The Sozhia Vellala are a large group of the Vellala and are mostly landowners. The word Sozhia means Sozha or Chola country people. They live in Tamil Nadu and Pondicherry and speak in Tamil. They are not vegetarians and eat rice and wheat as cereals.

The Sozhia Vellala prefer cousin marriages. A dowry is given. Divorce for men and marrying again are allowed. There are birth and marriage rituals. The dead are cremated.

The Sozhia Vellala work mainly in agriculture and cultivation. Some work for the government. Hinduism is their religion and they worship ancestors. Boys and girls are both educated. A traditional caste council looks after them. They use modern medicines and family planning.

* Pray that the council leaders will come to Jesus Christ and lead others to Him.
* Pray that gospel materials will lead them to salvation.

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