The Rowther (anglicised as Irauttar, Rawther, Ravuttar,Raut, Ravutta, Ravuthar, Ravuthamar) are originally a Tamil community from the Indian state of Tamil Nadu and Kerala.[1] They were converted to Islam by preacher Nathar Shah.[2] Even after conversion they retained their caste name. They were elite cavalrymen of the Chola and Pandya kingdoms.[3] They were traditionally a martial clan like the Maravars,[4] and constitute large part of the multi-ethnic Tamil Muslim community.[5] Rowthers have also been found as Tamil polygars, zamindars and chieftains from the 16th to 18th centuries.[6] The traditional homelands of the Rowthers were in the interior of Southern Tamilakam.[7][8][9][10][11][12]
The name Ravuttar (or Ravutta, Ravuthar, Rowther, Rawther) means king, horseman, or cavalry warrior in the Tamil language and is derived from the word Rājaputra, in the sense of 'prince', 'nobleman', or 'horseman'. D.C. Sircar points out that Ravutta or Rahutta, as a title, means a 'subordinate ruler'.[13] Some scholars claim that the name comes from Rathore, a name common among the Muslim Rajputs of North India.[11] Historically, they are parts of clans traditionally holding positions as rulers and military folk. 'Ravuta' means a high-ranking title King, lord, or feudatory ruling chief.[14]
'Rahut' or 'rowt' means Warrior and 'raya' means captain.[15] 'Rāvuttarayan' or 'Rāvuttakartan' means high military chief of cavalry.
Demography
Rowthers are largest Muslim community in Tamil Nadu. they found all over Tamil Nadu and in Central and Southern Kerala. Their mother tongue is Tamil.[16] Many of them are familiar with the Perso-Arabic script. They adhere to the principles of Islam, engaging in the study of the Quran and other religious texts in Arabic. Simultaneously, despite their commitment to their Islamic faith, they share a common pride with all Tamils in their rich Tamil language and vibrant cultural heritage.[17]
They have their own distinct culinary traditions which notably include Rowther Biryani.[19][20][21], which is made of Jeera Samba rice, and desserts like Dumroot, a cake-like dish made out of semolina. Mutton is the preferred meat for special occasions like wedding events, house warming ceremonies, etc.[citation needed]
Much like other Muslim communities, Drinking Culture is non-existent due to Islam's stance regarding consumption of alcohol. As is the consumption of pork and usage of products derived from pigs. Due to following Hanafi rulings, they also might abstain from consuming shellfish like prawns, shrimps, crabs, lobsters, etc.due to them being deemed Makruh in the Hanafi madhab.
The Elderly Men wear solid white Vēṭṭis (unstitched) or solid white Kayili (stitched) for formal occasions. For more informal settings, a colored and patterned (checkered or striped) kayili is worn, usually as loungewear, regardless of age group and social standings. Religious Clerics or men who might be devout in their beliefs wear a jubbah, often paired with a kayili. For special occasions, men might wear a waistcoat. Men usually get married wearing either a Western Suit or a Sherwani. They wear a white skullcap as headgear, especially if they are devout. Other headgear include the Turban and the Fez, which aren't worn as frequently as everyday headgear as how the white skullcap might be, usually reserved for special occasions.
Women's traditional attire is the sari,[17][12] serving as a bridal wear and for other formal occasions. Elderly women usually wear the sari as an everyday attire, regardless of the occasion. Over the decades, both as formal and informal wear, as is the case with the rest of the Indian subcontinent, the Salwar Kameez has become more prevalent, especially among working women and among the younger generations.[22] The older generations used to wrap around an unstitched and white over-sheet by the name of 'Thupathi' over their garments, as a marker of modesty and Purdah.[23] However, due to evolving trends and cultural exchange, nowadays, as Purdah, women wear the Abaya, usually black in colour, paired with a headscarf.
Both men and women might dye their hair (and beard, in the case of men) with Henna, in compliance with a Prophetic tradition. Women also apply Henna as bridal makeup and for other special occasions.[24] Applying Surma as an eyeliner is another Prophetic tradition, as it is also a local cultural practice, especially more prevalent among women. Men might refrain from wearing silk garments and gold accessories due to a religious dictate of gold and silk being discouraged for men.
The community also celebrates a festival called Chandanakudam every year.[citation needed]
Titles/surname
'Ravuttar', 'Rawther', and 'Rowther' are common surnames among the group,[25] but other titles often used are below:
Servai[30] Servaikkarar (In 1730s, Ravuttan Servaikkarar (Rauten Cheerwegaren) was a high military ranked man in Ramnad Kingdom.[31])
Identity and origins
Rowthers are Soldiers, officials, and literati attached to Muslim Court in the Deccan.[32] In described as a Rāuta, Rāutta or Rāvutta derived from Sanskrit Rajaputra and was often assumed by subordinate rulers.[33][34]
These new settlements were now added to the Rowther community. There are some Anatolian and Safavid inscriptions found in a wide area from Tanjore to Thiruvarur and in many villages. These inscriptions are seized by the Madras Museum. Some Turkish inscriptions were also stolen from the Big Mosque of Koothanallur in 1850.[37]
There are two factions of Rowthers in Tamil Nadu, Tamils cavalry warriors covers majority of Tamil Nadu while Seljuk Turkic clan remains in Tharangambadi, Nagapattinam, Muthupet, Koothanallur and Podakkudi.[35] Both now Tamil and Turkish Hanafi expanded with population and some circumstantial evidence in historical sources that the Rowthers are related to Maravar converts.[38] Rowthers worked in the administration of the Vijayanagar Nayaks.[39]
Social system: kinship
The Rowthers were an endogamous group. But like all modern societies, they have adapted to modern norms and rituals.[40]
Kinship terms
English
Rowther's Tamil/Malayalam
Father
Aththaa or Atthaa/ Vappichi or Vappa
Mother
Amma/Buva
Elder Brother
Annan
Younger Brother
Thambi
Elder Sister
Akka
Younger Sister
Thangai/Thangachi
Paternal Grandfather
Atthatha/Ayya/Appa/Radha
Paternal Grandmother
Aththamma/Radhima or Thathima
Maternal Grandfather
Ayya/Appa or Ammatha/Nanna
Maternal Grandmother
Mooma/Ammama/Nannimma
Father's Elder Brother/ Husband of Mother's Elder Sister
Periyatha or Periyavaapa
Mother's Elder Sister / Wife of Father's Elder Brother
Periyamma or Periyabuva
Father's Younger Brother
Chaacha/Chinnaththa
Mother's Younger Sister
Khalamma/Chinnamma/Chiththi
Maternal Uncle
Mama
Maternal Aunt
Maami
Cousins
Machan & Machi
Elder Brother's Wife
Madhini/Machi
Rites and rituals
Marriage
Nevertheless, in cities, inter-marriages do occur, although they are rare" (Vines, 1973). Parallel and cross-cousins are potential spouses. Remembering the community's historic valor, during marriage ceremonies, the bridegroom is conducted in a horseback procession.[8]
Occupational activities
Traditionally the Rowthers were landlords and landowning community (historically mentioned as Rowthers were brave cavaliers and early Muslim horse-traders in Tamil literature[41]), but today, they deal with various trade and occupations, mostly being self-employed. They deal in gemstones, gold, textiles, and real estate and participate in the food, beverage, and hospitality industry, construction work, and general merchandising. Some profess traditionally white-collar professions like doctors, engineers, advocates, civil servants, accountants, and teachers.[42]
Administration and justice
There is no traditional caste council or panchayat as such among the Rowthers. Learned and Elderly individuals, and Religious Clerics act as advisors. The Rowther have an association that preaches against dowry and collects funds for charity.[42]
Religion
Rowthers belong to the Sunni sect of Islam and subscribe to the Hanafi school of jurisprudence. They follow the five basic tenets of Islam, which are:
Being Hanafi adherents, Rowthers tend to subscribe to the Deobandi movement, which is a reformist movement that arose during the 19th century in North India. The aim of this movement is to eradicate religious innovations and other practices that the movement might deem 'heretical' or 'deviant', all of which might have crept within the subcontinent's Muslims and their practices over the centuries.
In contrast, they can also be part of the Barelvi movement (Sunnat Jamaath), which also began in North India during the late 19th century. The Barelvi movement emphasise more on retaining the centuries of religious traditions and practices, and encourages visiting the resting place (Dargahs) of Awliyas and seeking intercession.
The well-known legend of the Shiva saint Manikkavacakar of the 9th century is connected with the purchase of horses for the Pandya king. In that, the god Shiva who appeared in disguise as a horse trader to protect the saint and he is called as Rowther. Also, the Tamil god Murugan is praised by saint Arunagirinathar as சூர் கொன்ற ராவுத்தனே (Oh Ravuttan, who vanquished Sooran) and மாமயிலேரும் ராவுத்தனே (Oh Ravuttan, who rides on the great peacock) in his Kanthar Alangaram (கந்தர் அலங்காரம்) and in Kanthar Venba (கந்தர் வெண்பா).[43][44][45]
There were Tamil Rowthers working in the administration of the Vijayanagara Empire in the Khurram Kunda. The inscription details the dedication of the land by the Rowther to a Murugan temple in Cheyyur.
Arunagirinathar Tamil poet say Murugan as RavuttarMuththal Ravuttar Deity
Muththaal Ravuttar (meaning Muslim Rowther is a Prakrit derivation from raja-putra) figures as Tamil male deities who protect Tamil land.[6]
Modernisation
Rowthers are one of the most prominent Muslim groups in South India, making their mark in various fields, from jurisprudence to Entertainment.[42]
The community gives importance to education. Due to Globalization and the 1991 Economic Reforms, a lot of societal and cultural shifts have taken place. The aftermath has resulted in women being more active participants of the workforce and an increase in their participation in higher education and academia.[49] Grants and scholarships have been established by numerous Muslim minority institutions to make education easier for women to seek and access. Thus, women today, are encouraged and emphasised to pursue and excel in secular education as much as it might be encouraged for them to excel in religious education.
Due to easier and better access to religious resources and more religious awareness, the community has also gradually begun to allow women to pray in masjids, particularly during the occasions of Jummah and Eid, and make them more active participants in masjid activities (hosting seminars, workshops, and classes). Historically, in the Indian subcontinent, due to societal and cultural reasons, more so than any religious mandate, women were discouraged to attend, pray, and participate in masjids.[50][51][52]
Iyers are an ethnoreligious community of Tamil-speaking Brahmins. Most Iyers are followers of the Advaita philosophy propounded by Adi Shankara and adhere to the Smarta tradition. This is in contrast to the Iyengar community, who are adherents of Sri Vaishnavism. The Iyers and the Iyengars are together referred to as Tamil Brahmins. The majority of Iyers reside in Tamil Nadu, India.
Malabar Muslims or Malabar Mohammadens or Muslim Mappila or Muhammaden Mappila, is a member of the Muslim community found predominantly in Kerala and Lakshadweep islands in Southern India. The term Mappila is used to denote Muslims of middle eastern descent in Northern Kerala, and in Southern Kerala for Saint Thomas Christians. Muslims of Kerala make up 26.56% of the population of the state (2011), and as a religious group they are the second largest group after Hindus (54.73%). Muslims share the common language of Malayalam with the other religious communities of Kerala.
Tamil Muslims are Tamils who practise Islam. The community is 6 million in India, primarily in the state of Tamil Nadu where 90% of the Muslim community identified themselves as Tamils. In Tamil Nadu, the majority of Tamil-speaking Muslims belong to the Rowthers Community while other Muslims live in coastal Tamil Nadu. There is a substantial diaspora, particularly in Southeast Asia, which has seen their presence as early as the 13th century. In the late 20th century, the diaspora expanded to Western Europe, Persian Gulf and North America.
The term Kerala was first epigraphically recorded as Cheras (Keralaputra) in a 3rd-century BCE rock inscription by the Mauryan emperor Ashoka of Magadha. It was mentioned as one of four independent kingdoms in southern India during Ashoka's time, the others being the Cholas, Pandyas and Satyaputras. The Cheras transformed Kerala into an international trade centre by establishing trade relations across the Arabian Sea with all major Mediterranean and Red Sea ports as well those of Eastern Africa and the Far East. The dominion of Cheras was located in one of the key routes of the ancient Indian Ocean trade. The early Cheras collapsed after repeated attacks from the neighboring Cholas and Rashtrakutas.
The Marakkars are a South Asian Muslim community found in parts of the Indian states of Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Sri Lanka. The Marakkars speak Malayalam in Kerala and Tamil in Tamil Nadu and both Tamil and Sinhala in Sri Lanka.
Sri Lankan Moors are an ethnic minority group in Sri Lanka, comprising 9.3% of the country's total population. Most of them are native speakers of the Tamil language. The majority of Moors who are not native to the North and East also speak Sinhalese as a second language. They are predominantly followers of Islam. The Sri Lankan Muslim community is mostly divided between Sri Lankan Moors, Indian Moors, Sri Lankan Malays and Sri Lankan Bohras. These groups are differentiated by lineage, language, history, culture and traditions.
Islam arrived in Kerala, the Malayalam-speaking region in the south-western tip of India, through Middle Eastern merchants. The Indian coast has an ancient relation with West Asia and the Middle East, even during the pre-Islamic period.
Dravida Nadu is the name of a proposed sovereign state demanded by the Justice Party led by the founder of the self-respect movement, E.V. Ramasamy Periyar, and the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) led by C. N. Annadurai for the speakers of the Dravidian languages in South India.
The caste system among South Asian Christians often reflects stratification by sect, location, and the caste of their predecessors. There exists evidence to show that Christian individuals have mobility within their respective castes. But, in some cases, social inertia caused by their old traditions and biases against other castes remain, causing caste system to persist among South Asian Christians, to some extent. Christian priests, nuns, Dalits and similar groups are found in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Nepal.
Labbay, are a Tamil Muslim trading community in southern India found throughout the southern Indian states of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala and Andhra Pradesh. The Labbay are a subgroup within the Tamil Muslim community.
Podakkudi is a village in Thiruvarur district in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu. The town is located at a distance of 20 km (12 mi) from the district headquarters Thiruvarur and 272 km (169 mi) from the state capital Chennai. Podakkudi is known for the Big Pallivasal, a prominent Islamic shrine. Nearby town is Koothanallur and the nearby villages are Atthikadai and Budamangalam.
Erode Venkatappa Ramasamy, revered by his followers as Periyar or Thanthai Periyar, was an Indian social activist and politician who started the Self-Respect Movement and Dravidar Kazhagam. He is known as the 'Father of the Dravidian movement'. He rebelled against Brahmin dominance and gender and caste inequality in Tamil Nadu. Since 2021, the Indian state of Tamil Nadu celebrates his birth anniversary as 'Social Justice Day'.
Atheism and agnosticism have a long history in India and flourish within the Śramaṇa movement. Indian religions like Jainism, Hinduism and Buddhism consider atheism to be acceptable. Doubt has been ingrained even in Indian spiritual culture.
P. Dawood Shah was a Tamil enthusiast and scholar, Activist and a gold medalist from Madurai Tamil Sangam. He also known as "Kamba Ramayana Sahib".
M. Muhammad Ismail Rowther Sahib was an Indian politician and social worker from southern Indian state Tamil Nadu. he was a founder of the Indian Union Muslim League party after the partition of British India. He was popularly known in Tamil Nadu and Kerala as the "Quaid-e-Millat". Ismail was a member of Madras Legislative Assembly and Leader of the Opposition (1946—52). He was also a member (1948—50) of the Constituent Assembly, the drafting body of the constitution of India. He was also a member of Rajya Sabha (1952—58) and Lok Sabha.
Sultan Syed Shah Mutaharuddin Suhrawardi (969–1039), also called Dada Hayat Mir Qalandar or Nathar Wali or Nadir Shah, was a Muslim preacher and mystic from Anatolia who in the 9th-10th century moved to Tamil Nadu, India, where he travelled about preaching Islam. He went to Tiruchirapalli in Tamil Nadu, The Tamil Warrior tribe converted by his preaching are known as Ravuttars in Tamil Nadu and Kerala are one of the earliest Muslim communities in the region. The most important Islamic building in the city is Nathar Shah's Mosque, which contains the tomb of the saint Sultan Nathar Shah. According to legend it is atop the grave of the three-headed Hindu demon Tiriasuran whom Dada killed.
The Panar are a community found mainly in various districts of Karnataka including Kundapura Taluk and Udupi District, India.
The legend of Cheraman Perumals is the medieval tradition associated with the Cheraman Perumals of Kerala. The sources of the legend include popular oral traditions and later literary compositions. The time of origin of the legend is not known to scholars. It seems the legend once had a common source well known to all Kerala people.
Mukkuvar is a maritime ethnic group found in the Indian states of Kerala, Tamil Nadu and the Eastern and North Western coastal regions of Sri Lanka. They are mostly found on the Malabar Coast, South Travancore Coast and Kanyakumari district, Tamil Nadu, who have traditionally been involved in fishing and other maritime activities.
References
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↑ Tschacher, Torsten (2001). Islam in Tamilnadu: varia. Halle (Saale): Institut für Indologie und Südasienwissenschaften der Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg. pp.94, 95. ISBN3-86010-627-9. OCLC50208020.
↑ Hiltebeitel, Alf (1988). The cult of Draupadī. Chicago: University of Chicago Press. p.13. ISBN0-226-34045-7. OCLC16833684.
↑ Singh, K. S., ed. (1998). People of India: India's communities. New Delhi, India: Oxford University Press. pp.3001–3002. ISBN0-19-563354-7. OCLC40849565.
1 2 Hiltebeitel, Alf (1988–1991). The cult of Draupadī. Chicago: University of Chicago Press. pp.13–14, 102. ISBN0-226-34045-7. OCLC16833684.
1 2 Bayly, Susan (1989). Saints, goddesses, and kings: Muslims and Christians in South Indian Society, 1700–1900. Cambridge, England: Cambridge University Press. p.98. ISBN0-521-37201-1. OCLC70781802.
↑ Tschacher, Torsten (2001). Islam in Tamilnadu: varia. Halle (Saale): Institut für Indologie und Südasienwissenschaften der Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg. p.99. ISBN3-86010-627-9. OCLC50208020.
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↑ Muthiah, S. (2008). Madras, Chennai: a 400-year record of the first city of modern India (1sted.). Chennai: Palaniappa Brothers. p.140. ISBN978-81-8379-468-8. OCLC419265511.
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Hussein, Asiff (2007). Sarandib: an ethnological study of the Muslims of Sri Lanka (1sted.). Nugegoda: Asiff Hussein. ISBN978-955-97262-2-7. OCLC132681713.
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Singh, K. S.; Madhava Menon, T.; Tyagi, D.; Kulirani, B. Francis, eds. (2002). Kerala. New Delhi: Affiliated East-West Press [for] Anthropological Survey of India. p.1306. ISBN81-85938-99-7. OCLC50814919.
Mines, Mattison. Social Stratification among the Muslim Tamils in Tamil Nadu, South India, Imtiaz Ahmad, ed, Caste, and Social Stratification among the Muslims, Manohar book service, New Delhi, 1973.
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