Tribes of Lakshadweep
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Lakshadweep is a home of various tribes and they lead a simple lifestyle. Muslim is the predominant religion and majority of people speak Malayalam language. The major communities of Lakshadweep are discussed below :
Koyas :
Formerly known as Tarawadis or the Karnavar class, the Koyas are the chief land owning class of the society. This community comprises of the families of Tarwards who play the role of juror in the community Panchayats. They consider themselves as superior and maintain distance from other communities.
Malmis :
In past they were sailors of Koyas and helped them in their sailing works. They can pilot the vessel successfully than the other communities.
Melacheris :
A majority of population of Amini belongs to this class and they are landless laborers. The inhabitants of Kadmat, Kiltan, Chetlat and Bitra are all Melacheris who have settled here migrating from Amini. Their main occupation is to gather nuts from coconut trees and tap neerah, the sweet toddy.
Aminidivis :
Aminidivis are believed to be the first inhabitant of Lakshadweep. They first settled in an island named Amini and now it covers the majority of the population in the island. They are expert in handicrafts. They celebrate some festivals and perform some rituals.
Manikfans :
The Manikfans is the highest class in Minicoy Island who owns the private property. The Thakrufans are sailors, the Thakrus are workers in boats and the Raveris are laborers. Women of the four class divisions are known as Manikka, Beefan, Beebee and Kambilo respectively. Bebe is a sub caste in between Thakrufan and Thakru.
