Achayan

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[edit] Community from central Kerala

Achayan is a term used to denote usually nasrani(syrian) christians subdivision, irrespective of denomination,hailing from central Kerala and part of Kerala those from Kottayam, Pathanamthitta, Idukki and certain parts of Ernakulam like Muvattupuzha corresponding to the former Travancore kingdom.though thrissur syrian christians and latin-christians are not into this community. the travancore syrian chrisitians who moved to Malabar and Dakshina Kannada are mostly Syrian Catholics of Kottayam district and particularly from Meenachil and palai are also called Achayan.

This comes from the way elder males are addressed in that community.Achayans are usually members of St.Thomas Christians who are now splitted into Syro-Malabar Catholic Church, Syro-Malankara Catholic Church, Malankara Orthodox Church, Jacobite Syrian Church, Marthoma Church and Church of South India. Aside from these denominations, a number have joined the 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.

They are one of the most educated and prosperous Christian communities in India. A large number of achayan expatriate communities are found in the Middle East, Europe and USA. A lot of stereotypes, portrayed rather humorously are attached to this community, i.e. prominent meesha(mustache).]