Introduction / History

The Telugu word Kapu or Kaapu means protector, which often meant that they were charged with protecting a village. The Kapus were primarily a military-agrarian community which took up military service and participated in farming during peace time. Kapu subcastes also evolved based on occupation. They have several subcastes including the Tolakaris.

Kapus were inhabitants of the Andhra region, people who migrated from the north, cleared forests for agriculture and built settlements. They are the descendants of the Kaampu tribe, which migrated from Kampilya, Mithila and Ayodhya. These were ancient cities situated in the Gangetic Plains of northern India spread across Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. The migration seems to have occurred 2500 years ago, which coincides with the rise of the first Andhra Kingdom, Satavahanas. This migrant tribe initially settled along the banks of the Godavari River, cleared forests and built settlements and towns.

Where Are they Located?

This Hindu Kapu subgroup lives in Andhra Pradesh, a state in southeastern India.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Modern day Kapus have banded together to fight for their political rights. They have also organized agricultural unions to protect their economic and social interests. A significant number of Kapus have today diversified into industry, arts and academia. However, substantial segments of the population are still farmers. They are sometimes landowners, but others among them are poor and landless.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Tolakari Kapu people practice Hinduism, the ancient religion of India. Since Hinduism is actually a generic description of all local religions practiced in South Asia, we can't say for sure which gods the Tolakari Kapu worship and which ones they do not worship. They worship the gods they believe will provide them with protection and favor. They enjoy yearly festivals such as Holi, a colorful festival that celebrates the beginning of spring.

What Are Their Needs?

Kapu people need the chance to encounter true spiritual wealth through a relationship with Jesus Christ.

Prayer Points

Pray for His kingdom to come and His will to be done among the Tolakari Kapu people.
Pray for a movement of Tolakari Kapu households to study the Bible and accept the spiritual blessings of Christ.
Pray for a spiritual hunger that will drive the Tolakari Kapu people to the arms of Jesus.
Pray for workers who are filled with the fruit and the power of the Holy Spirit to go to the Tolakari Kapu people.

Scripture Prayers for the Kapu Tolakari in India.

References

https://joshuaproject.net/people_groups/21152/IN
https://joshuaproject.net/people_groups/19597/IN
http://www.kapusangam.com/history.php
https://scroll.in/article/803399/the-kapu-question-should-a-socially-powerful-but-economically-weak-group-get-reservations
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kapu_(caste)
https://www.vepachedu.org/manasanskriti/kapu.htm
https://familypedia.wikia.org/wiki/Kapu_(caste)