Aiyanavar Christian in India

The Aiyanavar Christian 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

Aiyanavar Christians primarily speak Tamil, a Dravidian language native to Tamil Nadu and parts of Sri Lanka. Historically, the Aiyanavar community has deep roots in Tamil Nadu. Their conversion to Christianity began during the colonial era, influenced by European missionaries. Over time, many Aiyanavars adopted Christianity, blending it with their traditional Tamil customs and social structures.


What Are Their Lives Like?

Most Aiyanavar Christians live in rural Tamil Nadu, where agriculture is the main occupation. They cultivate crops such as rice, sugarcane, and vegetables. Community life is vibrant, with strong social bonds and participation in local festivals. While education levels vary, there is a growing emphasis on schooling and literacy, especially among younger generations. Despite economic challenges, the community is resilient and values hard work and togetherness.


What Are Their Beliefs?

Aiyanavar Christians follow Christianity, often integrating it with indigenous cultural practices. They attend church regularly and celebrate Christian festivals like Christmas and Easter. However, they also observe certain local Tamil festivals, reflecting a syncretic religious identity. Their faith is deeply personal and communal, often expressed through music, prayer, and storytelling.


What Are Their Needs?

Limited agricultural income leads to widespread poverty. They need more than subsistence farming. Access to quality education is inconsistent, especially in remote villages. Basic healthcare services are lacking, with many relying on traditional remedies. Poor roads, unreliable electricity, and limited access to clean water hinder development.


Prayer Items

Pray for economic upliftment and sustainable livelihoods for Aiyanavar families.Pray for educational opportunities and resources for children and youth.Pray for spiritual maturity and unity in Christ among Aiyanavar Christians as they live out their faith.Pray for Aiyanavar Christians to take up the banner of Christ and share his abundant life with Hindus and Muslims.


Scripture Prayers for the Aiyanavar Christian in India.


References

AI generated by CopilotEthnologueOperation World


Profile Source:   Joshua Project  

People Name General Aiyanavar Christian
People Name in Country Aiyanavar Christian
Alternate Names Aiyanavar; Aiyarkula; Aiynar; Ayyanavar; Ayyavar; Eiyanar
Population this Country 17,000
Population all Countries 17,000
Total Countries 1
Indigenous Yes
Progress Scale Progress Gauge
Unreached No
Frontier People Group No
Pioneer Workers Needed
PeopleID3 21617
ROP3 Code 118408
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 2
Largest States
Kerala
10,000
Tamil Nadu
7,100
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 2
  Kerala 10,000
  Tamil Nadu 7,100
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 India census data.
Current Christian values may substantially differ.
Primary Language Telugu (8,500 speakers)
Language Code tel   Ethnologue Listing
Written / Published Yes   ScriptSource Listing
Total Languages 2
Secondary Languages
Malayalam
8,200
Primary Language Telugu (8,500 speakers)
Language Code tel   Ethnologue Listing
Total Languages 2
Secondary Languages
  Malayalam 8,200
People Groups Speaking Telugu

Primary Language:  Telugu

Bible Translation Status  (Years)
Bible-Portions Yes  (1812-1966)
Bible-New Testament Yes  (1818-1989)
Bible-Complete Yes  (1854-2022)
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 Love letter to you from scripture Father's Love Letter
Audio Recordings Online Audio Scripture Talking Bibles
Audio Recordings Oral Bible stories One Story
Film / Video Following Jesus video Jesus Film Project
Film / Video God's Story video God's Story
Film / Video Jesus Film: view in Telugu 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 Rock International: King of Glory Rock International
Film / Video Story of Jesus for Children Jesus Film Project
Film / Video The Hope Video Mars Hill Productions
Film / Video World Christian Videos World Christian Videos
General Bible for Children Bible for Children
General Bible in text or audio or video South Asia Bibles
General Bible in text or audio or video South Asia Bibles
General Bible in text or audio or video South Asia Bibles
General Bible in text or audio or video South Asia Bibles
General Biblical answers to your questions Got Questions Ministry
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 (Neethakani) 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 Telugu Study Bible Grace Ministries and Dusty Sandals
Mobile App Android Bible app: Study Bibles (Multiple Languages) Grace Ministries and Dusty Sandals
Mobile App Android Bible app: Telugu YouVersion Bibles
Mobile App Android Bible App: Telugu Bible (తెలుగు బైబిల్) Indian Revised Version (IRV) Operation Agape
Mobile App Android Bible app: Telugu Study Bible Grace Ministries and Dusty Sandals
Mobile App Android Bible Radio app: Telugu Bible Radio Shalom Design S2dio
Mobile App Android Book Reading app: Open Bible Stories (Telugu) 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: Telugu YouVersion Bibles
Mobile App iOS Bible Radio App: Telugu Bible Radio iOS Revive India
Text / Printed Matter Children and youth resources One Hope
Text / Printed Matter Literacy primer for Telugu Literacy & Evangelism International
Text / Printed Matter The Ancient Path Live Global
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.