other
Audio Recordings Love letter to you from scripture Father's Love Letter
Audio Recordings Online Audio Scripture Talking Bibles
Audio Recordings Recorded oral Bible Oral Bibles
Film / Video Following Jesus video Jesus Film Project
Film / Video God's Story video God's Story
Film / Video Indigitube.tv Video / Animation Create International
Film / Video Jesus Film: view in Tamil Jesus Film Project
Film / Video LUMO film of Gospels Bible Media Group/LUMO
Film / Video Magdalena video Jesus Film Project
Film / Video My Last Day video, anime Jesus Film Project
Film / Video Rivka video Jesus Film Project
Film / Video Story of Jesus for Children Jesus Film Project
Film / Video World Christian Videos World Christian Videos
General Bible for Children Bible for Children
General Bible in text or audio or video Internet Publishing Sevice
General Bible in text or audio or video South Asia Bibles
General Biblical answers to your questions Got Questions Ministry
General Comprehensive list of Tamil Resources General / Other
General Faith Comes By Hearing - Bible in text or audio or video Faith Comes by Hearing
General Faith Comes By Hearing - Bible in text or audio or video Faith Comes by Hearing
General Faith Comes By Hearing - Bible in text or audio or video Faith Comes by Hearing
General Faith Comes By Hearing - Bible in text or audio or video Faith Comes by Hearing
General Faith Comes By Hearing - Bible in text or audio or video Faith Comes by Hearing
General Faith Comes By Hearing - Bible in text or audio or video Faith Comes by Hearing
General Faith Comes By Hearing - Bible in text or audio or video Faith Comes by Hearing
General Faith Comes By Hearing - Bible in text or audio or video Faith Comes by Hearing
General Faith Comes By Hearing - Bible in text or audio or video Faith Comes by Hearing
General Gospel website in this language General / Other
General Scripture Earth Gospel resources links Scripture Earth
General Voice of the Martyrs resources Voice of the Martyrs
General YouVersion Bible versions in text and/or audio YouVersion Bibles
General Zume Resources Zume Project
General Zume Training Zume Project
Mobile App Android Bible app: Pastors Study Bible Tamil Grace Ministries and Dusty Sandals
Mobile App Android Bible app: Tamil YouVersion Bibles
Mobile App Android Bible App: Tamil Bible (தமிழ் பைபிள்) Indian Revised Version (IRV) Operation Agape
Mobile App Android Bible app: Tamil Study Bible Grace Ministries and Dusty Sandals
Mobile App Android Bible Radio app: Tamil Bible Radio Shalom Design S2dio
Mobile App Download audio Bible app as APK file Faith Comes by Hearing
Mobile App Download audio Bible app as APK file Faith Comes by Hearing
Mobile App Download audio Bible app from Google Play Store Faith Comes by Hearing
Mobile App iOS Bible app: Tamil YouVersion Bibles
Mobile App iOS Bible Radio App: Tamil Bible Radio iOS Revive India
Text / Printed Matter Children and youth resources One Hope
Text / Printed Matter Literacy primer for Tamil Literacy & Evangelism International
Text / Printed Matter tools for gospel conversations Cru
Text / Printed Matter Topical Scripture booklets and Bible studies World Missionary Press
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.