Look Before You Leap!

Do you know why the Indian Muslims are referred to as Tulukans especially by the Indians of Hindu origin? I know many Indian Muslims get offended when they are called Tulukan.


In fact, the person who is being called and the caller probably don't know of the origin of this word.
Few hundred years ago, the Turks were ruling large parts of India. There was a dynasty known as the Tughlaks or Tughluks. They were Muslim Turks. 
The Indian Muslims who had Turkish ancestry (or without) came to be known as Tulukan. The females were known as Tulukachi. In Malayalam, the Turkish language is known as Tuluk Basha.


Today, all Indian Muslims in Malaysia are addressed as Mamak and some even call them, 'Keling'. It is the same story. Persons who are ignorant of history call the Indians especially the Indian Muslims Kelings. 
I will touch on the subject of 'Keling' in my next post.