Konda Kapu in India

Introduction / History

The Konda Kapu are a sub group of the much larger Kapu agricultural caste. Kapu means farmer in the Telegu language. While many of the Kapu peoples have attained middle class or upper status, most Konda live in poverty and are a Scheduled tribe, meaning that they are eligible for public jobs and special university admissions. The Kapu are also classified as the fourth caste in the Hindu caste system.

The primary language of the Konda is Telegu. Some also speak Kannada and Tamil as their first language. College educated Konda speak English, Tamil and Hindi. Many Christian resources are available in Telegu, Tamil and Hindu including a whole Bible and the JESUS Film.

Where Are they Located?

The Konda Kapu people live all throughout southern India. Most live in rural villages near the land they farm.

What Are Their Lives Like?

The Kapu are a diverse family of peoples. Some Kadu are politicians, writers, attorneys, teachers and entertainers. The Kapu are one of the dominant political groups in South India. However, many of the Konda Kapu are illiterate and work as landless farm workers. They have not been to become part of the modern Indian economy due to their lack of education and job skills. Many of the Konda children have to quit school after only a few years to help their families make a living.

The Konda tend to marry within their group. Some will marry within the larger Kapu community. Families arrange marriages with the consent of the young people. Sons inherit property with the eldest son becoming head of the family upon the death of his father. Newly married couples live near or with the groom's parents. The Konda employ Brahmins for their family celebrations such as births, weddings and funerals. Their dead are cremated and the ashes put into a holy river.

The Konda work in farms that grow rice, palm trees, coconuts, millet, lentils, fruits, and vegetables. Their main foods are rice, vegetables, lentils, and dairy products. Meat is usually reserved for special occasions. As Hindus, the Konda will not eat beef.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Konda Kapu people practice Hinduism, the ancient religion of India. They worship and serve the gods of the Hindu pantheon. 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. They visit Hindu temples and offer prayers, food, flowers, and incense to their gods in hopes of gaining protection and benefits. They do not have a personal or familial relationship with their gods like Christians or Jews. There are many forms of Hinduism, each with its own deities and beliefs.

The main yearly holidays of the Konda Kapu people are Holi, the festival of colors and the start of spring / Diwali, the festival of lights / Navratri, the celebration of autumn / and Rama Navami, Rama's birthday.
According to PeopleGroups.org the Konda are no longer an unreached people. They now are over two percent evangelical Christians. We still need to pray for them that the church witin the Konda community continues to grow and reach out to unbelievers in south India.

What Are Their Needs?

All the Konda need to hear and understand the message of Jesus Christ. In addition, the Konda need help in educated their children and in learning now job skills. Solar panels would bring electricity to rural villages inhabited by the Konda. Workers can bring their villages the benefits of clean water and modern medicine.

Prayer Points

Pray for a "Book of Acts" type of movement to Christ among the Konda Kapu people.
Pray for the Konda Kapu people to understand and embrace that Jesus wants to bless their families and neighborhoods.
Pray for Holy Spirit anointed believers from the Konda Kapu people to change their society from within.
Pray for a movement in which the Holy Spirit leads and empowers disciples to make more disciples.
Pray for a movement of Jesus to heal and strengthen Konda Kapu communities.

Text Source:   Keith Carey