Tamil

The majority ethnic group living in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu (formerly Madras). Tamils also live in southern India, northern Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Singapore, and South Africa, totalling 35–55 million worldwide. Tamil belongs to the Dravidian family of languages; written records in Tamil date from the 3rd century BC. The 3 million Tamils in Sri Lanka are predominantly Hindu, unlike the Sinhalese, the majority group there, who are mainly Buddhist. The Tamil Tigers, the most prominent of the various Tamil groups, are attempting to create a separate homeland in northern Sri Lanka through both political and military means.

The Dravidian ancestors of the Tamils settled in southern India well before the arrival of the Aryans from the northwest. Although they share the Hindu religion with their northern neighbours, the Tamils retain a distinct culture. They possess an ancient literary tradition and have developed their own court arts. The majority of Tamils are farmers, cultivating rice in irrigated fields. They are also known for their handicrafts, including pottery. During the 19th century the British encouraged Tamils to move to work on tea and rubber plantations in Sri Lanka, where there was already a Tamil population, and Malaysia. In both countries many Tamils have gained access to higher education and sought employment in government service and the professions.