Tivaru


Tivaru or Tiyya are said to be the first settlers of the Minocoy island of Lakshadweepa off the Indian mainland.

History

The origin of the Tivaru is unknown. Clarence Malony suggests that they could be Dravidians from southern India. Local oral tradition says that when Dhivehis came to these islands, the Tivaru who had really already settled in these islands migrated to Sri Lanka, except for those who remained in Giraavaru.