Tamilzh Kural

Who are the Tamil?
T
he  Tamil Indians first arrived on the Malay 
Peninsula in the 15th century and were successful 
as textile and spice merchants. Of these earliest 
Indian communities, only a small minority survived. 
They have adopted many Malay customs over the 
years, including the Malay language, food, and dress. 
Under the British rule in Malaysia during the 18th 
century, the great migration started. At first, Tamil 
laborers from Tamil Nadu and neighboring states 
in South India were brought in to build roads and 
railways or to work on tea plantations. Later on, they 
were recruited to work in the rubber and palm oil 
industries.
What are their lives like?
T
oday, Tamil Indians comprise six and one half 
percent of the Malaysia population and four 
percent of the Singapore population. Like 
other Indians, Malaysian Tamil communities proudly 
continue with their traditional customs, language, 
and religions. Tamil Indians live in both rural areas 
and urban centers. Many have successfully ventured 
into all walks of Malaysian life. Some Tamils are 
professionals, but the majority have remained manual 
laborers. What Tamil Indians lack in opportunity, 
they overcome through creativity. Tamils often 
speak three to four dialects, cook a variety of curries, 
wear vibrantly colored materials, and have a lively 
culture.
What do they believe?
T
he Tamil in Malaysia are predominantly Hindu. 
Although many are devout Hindus, many 
simply follow worship practices without a full 
understanding their Hindu beliefs.
The Tamil Indians of Malaysia participate in manyHindu festivals, rituals, and ceremonies. However, 
there is one festival that has been uniquely 
adapted in Malaysia and Singapore—Thaipusam (a 
demonstration of human endurance, self-sacrifice, 
and the power of mind over matter). It is very 
different from the original Thaipusam practiced in 
India. The Festival is held in honor of Lord Murugan 
(Hindu deity, the son of Shiva). Thaipusam is a time 
of purification and atonement, where devotees by the 
thousands fulfill their vows made to the deities for 
prayers answered.
Thousands of men express their loyalty by putting vel 
(metal skewers) through the skin of their foreheads, 
cheeks, and tongues. They also pierce their chests 
and backs with hooks hung with offerings of leaves, 
limes, or metal containers holding milk. All devotees 
will walk barefoot for many miles and then ascend 
hundreds of steps up the temple to bear offerings to 
Lord Murugan. Year after year, they strive in vain to 
find purification and atonement.
What are their needs?
T
amil Indians would state their needs in 
terms of educational, social, and economic 
opportunities. The Tamil Indians have been 
reported to have Malaysia’s highest school drop 
out rate, unemployment, illiteracy, alcoholism, 
criminal activity, and number of squatters. There is 
some underlying bias against the Tamils of Malaysia 
that is subtly expressed by the other major people 
groups. Pray for local believers of other ethnicities 
to abandon any such prejudices and work to build 
relationships with Tamil Indians and support them in 
their struggles. Pray for local believers to relate and 
respond to all the needs of Tamil Indians.