.. Hundreds of poor Muslim women in Kozhikode, most of whom are still in their thirties, the only lasting gain from their brief marriages to ageing Arabs are the offspring.

There are hundreds of distinctly Arab-looking boys and girls - whose fathers live in memory or a rare fading photograph or an old letter - in the slum-like hovels of Kozhikode ... Favoured by visiting Arabs for seasonal sex and companionship for many decades ..

In the past few decades, Kerala witnessed a Gulf boom and increased interaction with the Arab countries. (From) the rich dhow-owning Arab businessmen (to) deck-hand, khalasi and menial worker in Arab gear (apart from) visiting Arabs ... Girls, invariably in their teens, were available aplenty thanks to the huge dowry and other demands on their. parents from local grooms ... Hundreds of (deserted) women with similar tales ... look out into the sea. (Many have lost hope). (Source: The Indian Express, 15 August, 2000)