Malabars

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Malabars is a mistaken appellation in the nineteenth century led Westerners to designate all the people of South India (Tamils, Telugus, Malayalees and Kannadigas included) and its a term based on the Malabar region of present state of Kerala in India.

This term was applied by the Dutch to designate Tamils of Sri Lanka during the colonial days. This term, accordingly was also applied by the French to Tamil indentured laborers coming to La Réunion, has been kept by the latter to label their own identity as well till today.

Interestingly, the term Malabar is used in the neighbouring island of Mauritius to describe North Indian Hindus, Lascar is used to describe Muslims and Madrasse (Madras being the captial of Tamil Nadu) is used to describe Tamils and Telugus ethnic groups of South India.

[edit] See also

• Tamil diaspora
• Malabar
• Malabar region
• Malabar district

[edit] References

• Tamil accommodation in La Reunion
• Malabar or Tamouls of Reunion