Introduction / History

The Maruthuvar or Ambattan live in Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Pondicherry in India.

In Tamil Nadu the Maruthuvar speak, read and write in Tamil. They are not vegetarians and eat rice as a cereal. Marriage is by discussion. Monogamy is preferred. On the death of the father, sons inherit the property with the oldest son in charge of the home. Hinduism is their religion. The dead are cremated or buried. A caste council looks after them. They are educated and use modern medicines and family planning.

In Kerala widowers can marry again. They work as barbers, laborers and in their own businesses too.

In Pondicherry the Maruthuvar are musicians. They have birth and marriage rituals. Some of them are self-employed and others do work in cultivation.

Prayer Points

* Pray that the Maruthuvar caste council leaders come to Jesus Christ and lead others to Him.
* Pray that God will give them dreams and visions leading them to salvation.

References

Singh, K. S., ed. "India's Communities A-Z", Oxford University Press, USA 1999