Koyas are a subdivision of Malabar Muslims (Mappila). They are mostly concentrated in and around the Thekkepuram sector of the city of Kozhikode. Koyas are also found on the islands of Lakshadweep as well as in other parts of South Malabar. Koyas make up more than half of the population in the Lakshadweep islands. They followed maternal kinship ("Marumakathayam").