The Rowther (anglicised as Irauttar, Rawther, Ravuttar, Ravutta, Ravuthar, Ravuthamar) are a distinct Muslim community living largely in the south Indian states of Tamil Nadu and Kerala.

[6] They were traditionally a martial clan like the Maravars,[7] and constitute large part of the multi-ethnic Tamil Muslim community.

[10][11][12][13][14][15] The name Ravuttar (or Ravutta, Ravuthar, Rowther, Rawther) means king, horseman, or cavalry warrior in the Tamil language and is derived from the word Rājaputra, in the sense of 'prince', 'nobleman', or 'horseman'.

[citation needed] Much like other Muslim communities, Drinking Culture is non-existent due to Islam's stance regarding consumption of alcohol.

For more informal settings, a colored and patterned (checkered or striped) kayili is worn, usually as loungewear, regardless of age group and social standings.

Over the decades, both as formal and informal wear, as is the case with the rest of the Indian subcontinent, the Salwar Kameez has become more prevalent, especially among working women and among the younger generations.

[26] However, due to evolving trends and cultural exchange, nowadays, as Purdah, women wear the Abaya, usually black in colour, paired with a headscarf.

[citation needed] 'Ravuttar', 'Rawther', and 'Rowther' are common surnames among the group,[28] but other titles often used are below: Rowthers are Soldiers, officials, and literati attached to Muslim Court in the Deccan.

[38] During 8th-10th centuries, an armada of Turkish traders settled in Madurai, Tanjore, Tiruchirapalli, Tharangambadi, Nagapattinam, Muthupet, Koothanallur and Podakkudi.

[38] Both now Tamil and Turkish Hanafi expanded with population and some circumstantial evidence in historical sources that the Rowthers are related to Vellalar converts.

They deal in gemstones, gold, textiles, and real estate and participate in the food, beverage, and hospitality industry, construction work, and general merchandising.

In contrast, they can also be part of the Barelvi movement (Sunnat Jamaath), which also began in North India during the late 19th century.

The Barelvi movement emphasise more on retaining the centuries of religious traditions and practices, and encourages visiting the resting place (Dargahs) of Awliyas and seeking intercession.

There are some minority, particularly among the youth, that might follow Salafism, primarily due to the efforts and groundwork of reformist Salafi organizations like the Tamil Nadu Thowheed Jamaath, who discourage the practice of sticking to one madhab for religious rulings.

[45] The well-known legend of the Shiva saint Manikkavacakar of the 9th century is connected with the purchase of horses for the Pandya king.

[9] Rowthers are one of the most prominent Muslim groups in South India, making their mark in various fields, from jurisprudence to Entertainment.

[52] Grants and scholarships have been established by numerous Muslim minority institutions to make education easier for women to seek and access.

Historically, in the Indian subcontinent, due to societal and cultural reasons, more so than any religious mandate, women were discouraged to attend, pray, and participate in masjids.