Mutrasi in India

Introduction / History

The Muthuraja or the Muthrasi people are known as Muttiriyan or Muttiriyar. The name Muthuraja is derived from the word mudi, meaning topmost and raja, ruler. Mudiraj also means ancient king or old king. Traditionally the Muthrasi were employed as soldiers and guards. The Mutrasi have several occupational subgroups, which indicate place, professions, ancestors, etc. Some claim to be Kshatriyas, others consider themselves as of low status. They are distributed mainly in Andhra Pradesh.

What Are Their Lives Like?

The Mutrasi were traditionally a land-owning community, and their traditional occupation is agriculture. Rice, jowar, maize and ragi are their staple cereals. Others are fishermen, masons, ballad singers, industrial laborers or day laborers. Some prepare fishing nets and trapping devices. They are experts in making explosives.
Commonly marriages are arranged through negotiation. Both widowed and divorced persons are allowed to remarry. They live in nuclear families.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The sacred specialists from their community perform worship, birth, marriage and death rituals. They also practice ancestor worship every year on Pithru Amavasya, while offerings are made to their ancestors. They have both Shaivite and Vaishnavite Hindu sectors in their community.
Their village deities are Malleswara, Venteswara, Muneswar, Someswara, etc. They celebrate local Hindu festivals like Ugadi, Sankranti, Ekadasi, Diwali, Ram Navami, etc.

What Are Their Needs?

The Mutrasi people need the local church to go to them, bearing the name of Jesus Christ. As it stands, they must settle for spirits that will never give them abundant life.

Prayer Points

Pray that God will send anointed workers to take the gospel to the Mutrasi.
Pray that God will open the hearts of the Mutrasi to the good news about Isa or Jesus.
Pray for peace in the region where the Mutrasi live.
Ask the Lord to raise up a church among the Mutrasi of India.

Text Source:   Joshua Project