Who are Malabaris

Malabar Muslims or Mapillas better known as Malabaris in Malaysia are Muslims originating from the narrow belt along the southwest coast of India , identified with the present State of Kerala. Majority of these people come from the northern region of this State , known as Malabar. 

'Malabar ' is a combination of 'mali' , derived from the first syllable of Malayalam , which the Arabs generally applied to Quilon, and by extension the whole area the the Persian word 'bar' ,country thus meaning  'hill-country'- the same meaning  Malayalam.

The area known as Malabar include 67% of the Malabar Muslim  population. Malabar was the ancient name for the territory designated as Kerala today. From the British Period the term Malabar was restricted to the are that came under direct British rule covering the Northern third of Kerala. In 1956 it became part of Kerala and subdivided into smaller districts.

"Mapilla" is the transliteration of a Malayalam word which has taken many different forms the most common being mapilla, mappilla and Mopla. The origin of the term is not traced  but it appears to be a title of respect, applied by the natives of Kerala to  respect and welcome visitors and immigrants from abroad. The current meaning 'new husband' or 'bridegroom', the usage of which may be based on the word 'Maha Pilla' (Great Child)  thus honouring him and accepting him into the family.

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