Understanding the Clans Among Tamil Muslims

Tamil Muslims, a significant segment of the Indian Muslim community, are known for their rich cultural heritage and diverse social structures. While the concept of caste exists to a lesser extent in many Muslim communities, it is more accurately described as clans or lineages. This article explores the three main clans among Tamil Muslims and delves into their histories, cultures, and socio-political roles.

Dakhini Muslims

Originating from North India and the Arab region, Dakhini Muslims are an important demographic in Tamil Nadu. They are closely related to Hyderabad Dakhini and Bangalore Dakhini communities. These Muslims predominantly speak Urdu and reside in the northern parts of Tamil Nadu. They follow the Hanafi fiqh.

Rowthers

One of the largest communities among Tamil Nadu Muslims, Rowthers include both Tamil converts to Islam and Mukkulathors who converted to Islam. They are also known as Rawthers or Ravuttar and largely follow the Hanafi fiqh. Rowthers were known as cavalry people in the Chola and Pandyan kingdoms and are predominantly concentrated in urban southern Tamil Nadu cities such as Madurai, Chennai, Tiruchi, Thanjavur, Salem, Tirunelveli, Palakkad, Coimbatore, and districts like Thiruvarur, Dindugal, Theni.

Rowthers are deeply rooted in Tamil culture and traditions, including celebrating Tamil festivals like Pongal and Chithirai Thirunal. They are generally more modern, progressive, open-minded, entertainment-loving, and less conservative. Notable among these are great Tamil Muslim politicians like Quaid-e-Millat Ismail Sahib, Khalifulla Sahib Karim Gani Samad Sahib, Palani Baba. Among the great Tamil poets are Umaru Pulavar, Dawood Shah Manavai, and Mustafa Ka Mu Sheriff. Philanthropists and educationists like Jamal Mohideen Rowther, Mohamed Mian Rowther, Jamal Mohamed Sahib, Kajamian Rowther, and Haji Karutha Rowther. They also include Zamindars like Mohammed Meera Rowther in Nagapattinam, Dubash Kadir Rowther in Pandalgudi, Madurai, all of whom belong to the Rowther community.

Lebbais

Lebbais, also known as Labbays, are Arab-origin traders and locally converted Muslims who primarily work in mosque administration and religious roles. They follow the Shafi fiqh, and in Northern Tamil Nadu, they follow the Hanafi fiqh. The majority of Lebbais live in areas such as Nagorkoil, Kanniyakumari, Thoothukudi, Melapalayam, and in South India, Dharmapuri, Thirupattur, and Vellore, where they speak Urdu as their mother tongue. This community includes notable writers like P. V. "ingulab" Thoppil Meeran, the winners of Big Boss like actors Aarav and Azeem, all of whom are Tamil Lebbai Muslims.

Maricars

Maricars, another Arab-origin trading community, consist of those who married Mukkuvar women and their descendants, along with some Tamil native Paravars and Nadars who also converted to Islam. They are known as Marakkars in Thoothukudi and primarily follow the Shafi fiqh. Their ancestral work includes seafaring, sea trades, wooden boat making, boat ownership, fishing, and other sea-related activities. Many Maricars have migrated to Southeast Asian countries and established businesses there. The Maricar community resides in coastal areas like Kilakkarai, Cuddalore, Lalpettai, Karaikal, Rameswaram, Nagapattinam, and various coastal villages in Ramanathapuram, Karaikal, Cuddalore, and Thiruvarur districts. Renowned figures in this community include former Indian President APJ Abdul Kalam, great philanthropist B.S. Abdul Rahim, poet Seethakadhi, and the actor Rajkiran.

These clans play a crucial role in preserving and shaping the cultural identity of Tamil Muslims. Understanding their historical roots and contributions provides insight into the diverse tapestry of Indian Muslim societies.