The Telugu of Malaysia have ancestral origins in Andhra Pradesh and neighboring states of South India. The Telugu who migrated to Malaysia were mostly farmers from the lower caste (a pattern of social classes in Hinduism). In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the Telugu willingly signed on as indentured laborers with the estate supervisors from Malaysia and left their farms in Andhra Pradesh with hopes of gaining wealth and returning back to Indian one day.
Though work was hard on the rubber plantations, they found time to plant vegetables and raised animals to supplement their income. They lived simply and saved their money. As years passed many opted to stay in Malaysia and only traveled back to Andhra Pradesh to visit family members or find brides whom they brought back. They used their savings to set up small businesses that eventually brought them out of estate work. In the 1940s, many Telugu ventured back into the estates selling textiles, household items, and food from India.
Telugu have now shifted from rural areas to the urban centers. Due to their emphasis on education, a large number of Telugu have moved up the social ladder from their modest beginnings in plantation work. Today, most Telugu are literate and educated. Many Telugu are professionals and have middle level occupations in commerce, the government service, and other professions. Very few families fall below the poverty level.
A few men still wear dhotis (simple white garments wrapped between the legs loosely like a skirt); and the women sometimes wear saris (straight pieces of cloth draped around the body like a dress), especially on formal occasions. On the other hand, western clothes are the norm for most Telugu.
The caste system is dying out with each new generation of Malaysian Telugu, partly due to intermarriage with other Indian and Malaysian groups. Some of the old Telugu customs seem to have been lost with time and assimilation into Malaysian society, though they still have a distinct culture and language. Most marriages are still arranged by Telugu parents.
The Telugu are mainly followers of Hinduism. For the Hindu majority, their "Hinduism" is as much a lifestyle as it is a religion. Telugu are mainly Vaishnavites (followers of the deity Vishna). Telugu participate in festivals celebrated by most Indian Hindus in Malaysia such as Thaipusam (a ritual of human endurance, self-sacrifice, and the power of mind over matter) and Deepavali (known as the Festival of Lights). There are festivals distinct to Telugu such as Ugadhi (beginning of a new Hindu lunar calendar with a change in the moon's orbit) celebrated during the month of March or April with Ugadhi patchadi (special vegetarian meals) and Cherathalu (a joyful folk dance).
Stress has become a part of the Telugu people's lives. Although many have found success, theses successes have brought new problems into their lives. Pray that local believers will relate and respond to these and other needs of the Telugu by building relationships and introducing them to the One of Peace.
Scripture Prayers for the South Asian, Telugu-speaking in Malaysia.
Profile Source: Southeast Asia Link - SEALINK Copyrighted © Used with permission |
People Name General | South Asian, Telugu-speaking |
People Name in Country | South Asian, Telugu-speaking |
Natural Name | Telugu-speaking South Asian |
Pronunciation |
TEL-uh-goo
|
Alternate Names | Andhra; Telegu; Tolangan |
Population this Country | 126,000 |
Population all Countries | 1,175,000 |
Total Countries | 11 |
Indigenous | No |
Progress Scale | 1 ● |
Unreached | Yes |
Frontier People Group | No |
GSEC | 5 (per PeopleGroups.org) |
Pioneer Workers Needed | 3 |
People ID | 15324 |
ROP3 Code | 109930 |
Country | Malaysia | ||
Region | Asia, Southeast | ||
Continent | Asia | ||
10/40 Window | Yes | ||
Persecution Rank | 43 (Open Doors top 50 rank, 1 = highest persecution ranking) | ||
Location in Country | Urban centers Source: Joshua Project |
Country | Malaysia |
Region | Asia, Southeast |
Continent | Asia |
10/40 Window | Yes |
Persecution Rank | 43 (Open Doors top 50 rank, 1 = highest persecution ranking) |
Location in Country | Urban centers. Source: Joshua Project |
Primary Religion: | Hinduism |
Major Religion ▲ | Percent |
---|---|
Buddhism |
0.00 %
|
Christianity (Evangelical 1.50 %) |
4.00 %
|
Ethnic Religions |
0.00 %
|
Hinduism |
85.00 %
|
Islam |
3.00 %
|
Non-Religious |
0.00 %
|
Other / Small |
8.00 %
|
Unknown |
0.00 %
|
Primary Language | Telugu (126,000 speakers) |
Language Code | tel Ethnologue Listing |
Language Written | Yes ScriptSource Listing |
Total Languages | 1 |
Primary Language | Telugu (126,000 speakers) |
Language Code | tel Ethnologue Listing |
Total Languages | 1 |
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) |
Bible-NT Audio | Online |
Possible Print Bibles | |
---|---|
Amazon | |
World Bibles | |
Forum Bible Agencies | |
National Bible Societies | |
World Bible Finder | |
Virtual Storehouse |
Photo Source | Copyrighted © 2023 Kerry Olson All rights reserved. Used with permission |
Map Source | Southeast Asia Link - SEALINK Copyrighted © Used with permission |
Profile Source | Southeast Asia Link - SEALINK Copyrighted © Used with permission |
Data Sources | Data is compiled from various sources. Learn more. |