Culinary Heritage

Muslims of Tamil Nadu – History, social structure, and current status

By Syed Ali Mujtaba Islam came to Tamil Nadu in its earliest days when the Arabs became Muslims. The Keelakarai Jumma Masjid, built in the 7th century, with prominent Tamil architectural characteristics, is one of the oldest mosques in Tamil Nadu.  So is the mosque near the Kottai (Fort) Railway station in Tiruchi which is dated 743 AD. The Arabic inscription …

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The origins of some Sri Lankan Muslim Foods and Beverages-By Asiff Hussein

Sri Lanka’s Muslims are heirs to a rich culinary tradition which has its ultimate origins in Arabia, India and the Malay world. Their cuisine is in a sense ‘international’. Here’s a brief survey of some of their more prominent foods and drinks and their origins. Buriyani – A favourite rice dish which figures prominently in local Muslim feasts is the buriyani, …

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