Maritime contacts Sangam period Tamilakam Cheras Spice trade Ays Ezhil Malai Confluence of religionsMamankam festival Calicut Venad - Kingdom of QuilonValluvanad Kolattunadu CochinArakkal kingdom Minor principalities Age of Discovery Portuguese period Dutch period Rise of Travancore Mysorean invasion British PeriodBattle of TirurangadiMalabar DistrictNorth MalabarSouth Malabar Battle of Quilon Communism in KeralaLakshadweep Economy Architecture The Malayali Diaspora refers to the Malayali people who live outside their homeland of the Indian state of Kerala and the Union Territories of Mahé, India and Lakshadweep.

[18] They are predominantly found in the Persian Gulf, North America, Europe, Australia, Caribbean, Africa and other regions around the world.

The demand for labor in construction, healthcare, and other sectors attracted a significant number of Malayalis to countries like Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, and Qatar.

Many NRKs (Non-Resident Keralites) have brought back valuable expertise and have helped in the development of these sectors in Kerala.

[25] Community organizations play a vital role in providing social support and addressing issues like mental health and family separation.

[26] Contributions to Literature and Arts Works by Malayali writers in exile or those writing about the diaspora experience have enriched the literary world.

The diaspora maintains strong cultural ties to Kerala, often celebrating traditional festivals and preserving their language, Malayalam.

[30] In Malaysia, the Malayali community has been present since the early 20th century and has significantly contributed to the country's development, particularly in the plantation sector.

According to the World Bank, India received around $83 billion in remittances in 2020, with a significant portion coming from the Malayali diaspora in the Gulf countries.