Tamil Diaspora: Intersectionality of Migration, Religion, Language and Culture (Indian Diaspora Series)

TAMIL DIASPORA presents the fascinating saga of Tamil people around the world, a long and multifaceted history of their journeys, wanderings, triumphs and challenges on different shores of the world far from their ancestral homelands, even as they adopt and adapt into their host countries. This volume is a brief snapshot of that complex narrative and explores the various dimensions of their lives in diaspora from diverse disciplinary lenses.

Migration is as old as human beings, however Indians are generally considered as the migrant resistant people until recent decades, largely owing to religious views and sociocultural superstitions. Most lived and died in a place close to their birthplaces and natural barriers of mountains in the North and oceans in the South, East and West kept them fastened to the land. However, there were many exceptions like traders accessing mountain passes in the northwest frontiers, maritime conquest of distant lands, imperial rulers taking people from the subcontinent to far-flung places.
One of the remarkable and exceptional account of migration out of India is that of Tamil people. With long coastlines, shrewd diplomacy and financial dealings, they were pioneers in trans-oceanic seafaring and foreign invasion. The European colonial agents in Tamil Nadu, Pondicherry and Ceylon recruited large number of Tamils from the famine ridden regions of Southern India and transported them to distant corners of the globe. The mathematical prowess, scientific acumen and strong work ethic of Tamils have caused widespread dispersed in recent decades. This is the story of the Tamil migrants and their descendants who are scattered all over the globe.

This volume is one of the first to record diverse voices and perspectives from and on the Tamils living in different locations of the world. It beautifully captures their efforts to preserve Tamil culture, lifestyles, beliefs and traditions, often in adaptive and creative ways, while tirelessly contributing to their host societies. A welcome addition to the expanding literature in migration and diaspora studies.-Muthuraj Swamy, Director, Cambridge Centre for Christianity Worldwide

An insightful exploration of the tensions Tamils experience in diaspora – of belonging to the host country and their ancestral homeland, diasporic distinctive identity, daily struggles, and significant contributions in the world. A good read for every generation! Benjamin Levi Moses, PhD, Executive Director, Global Leadership Geneva-Bern

This book weaves the migration history of the Tamil diaspora community’s adventurous exploits, socio-political disfranchisements and awful agonies along with its impressive achievements and future potential. Tamils have endeavoured to maintain their distinct identity while meaningfully integrating into their host societies. Well researched, readable and absorbing! Arisi Swamidas PhD, Professor of Civil Engineering (Retired)

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