Ethnic Identity
Tamil Muslims are identifiable and bonded only by a common language and religion. Otherwise, they belong to multiple ethnicities hailing from different continents such as Dravidian, Aryan, Oriental, Malay, Semitic, Turkish, Arabic, Moorish, et al.. Hence, their complexions range from fair to dark; facial bone structures range from sharp/oval to rounded. This was due to the frequent trading and miscegenation in South East Asia. These races, by the 20th century, began to be listed as social classes in official gazettes of different nations as Lebbai, Marakayar, Rowther, Dekkani, Kayalar (in Maharashtra), Jawi Peranakan or Mamak in Malaysia, Chulia (in Singapore), etc. Jainism and Buddhism was under stress by the resurgence of Hinduism when Islam was introduced to Tamil Nadu and Kerala regions of southern India (650–750 AD). The majority of Jains embraced Islam and they still retain some Jain habits. As a result, there is no uniformity in customs and ceremonies within and between districts and nations on occasions like births, marriages and deaths.
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