The Melacheris are the labor class of Lakshadweep Islands. The word 'Melacheri' has been derived from two words: 'Mala' meaning 'west' and 'Cheri' meaning 'village'.
Melacheris were originally the landless tree climbers and the descendants of Thiyyas and Mukkuvas (fishermen) of the coast. They form the major part of population in Amini, Kadmat, Kiltan and Bitra islands. Plucking coconuts and tapping neerah (sweet toddy) are the traditional occupation of Melacheris.
Formerly, Melacheris were treated as the lower class of the society and were not allowed to participate in socio-religious events such as Ratheeb.
