Thiruvalla Achayans 3.8

Achayan (അച്ചായന്‍) is a term used to address elder males belonging to a certain segment of the population in India, specifically known as Nasranis or Saint Thomas Christians. It is applied irrespective of denomination to those hailing from central districts of Kerala corresponding to the former Travancore Kingdom.Travancore Syrian Christian Farmers who moved to Malabar and Dakshina Kannada are also called Achayan.

A new generation of professionals and NRI's are now the new dominant group among Travancore Nasranis 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.