Achayan

Travancore Syrian Christians

Achayan is a term used to denote Saint Thomas Christians or Kerala Syrian Christians, irrespective of denomination, hailing from central and southern parts of Kerala corresponding to the former Travancore kingdom. In Travancore, Achayans are mainly present in Kottayam, Pathanamthitta, Idukki and certain parts of Ernakulam like Muvattupuzha which were under the Travancore Kingdom.

Travancore Syrian Christian Farmers who moved to Malabar and Dakshina Kannada are also called Achayan since they were mostly Syrian Catholics of Kottayam district, particularly from Kanjirappally and Palai. Thrissur Syrian christians, Latin-christians et al. are not considered as Achayans.

Origin

This comes from the way elder males are addressed in this community. Achayans are usually members of St.Thomas Christians who are now split into Syro-Malabar Catholic Church, Syro-Malankara Catholic Church, The Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church, The Jacobite Syrian Church and Marthoma Church. Aside from these denominations, a number have joined the Church of South India as well as Charismatic (Pentecostal) movements, where the use of the term curiously not only applies to elder males, but any fellow member of their church.

Achayans are traditionally into agriculture (especially rubber) and business.

A new generation of professionals and NRI's are now the new dominant group among Travancore Christians now. They are one of the most educated and prosperous Christian communities in India. A large number of expatriate communities are found in the Middle East, Europe and USA. A lot of stereotypes, portrayed rather humorously, are attached to this community.

External links

* [http://thoughtsofakottayamachayan.blogspot.com/2006_12_01_archive.html Kottayam Achayan]
* [http://www.naachgaana.com/2007/03/30/mammootty-is-nasrani/ Movie role of Achayan]
* [http://www.achayan.com/ Official portal for kottayam achayans and Achayathies]
* [http://72.14.209.104/search?q=cache:9MlVuN9P-0oJ:malankara-indian-non-chalcedonian.adanoo.com/+who+is+a+achayan&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=50&gl=us Cached description]
* [http://www.achayanchinthakal.blogspot.com/ A blog of a blogger named Achayan]