Irula New Testament

Irula New Testament (IRULAN)

Overview

The Irula are a tribal people who inhabit forested regions across Kerala and Tamil Nadu, with settlements in the Velliangiri hills near Coimbatore, Anaikatti, Attipadi, and the Nilgiris area. The community numbers approximately 200,000 people spread across 148 tribal villages, with only about 0.31% identifying as Christian. Their traditional livelihoods are closely tied to the forest, and the community maintains its own distinct Dravidian language, Irula (also called Velliangadu Irula).

The India Bible Translators (IBT India) undertook translation work for the Irula community, producing Gospels and ultimately a complete New Testament. The Gospel of Mark was released by Rev. V. Ebenezer Mani, and the Gospel of Luke was released by Rev. S. C. Jayakumar. The full New Testament was released in 2016. IBT India also produced a New Testament Audio Bible device for the Irula community, released by IBT President Mr. Jabez Selwyn, making the text accessible to oral learners in the community.

Language and People

Irula (ISO 639-3: iru) is a Dravidian language spoken by approximately 200,000 people in Tamil Nadu and Kerala, India. The community uses the Tamil script.

Publishing and Organizations

Published by India Bible Translators (IBT India), 2016.

References