Sri Lankan Tamil

Sri Lankan Tamil
Group	Sri Lankan Tamils
Native name	இலங்கை தமிழர்
Population	~2.3 million (2012)
Regions	Northern Province, Eastern Province
Languages	Tamil
Religions	Predominantly Hinduism, with minorities following Christianity and Islam
Related groups	Indian Tamils of Sri Lanka, Tamil diaspora

Sri Lankan Tamil. They are one of the three major ethnic groups on the island, with a distinct cultural and historical identity rooted in the Jaffna Peninsula and the Vanni region. Their society is traditionally organized around the kudi system and has produced a rich corpus of literature and contributions to fields from politics to the arts. The community's modern history has been profoundly shaped by the Sri Lankan Civil War and its aftermath.

Demographics and distribution

The majority reside in the Northern and Eastern Provinces, forming a significant plurality in the latter alongside Sri Lankan Moors and Sinhalese people. Key population centers include the historic capital of Jaffna, the city of Batticaloa, and the town of Trincomalee. A substantial diaspora community exists in countries like Canada, the United Kingdom, India, and Australia, largely resulting from displacement during the civil war. Post-war internal migration has also seen some movement to the capital Colombo and other southern regions for economic and educational opportunities.

History

Ancient settlements are evidenced by archaeological sites like Pomparippu and early references in texts such as the Mahavamsa. The medieval period saw the rise of the Jaffna kingdom, a powerful Tamil monarchy that engaged in conflicts and alliances with the Sinhalese kingdoms of Kotte and Kandy, as well as the Portuguese. Colonial rule under the Portuguese Empire, Dutch, and British significantly altered land ownership and administrative structures. The post-independence era was marked by the rise of Tamil political parties like the Illankai Tamil Arasu Kachchi and escalating ethnic tensions, culminating in the protracted Sri Lankan Civil War led by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam.

Language and literature

They speak a distinct dialect of the Tamil language, with notable variations between the Jaffna Tamil dialect and the Batticaloa Tamil dialect. Classical literary contributions include the works of the medieval poet Arumuka Navalar, who was instrumental in the Hindu revival, and the prolific writings of C. W. Thamotharampillai. The 20th century saw the emergence of influential figures like novelist and journalist S. Ponnuthurai and the poet Mahakavi, while contemporary literature often grapples with themes of war and identity. The language is used in education, with institutions like the University of Jaffna serving as a key center for Tamil studies.

Culture and society

Hindu religious festivals such as Thai Pongal and Maha Shivaratri are widely celebrated, with major temples like the Nallur Kandaswamy temple serving as cultural hubs. Traditional music includes Nadaswaram and Thavil performances, while classical Bharatanatyam dance has seen a modern revival. Cuisine is characterized by dishes like Jaffna crab curry and kool, a seafood broth. Social organization was historically influenced by the Mukkuva and Karaiyar caste structures, though these have modernized significantly. The community also includes Tamil-speaking Chetties and Bharathas.

Politics and conflict

Early political mobilization was led by figures like G. G. Ponnambalam and his All Ceylon Tamil Congress. The Vaddukoddai Resolution of 1976 formally espoused the goal of an independent Tamil Eelam, leading to the armed struggle spearheaded by Velupillai Prabhakaran and the LTTE. Key events during the civil war included the Black July pogrom, the Indian Peace Keeping Force intervention, and the final Battle of Mullivaikkal. Post-war politics is dominated by the Tamil National Alliance, which advocates for political autonomy and accountability, engaging with successive governments in Colombo and international bodies like the United Nations Human Rights Council.

Notable people

Prominent historical and political figures include Sir Ponnambalam Arunachalam, a founding member of the Ceylon National Congress, and S. J. V. Chelvanayakam, the father of Tamil federalism. In the arts, musician and composer M. S. Viswanathan and filmmaker M. A. Thirumugam made significant contributions to Indian cinema. Academic and intellectual leaders include historian K. Indrapala and mathematician Professor S. R. K. Iyengar. Sports personalities such as cricketer Muttiah Muralitharan and humanitarian figures like Dr. Neelan Tiruchelvam are also widely recognized.

Category:Sri Lankan Tamil Category:Ethnic groups in Sri Lanka Category:Tamil diaspora