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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.The Achayans still possesses a high end Jewish Heritage and tradition as well in most of their customs and rituals.
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[1], Ponkunnam,and Palai.
Thrissur Syrian Christians & other denominations including the Latin-Christians Latin Catholics, Pentecostal et al. are not considered as Achayans.
The term Achayan comes from the way elder males are addressed in the Syrian Christian community [2][3]. This term corresponds to "elder brother" in malayalam [4]. Achayans are usually members of the 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. Apart from these major Syrian Christian denominations, a number have joined the Church of South India and Charismatic (Pentecostal) movements who also are using the term Achayan formally[5].
Achayans are traditionally into the agriculture sector (especially rubber) and trade. From the time of their settlement in the region, Achayans used to be painstaking and family oriented[6]. They are pretty much far-sighted and modern. The enthusiasm they possess in acquiring knowledge and education paved way for numerous institutions for elementary as well as higher education in the region. Attached to the Syro-Malabar Catholic Church they have started schools for elementary education, which are popularly known as Pallikoodam, (Palli means Church and Koodam in the sense a Haven for education).
Among the prominent educational institutions of the region includes St. Berchmans College, Changanassery, Assumption College, Changanasserry, Alphonsa College, Pala, St. Thomas College Pala, St. Dominics College, Kanjirappally, Marthoma College, Thiruvalla, C. M. S. College, Kottayam (Oldest College in India), BCM College Kottayam, Baselius College, Kottayam, St. Thomas College, Kozhencherry are few of them providing Arts & Science education in Central Travancore. Along with these Arts & Science Colleges, the Church has also started colleges for professional education including Amal Jyoti College of Engineering run by the Diocese of Kanjirappally of the Syro-Malabar Catholic Church, Pushpagiri College of Medical Sciences run by the Diocese of Thiruvalla of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church and several other institutions.
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.