Malmis are the sailor class of the
Lakshadweep Islands. They were brought by the
Koyas for sailing their traditional boats (odams). The word 'Malmis' literally means 'one who is connected with the sign of ways.' In the past, they were the tenants of Koyas - the land owners of the Island. They served as sailors specially in exporting their produce from the islands to the mainland and bringing back rice and other essential goods.
