South Indian Brahmins in Sri Lankan Culture: Assimilation in Sath Korale and Kandyan Regions

This book presents a new and confrontational perspective on South Indian migration to Sri Lanka, in contrast to the traditional historical records.

The central theme of the book is about a group of South Indian Brāhmins who migrated to Sath Korale (Kurunegala District), Sri Lanka, in the 16th century, during the Mundukondapola regional kingdom. In addition to an account of Brāhmin villages in Sath Korale, an in-depth study was conducted at Kambuwatawana Brāhmi village, where this Brāhmin contingent settled.

The analysis of evidence is based on historical ola-leaf manuscripts (Puskola Poth), sociological accounts, and recent genealogical records.

These South Indian Brāhmi immigrants were Hindus and the speakers of Dravidian languages. They eventually integrated into the Sinhala Buddhist society in Sath Korale and Kandyan regions. This book also gives a brief account of other South Indian migrants who settled in other parts of the country from medieval times and assimilated into the local Sri Lankan society.

It appears that none of the current descendants of all these groups are fully aware of their South Indian roots as they have been erased from their memory after several centuries. This new information gives ample insight into the contemporary Sri Lankan racial and religious consciousness.