Are Sri Lankan Muslims Descendants of Arabs or Moors?

Understanding the ancestral origins of Sri Lankan Muslims is a complex and often misunderstood topic. Traditionally, it was believed that a large portion of Sri Lankan Muslims descended from Arab traders, but modern genetic analysis has provided a clearer picture.

Genetic Analysis Results

Research into the genetic makeup of Sri Lankan Muslims has revealed some interesting facts. It has been found that 90 percent of their DNA is of Tamil Dravidian descent. The remaining 10 percent of their DNA comes from Arab origins. This mixed heritage is derived from Arab traders who, in the past, engaged in trade with the regions of Hadramaut in Yemen and Dhofar in Oman, marrying Sinhalese and Tamil women. However, this is not true for all Sri Lankan Muslims. While a subgroup of them indeed have mixed ethnic ancestry from these Arab traders, the majority is purely South Asian.

The Misconception of Arab Descent

The misconception of Arab descent among Sri Lankan Muslims originated from the term ‘Moor,’ a word with deep historical roots. Early historians, misunderstanding the term 'mouro' (implying Muslim or Moor or Arab) used by Portuguese historians, incorrectly attributed an Arab identity to Sri Lankan Muslims, even though they had no real connection to the Middle East. Modern genetic studies have unequivocally confirmed that Sri Lankan Muslims are mainly South Asian with no significant Semitic ancestry. There is no substantial evidence of widespread marriages between Sinhalese or Tamil women and foreign Muslims.

British Historians and Misleading Theories

The concept of Arab descent among Sri Lankan Muslims was further perpetuated by British historians, who based their observations on limited data from Eastern Sri Lanka. British historians noted that Mukkuvar, a caste of maritime Tamil communities, converted to Islam while retaining their caste identity. This marriage continued well into modern times, and this phenomenon was misinterpreted as widespread intermarriage between Sinhalese, Tamil women, and foreign Muslims. However, intermarriage was quite restricted in both Sinhala and Tamil societies, even among their own people. The idea of marrying foreigners, particularly those of a different social status, was generally impractical and unthinkable.

The Most Likely Ancestral Origins

Modern genetic studies suggest that the Sri Lankan Moor population has two principal ancestral origins. One group is the Indian Marakkars, who settled the coastal areas primarily for the trade of spices and gems. The other group consists of local low-caste maritime Tamil communities, particularly the Mukkuvars, who converted to Islam. This conversion allowed them to continue to marry and maintain their caste structure despite their religious change.

Conclusion

The ancestral origins of Sri Lankan Muslims are a blend of South Asian and Arab heritage, with the majority of the population tracing their roots to South Asia. Understanding this rich and diverse heritage can provide a more accurate and inclusive view of Sri Lankan society, contributing to more informed historical and cultural discussions.