South Indian Brāhmins in Sri Lankan Culture

This book offers a fresh and provocative perspective on the migration of South Indians to Sri Lanka, challenging the conventional historical narratives. Its central focus revolves around a group of South Indian Brāhmins who arrived in Sath Korale, within the Kurunegala District of Sri Lanka, during the 16th century, coinciding with the Mundukondapola regional kingdom. This group’s enduring historical legacy is explored up to the present day. Furthermore, the book provides a concise account of these Brāhmin settlements in Sath Korale, with a comprehensive examination of Kambuwatawana Brāhmi village, where one particular Brāhmin contingent thrived. The analysis draws from a range of sources, including historical palm-leaf manuscripts (Puskola Poth), sociological accounts, and recent genealogical records. Notably, these South Indian Brāhmi immigrants were Hindus and Dravidian language speakers, ultimately assimilating into the Sinhala Buddhist society within Sath Korale and the wider Kandyan regions. Additionally, the book briefly delves into the records of other South Indian migrants such as the Malala Bandaras (from Kerala) and Hettis, who arrived alongside or during the same period as the Brāhmin contingent. It also captures the historical facts of South Indian migrants who settled in various regions of Sri Lanka from the medieval times and became integrated into the local Sri Lankan society. Remarkably, it becomes evident that none of the present-day descendants of these diverse migrant groups possess a comprehensive awareness of their South Indian origins, as these roots have faded from memory over the course of several centuries. This newfound information sheds considerable light on contemporary Sri Lankan racial and religious consciousness.