The Rowther (
anglicised as Irauttar, Rawther, Ravuttar,Ravutta, Ravuthar, Ravuthamar) are originally a
Tamil community from the
Indian state of
Tamil Nadu and
Kerala.[1] they were converted to Islam by the preacher
Nathar Shah.[2] Even after conversion they retained their caste name. they were elite cavalrymen of the
Chola and
Pandya kingdoms.[3] They were traditionally a martial clan like the
Maravars,[4] and constitute large part of the multi-ethnic
Tamil Muslim community.[5] Rowthers have also been found as Tamil
polygars,
zamindars and chieftains from the 16th to 18th centuries.[6] The traditional homelands of the Rowthers were in the interior of Southern
Tamilakam.[7][8][9][10][11][12]
Another theory suggest they are descendants of Turkic people who came in
Chola Empire.[13]
Etymology
The name Ravuttar (or Ravutta, Ravuthar, Rowther, Rawther) means king, horseman, or cavalry warrior in the
Tamil language and is derived from the word Rājaputra, in the sense of 'prince', 'nobleman', or 'horseman'. D.C. Sircar points out that Ravutta or Rahutta, as a title, means a 'subordinate ruler'.[14] Some scholars claim that the name comes from
Rathore, a name common among the
Muslim Rajputs of North India.[11] Historically, they are parts of clans traditionally holding positions as rulers and military folk. Ravuta means a high-ranking title King, lord, or feudatory ruling chief.[15]
Rahut or rowt means Warrior and raya means captain.[16]Rāvuttarayan or Rāvuttakartan means high military chief of cavalry.
Demography
Rowthers are largest Muslim community in Tamil Nadu. they found all over
Tamil Nadu and in Central and Southern
Kerala. Their mother tongue is
Tamil.[17] Many of them are familiar with the
Perso-Arabic script. They adhere to the principles of
Islam, engaging in the study of the
Quran and other religious texts in Arabic. Simultaneously, despite their commitment to their Islamic faith, they share a common pride with all
Tamils in their rich Tamil language and vibrant cultural heritage.[18]
Culture
Rowthers generally speak
Tamil.[19] They have their own distinct culinary traditions which notably include Rowther
Biryani.[20][21][22] The elderly men wear white
Vēṭṭis or white kayili while elderly women wear a white thupatti draped over a
sari.[18][12]
Traditional costumes also include the
Fez and a traditional turban called a Thalappakattu.[citation needed] The community also celebrates a festival called Chandanakudam every year.[citation needed]
Titles/surname
Ravuttar, Rawther, and Rowther are common surnames among the group,[23] but other titles often used are below:
Servai[28] Servaikkarar (In 1730s, Ravuttan Servaikkarar (Rauten Cheerwegaren) was a high military ranked man in
Ramnad kingdom.[29])
Identity and origins
Rowthers are Soldiers, officials, and literati attached to Muslim Court in the Deccan.[30] In described as a Rāuta, Rāutta or Rāvutta derived from Sanskrit Rajaputra and was often assumed by subordinate rulers.[31][32]
These new settlements were now added to the Rowther community. There are some
Anatolian and Safavid inscriptions found in a wide area from
Tanjore to
Thiruvarur and in many villages. These inscriptions are seized by the Madras museum. Some Turkish inscriptions were also stolen from the Big Mosque of Koothanallur in 1850.[35]
There are two factions of Rowthers in Tamil Nadu, Tamils cavalry warriors covers majority of Tamil Nadu while Seljuk Turkic clans remains in Tharangambadi, Nagapattinam, Muthupet, Koothanallur and Podakkudi.[33] Both now Tamil and Turkish Hanafi expanded with Population and some circumstantial evidence in historical sources that the Rowthers are related to
Maravar converts.[36] Rowthers worked in the administration of the Vijayanagar Nayaks.[37]
Social system: kinship
The Rowthers were an
endogamous group. But like all modern societies, they have adapted to modern norms and rituals.[38]
Kinship terms
English
Rowther's Tamil/Malayalam
Father
Aththa or Attha/ Vappichi or Vappa
Mother
Amma/Buva
Elder Brother
Annan
Younger Brother
Thambi
Elder Sister
Akka
Younger Sister
Thangai/Thangachi
Paternal grandfather
Atthatha/Ayya/Appa/Radha
Paternal grandmother
Aththamma/Radhima or Thathima
Maternal Grandfather
Ayya/Appa or Ammatha/Nanna
Maternal Grandmother
Mooma/Ammama/Nannimma
Father's elder brother/ Husband of mother's elder sister
Periyatha or Periyavaapa
Mother's elder sister / Wife of father's elder brother
Periyamma or Periyabuva
Father's younger brother
Chaacha/Chinnaththa
Mothers younger sister
Khalamma/Chinnamma/Chiththi
Uncle
Mama
Aunty
Maami
Cousins
Machan & Machi
Elder brothers wife
Madhini/Machi
Rites and rituals
Marriage
Nevertheless, in cities, inter-marriages do occur, although they are rare" (Vines, 1973). Parallel and cross-cousins are potential spouses. they remember their historic valor during their marriage ceremonies, where the bridegroom is conducted in a horseback procession.[8]
Occupational activities
Traditionally the Rowthers were
landlords and landowning community (historically mentioned as Rowthers are brave cavaliers and early Muslim horse-traders in Tamil literature[39]) but now they are engaged in various occupations, mostly their own businesses. They deal in gemstones, gold, textiles, and real estate and participate in the restaurant industry, construction work, and general merchandising. Some are professionals, such as doctors, engineers, advocates, and teachers.[40]
Administration and justice
There is no traditional caste council or panchayat as such among the Rowthers. Learned and elderly persons act as advisers. The Rowther have an association that preaches against dowry and collects funds for charity.[40]
Religion and culture
The Rowther belong to the
Sunni sect of Islam and the
Hanafi school. They follow the five basic tenets of Islam, which are, reciting the
Kalima, offering prayer five times a day, observing fast during the month of Ramadan, giving charity (
zakah) to the poor, and going on the
Haj pilgrimage. The major festivals celebrated are
Eid-Ul-Fitr, Chandanakudam and
Bakr-id.[40]
Closeness in Tamil inscriptions and literature
The well-known legend of the
Shiva saint
Manikkavacakar of the 9th century is connected with the purchase of horses for the Pandya king. In that, the god Shiva who appeared in disguise as a horse trader to protect the saint and he is called as Rowther. Also, the Tamil god
Murugan is praised by saint
Arunagirinathar as சூர் கொன்ற ராவுத்தனே (Oh Ravuttan, who vanquished Sooran) and மாமயிலேரும் ராவுத்தனே (Oh Ravuttan, who rides on the great peacock) in his Kanthar Alangaram (
கந்தர் அலங்காரம்) and in Kanthar Venba (கந்தர் வெண்பா).[41][42][43]
There were Tamil Rowthers working in the administration of the
Vijayanagara Empire in the Khurram Kunda. The inscription details the dedication of the land by the Rowther to a
Murugan temple in Cheyyur.
Muththaal Ravuttar (meaning Muslim Rowther is a Prakrit derivation from raja-putra) figures as Tamil male deities who protect Tamil land.[6]
Modernisation
The Rowthers give importance to education. They are one of the most prominent Muslim groups in South India, making their mark in various fields, from jurisprudence to Entertainment.[40]
^More, J. B. Prashant (1997). The political evolution of Muslims in Tamilnadu and Madras, 1930-1947. Hyderabad, India: Orient Longman. pp. 21–22.
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^Tschacher, Torsten (2001). Islam in Tamilnadu : varia. Halle (Saale): Institut für Indologie und Südasienwissenschaften der Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg. pp. 94, 95.
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^Hiltebeitel, Alf (1988). The cult of Draupadī. Chicago: University of Chicago Press. p. 13.
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^Singh, K. S., ed. (1998). People of India: India's communities. New Delhi, India: Oxford University Press. pp. 3001–3002.
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abBayly, Susan (1989). Saints, goddesses, and kings : Muslims and Christians in South Indian Society, 1700-1900. Cambridge, England: Cambridge University Press. p. 98.
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^Fragner, Bert G.; Kauz, Ralph; Ptak, Roderich; Schottenhammer, Angela (2009). Pferde in Asian : Geschichte, Handel und Kultur [Horses in Asia : history, trade, and culture]. Wien. pp. 150–160.
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^Arunachalam, S. (2011). The history of the pearl fishery of the Tamil coast. Pavai Publications. p. 96.
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