The Term “Damad” for Muslims in Kerala

The Term “Damad” for Muslims in Kerala

There are various theories about the introduction of Islam to India, with one suggesting that it spread through the northern regions, particularly Punjab, after the invasions by Mughal emperors. Others argue that Islam first entered India via the southern state of Kerala. Both perspectives hold some truth, as Islam indeed arrived in India through Kerala in the 7th century. However, the form and spread of Islam in both the northern and southern regions were quite distinct, reflecting the different cultural influences and historical circumstances.

The Arrival of Islam in Kerala

Islam entered Kerala through Arab traders, who began visiting the region around the 7th century. This early form of Islam in Kerala was deeply rooted in Arab culture. In contrast, the Islam that spread to North India had a different origin. It arrived much later, around the 12th century, through the conquests of Turkish and Persian rulers. These rulers spread Islam by force, particularly in the northern regions. Consequently, Muslims in Kerala have a stronger connection to Arab culture, while those in the North are more influenced by Turkish and Persian traditions.

Cultural Influence of Arab Culture on Kerala Muslims

The cultural ties between Muslims in Kerala and the Arab world are still strong today. According to historical accounts, Islam first came to Kerala during the time of the Prophet Muhammad, when Arab traders arrived on the coast. One notable event involved the ruler of the Chera dynasty, who is said to have embraced Islam after being influenced by the Arab traders. The king even traveled to Arabia, where he married the daughter of the Nejad Sultan. Afterward, he settled in Arabia and died in Salalah, Oman. Before leaving, he had converted his palace into a mosque, which later became the first mosque in the Indian subcontinent.

The Origin of the Term “Damad” in Kerala

In Kerala, Muslims were traditionally referred to as ‘Mappila,’ meaning ‘son-in-law.’ This term arose from the cultural integration between Arabs and the local Nair community. The Chera king’s marriage to an Arab woman set a precedent for such unions, and over time, many marriages between Arabs and Nairs occurred. The children from these marriages were considered Muslims, and they inherited the social and legal status of the Nair community. These Muslims, known as Mappilas, were integrated into the Nair social structure and were considered part of the higher caste in the region.

Influence on Names and Traditions

The names of Muslims in Kerala reflect both Arabic and local influences. The Arabic names were often adapted to the Malayalam language. For example, the name “Mohammed” became “Mammad,” “Abdullah” was shortened to “Abdu,” and “Fatima” became “Pathu.” Additionally, traditional Malayalam prefixes such as “Kutti” (child), “Kunji” (younger), “Umma” (mother), “Ekka” (brother), and “Kunni” (sister) were added to names. This naming system was influenced by Nair customs, where family and subcaste identities were strongly emphasized, and the mother’s family name played an important role in shaping one’s identity.

In families with multiple individuals named “Mammad,” the elder might be called “Mammad Ekka,” while the younger one would be “Mammad Kutti.” Girls typically received the prefix “Umma.” This naming tradition illustrates the deep-rooted cultural fusion between Arab and Nair customs, which continues to shape the Muslim identity in Kerala today.

Post Comment

Index