Kallasari Viswakarma in India

The Kallasari Viswakarma have only been reported in India
Population
Main Language
Largest Religion
Christian
Evangelical
Progress
Progress Gauge
* From latest India census data.
Current Christian values may substantially differ.

Introduction / History

Viswakarma are a large group of Hindu people who live in India and Sri Lanka. They are followers of Visvakarman, the Hindu god of craftsmen and builders. The Viswakarma claim to be descendants of this god. Hence, today the term Viswakarma denotes a community of artisans. They are goldsmiths, carpenters, blacksmiths, copper workers and stonemasons. Their caste has ancient roots being referred to in the Hindu Vedas. Some believe that they made chariots, armor and weapons for royalty.

The Viswakarma played a vital role in the Indian village economy. They consider themselves spreaders of Hindu civilization, culture and religion through their art and crafts. They have contributed greatly to Indian civilization and culture as city and temple builders, engineers, architects, and artists.

In ancient India, Viswakarma where highly regarded. However, they are not as highly esteemed today by the Brahmins - the priestly Hindu caste. The origin of this ancient feud is largely unknown, but one reason was the refusal of Brahmins to recognize the status of the Viswakarma as equals. The Viswakarma have rejected the leadership or supremacy of the Brahmins. They have set themselves up as spiritual guides and religious teachers for other Hindus.

The two main languages or the Viswakarma are Telegu and Tamil. They also speak other regional Indian languages.


Where Are they Located?

The Kallasari Viswakarma people live only in India's southwestern state of Kerala. Like other peoples in this state they speak Malayalam.


What Are Their Lives Like?

The Kallasari Viswakarma communal identity has always been strongly tied to their professions as craftsmen. With industrialization and more recently, globalization, their traditional artisan trades are declining. Their socio-economic status varies from a very high level to the low level in different parts of India. They tend to earn higher wages in cities but lower incomes in villages.

The Kallasari Viswakarma marry within their group. Marriage to one spouse is the norm. Families arrange marriages with the consent of the young people. Sons inherit their father's property with the eldest son becoming the head of the family. Caste councils settle legal disputes and promote their interests.


What Are Their Beliefs?

The Kallasari Viswakarma practice Hinduism, the ancient religion of India. They worship and serve the gods of the Hindu pantheon, especially Viswakarman, the god of craftsmen. Hindus believe that by performing rituals and good works that they will attain moksha or freedom from the endless cycle of birth, death and rebirth. The Viswakarma visit Hindu temples and offer prayers, food, flowers and incense to their gods. There are many forms of Hinduism, each with its own deities and beliefs.

The main yearly holidays of the Viswakarma peoples are Holi, the festival of colors, Diwali, the festival of lights, Navratri, the celebration of autumn and Rama Navami, Rama's birthday.


What Are Their Needs?

The Kallasari Viswakarma people need help in learning new job skills as their ancient occupations are disappearing. They need to understand that Hinduism will not get them right with a holy, personal God. The Viswaskarmas must hear and respond to the life-changing message of Jesus Christ.


Prayer Points

Pray for gospel workers to catch a vision for reaching the Kallasari Viswakarma for Jesus and that in God's sovereign timing their hearts would be open and ready to follow Him.
Pray for Jesus movements to bless Kallasari Viswakarma families so the gospel will spread rapidly among this people group.
Pray for the spiritual lives of the Kallasari Viswakarma people to become fruitful as they follow Christ.


Scripture Prayers for the Viswakarma Kallasari in India.


References

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vishwakarma_(caste)
https://www.facebook.com/VishwakarmaCommunityHeros/
https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/kozhikode/Now-BJP-plans-to-focus-on-Viswakarma-community/article14418427.ece
https://www.peoplegroups.org/Explore/groupdetails.aspx?peid=41239
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-3Ho8mA_t9g


Profile Source:   Keith Carey  

People Name General Viswakarma Kallasari
People Name in Country Viswakarma Kallasari
Natural Name Kallasari Viswakarma
Alternate Names विस्वाकर्मा कल्लासारी
Population this Country 63,000
Population all Countries 63,000
Total Countries 1
Indigenous Yes
Progress Scale 1
Unreached Yes
Frontier People Group Yes
Pioneer Workers Needed 1
People ID 21287
ROP3 Code 118110
ROP25 Code 308626
ROP25 Name Viswakarma
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)
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 1
  Kerala 63,000
Website South Asia Peoples
Primary Religion: Hinduism
Major Religion Percent *
Buddhism
0.00 %
Christianity  (Evangelical 0.00 %)
0.00 %
Ethnic Religions
0.00 %
Hinduism
100.00 %
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 Malayalam (52,000 speakers)
Language Code mal   Ethnologue Listing
Language Written Yes   ScriptSource Listing
Total Languages 2
Secondary Languages
Tulu
700
Primary Language Malayalam (52,000 speakers)
Language Code mal   Ethnologue Listing
Total Languages 2
Secondary Languages
  Tulu 700
People Groups Speaking Malayalam

Primary Language:  Malayalam

Bible Translation Status  (Years)
Bible-Portions Yes  (1811-1968)
Bible-New Testament Yes  (1829-1995)
Bible-Complete Yes  (1841-2022)
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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 Malayalam Jesus Film Project
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General Gospel website in this language General / Other
Map Source People Group data: Omid. Map geography: UNESCO / GMI. Map Design: Joshua Project  
Profile Source Keith Carey 
Data Sources Data is compiled from various sources. Learn more.



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