Tamil Muslims
| தமிழ் முஸ்லிம்கள் | |
|---|---|
| Total population | |
| (~7 million) | |
| Regions with significant populations | |
 India
|
3.5 – 4 million |
 Sri Lanka
|
2,000,000 |
 Malaysia
|
500,000 |
 Singapore
|
20,000 as of 1992 |
| Rest of the world | 1 million |
| Religion | |
| Islam | |
| Related ethnic groups | |
| Tamil Hindus, Indian Muslims, Indian Tamils of Sri Lanka, Dravidian people, Sri Lankan Moors, Jawi Peranakan, Kilakarai Moors, Lebbai, Marakayar, Rowther, Kayalar | |
Tamil Muslims (Tamil: தமிழ் முஸ்லிம்கள், tamiḻ muslimgal ?) are Tamil-speaking people with Islam as their faith. There are 3 – 4 million Tamil Muslims in India mostly in Tamil Nadu state and also in neighbouring Kerala and Karnataka. A significant Tamil-speaking Muslim population numbering 1.8 million or more live in the Northern and Eastern provinces and Colombo in Sri Lanka and many other pockets across central and southwest provinces, however they are listed as a separate ethnic group in official statistics. There are around 500,000 in Malaysia and 20,000 in Singapore. The community comprises largely urban traders rather than farmers. There is a substantial diaspora, particularly in South East Asia, which has seen their presence as early as the 13th century. In the late 20th century, the diaspora expanded to North America and Western Europe. They are called Cholias in Myanmar, Mamak in Malaysia and Rathas in South Africa.
The term "Tamil Muslims" refers to a distinctive multi-ethnic coterie born out of miscegenation in South and South East Asia. As such, this term refers not only to ethnic Dravidians who are Muslim, but also a range of other social groups identified by their Islamic faith and their marital ties to the Tamil homeland. Members of these groups typically have divergent ancestries and historical connections to a range of geographic regions including South India, Southeast Asia, the Middle East and East Africa. Hence, their complexions range from fair to dark, facial bone structures range from sharp/oval to rounded.
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