This book provides a comprehensive account of the distinct culture of the Mappila Muslims, a large community from the southern Indian state of Kerala. Although they were the first Muslim community in South Asia, the Mappilas are little-known in the West. Roland E. Miller explores the Mappilas' fourteen-century-long history of social adaptation and their current status as a successful example of Muslim interaction with modernity. Once feared, now admired, Kerala's Mappilas have produced an intellectual renaissance and renewed their ancient status as a model of social harmony. Miller provides an account of Mappila history and looks at the formation of Mappila culture, which has developed through the interaction of Islamic and Malayali influences. Descriptions of current day life cycles, religion, ritual, work life, education, and leadership are included.

Preface A Note on Foreign Terms and Style Part I. The Becoming of Mappila Muslim Culture: A Remarkable Development and a Symbol of Hope 1. The Mappilas and Their Composite Culture Setting Mappila Identity The Malayalam Cultural Setting The Islamic Cultural Setting 2. The Emergence of the Mappila People and Their Culture The Historical Shaping The Cultural Legacy 3. The Issue of a Possible Indo-Muslim Influence on Mappila Culture Two Language Worlds Developmental Contrasts and Sporadic Culture Contacts The European Cultural Intrusion and Its Connecting Role Indo-Muslim Influences on the Mappilas: A Summary 4. The Four Pillars of Mappila Traditionalism The Pillar of Arabic The Pillar of the Qur'an Traditionalist Religious Education Traditionalist Clergy and Their Training 5. The Great Transition in Mappila Culture: Four Change Factors Theological Reform The Impact of Communism Modern Secular Education The impact of Gulf Money and Gulf Custom Conclusion 6. Mappila Character and Personality Today Mythical Elements in the Mappila Image The Mappila Character and Personality The Sense of Being Mappila Part II. The Being of Mappila Muslim Culture: A Profile of Changing Customs and Notable Achievements 7. Key Life Moments: Birth, Marriage, Death Pregnancy, Birth, and Early Childhood Family Planning Marriage Divorce: The Practices and the Problem Old Age and Death 8. Family Custom: Home Life, Interrelationships, Inheritance The Mappila Home and Its Rhythm of Life Mutual Interrelations within the Family The Mappila Inheritance Pattern The Marumakkathayam or Matrilineal Tradition 9. Aspects of Personal Behavior Mappila Occupations Mappila Dress and Ornamentation Mappila Food Cleanliness, Pollution, and Sanitation Tabus: Stimulants and Extramarital Behavior Pleasures and Role Models 10. The Landscape of Mappila Social Behavior: Group Distinctions, Educational Variety, Political Alignments, Theological Factions, Decision Making