Ossan

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Ossan is a community/status group of Muslims in Kerala, south India. The Ossan men were the traditional circumcisers [1] among the Muslims of the central Malabar Coast (northern Kerala). [2] [3] The Ossan women were experts in pre- and post-delivery care of pregnant women (midwifery). The Ossann the Kerala Muslim community of Muslims [2]

It is speculated that the original form of the title Ossan is "Otthaan", derived from the Arabic word Khatthaan meaning an expert practitioner of circumcision.

The Ossans were formerly considered as a low status group among the Muslims of Kerala. Ossan community is still figured as a financially backward group among some of the Muslim families in Kerala. Matrimonial alliances with financially elite Muslim families are rare in some parts of Kerala. [1] [3]

References

  1. 1 2 Ameerudheen, TA. "Do Muslims in Kerala follow the caste system? Murder of Dalit Christian groom ignites debate". Scroll.in. Retrieved 17 June 2018.
  2. 1 2 Kunhali, V. "Muslim Communities in Kerala to 1798" PhD Dissertation Aligarh Muslim University (1986)
  3. 1 2 Siddidqui, M. K. A., editor. Marginal Muslim Communities in India 501-514.
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