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“Singalam” referred to a group of people who migrated to Sri Lanka

In the early stages, the word “Singalam” referred to a group of people who migrated to Sri Lanka. R.A.L.H indicates that Tamil people lived in Anuradhapura, a city known as Nandikodi in modern terms. It’s suggested that they should be recognized as the rightful inhabitants. Anuradhapura had advanced irrigation systems around 4500 BCE, and Tamils had a significant influence on the governance at that time. Around 1000 CE, Kandampona, located on the coast of Katambanadi, was the Tamil city’s capital. It’s suggested that the Tamil Saiva religion dominated Anuradhapura during the 6th century CE. Tamils significantly contributed to the growth of the Saiva faith.

In 1679, Robert Knox, an Englishman imprisoned by the King of Kandy, couldn’t understand the language spoken by the locals when he encountered them in Anuradhapura. They appeared as a different ethnicity and spoke Tamil as their mother tongue. This indicates that in the 17th century, Tamils were living in Anuradhapura. During the 18th and 19th centuries, Kulasekaram, Vanniyar kings, established governance in Anuradhapura. Under Sathasivan’s Tamil education policy, Theerthakakulam was renamed Tikavapi. Battipalai Aru was transformed into Kalloya. The Singala Kudi Yertru program split a part of the Matkakalapu district to create Ambalai, now known as Ampara. In Tamil, Ampara is also called “Vaavi” or “Veve.”

This describes the history of the town of Kottaiyur, which is situated in the region of Nattukottai in India. Here, Tamil people have engaged in agriculture for many years. In 1952, due to communal clashes in Muslim-majority areas, Tamil people were forced to migrate. A significant Tamil educational institution, K.P. Kalyanasundaram College, was established in Kottaiyur. This educational institution played a vital role in preserving Tamil language and culture. They are known for their contributions to education and art.

During the Gupta Dynasty rule in India around the 5th century, many Brahmins were persecuted, and they migrated to various southern regions, including Kottaiyur. They faced challenges but contributed to the cultural and intellectual life of the region. This migration enriched the Tamil culture with diverse influences.

Later, in the 10th, 11th, and 12th centuries, Islamic warriors invaded Kalinga, Magadha, and Bengal and caused a significant disruption, leading to a mass migration of Tamil people who sought refuge and settled in the southern parts of India. In Sri Lanka, they preserved their culture and contributed to the community’s welfare. Dr. M.G. Ananthan recalls the history of the great Tamil people’s journey from the North of India to the South.

During the 10th to 12th centuries, Cholas and Pandya dynasties ruled South India, and these times witnessed the immigration of Tamil people, including those from the Magadha region. They made significant contributions to the local culture and language. This led to the formation of a rich Tamil culture.

Various kings from the Chola dynasty, like Kulottunga I, Vikrama Chola, and Kulottunga III, ruled this region and made it a hub of Tamil culture. The term “Sinhalese” started to be used to refer to the native population due to the significant presence of Tamil people. The town of Kottaiyur has witnessed the rule of various kings, and it has played a vital role in preserving Tamil culture. It has been home to many Tamil scholars and leaders, and it has been central to the development of Tamil language and culture.

This describes the history of the town of Kottaiyur, which is situated in the region of Nattukottai in India. Here, Tamil people have engaged in agriculture for many years. In 1952, due to communal clashes in Muslim-majority areas, Tamil people were forced to migrate. A significant Tamil educational institution, K.P. Kalyanasundaram College, was established in Kottaiyur. This educational institution played a vital role in preserving Tamil language and culture. They are known for their contributions to education and art.

During the Gupta Dynasty rule in India around the 5th century, many Brahmins were persecuted, and they migrated to various southern regions, including Kottaiyur. They faced challenges but contributed to the cultural and intellectual life of the region. This migration enriched the Tamil culture with diverse influences.

Later, in the 10th, 11th, and 12th centuries, Islamic warriors invaded Kalinga, Magadha, and Bengal and caused a significant disruption, leading to a mass migration of Tamil people who sought refuge and settled in the southern parts of India. In Sri Lanka, they preserved their culture and contributed to the community’s welfare. Dr. M.G. Ananthan recalls the history of the great Tamil people’s journey from the North of India to the South.

During the 10th to 12th centuries, Cholas and Pandya dynasties ruled South India, and these times witnessed the immigration of Tamil people, including those from the Magadha region. They made significant contributions to the local culture and language. This led to the formation of a rich Tamil culture.

Various kings from the Chola dynasty, like Kulottunga I, Vikrama Chola, and Kulottunga III, ruled this region and made it a hub of Tamil culture. The term “Sinhalese” started to be used to refer to the native population due to the significant presence of Tamil people.

The town of Kottaiyur has witnessed the rule of various kings, and it has played a vital role in preserving Tamil culture. It has been home to many Tamil scholars and leaders, and it has been central to the development of Tamil language and culture.

In Sri Lanka, the area around Pudukkottai, Kadiraveli in the east coast, and Ponparippu in the north, known as the Vadamarachchi region, along with areas like Anuradhapura, Madatalai, Kandapalai, and other southern Sri Lankan towns, have traces of ancient Tamil civilizations and educational centers. Historically, there have been significant Shiva temples and other historical sites in these areas. These locations, along with their historical significance, are mentioned by Thiru. Ka. Krishnaswamy (5th International Tamil Research Conference Medal) in his research. During the period of around 13th century, a Tamil grammar book called “Veerasolaiyam” was translated into Sinhalese as “Sinhala Manikam.” This translation led to the establishment of the Sinhala language grammar called “Sinhala Manikam,” which played a role in shaping the Sinhalese language. Also, the Tamil medical text “Siddha Samanam” was translated into Sinhala as “Sinhala Vaithya Sindan.” This work is now recognized in Sinhala literature as “Singhalese Medical Book.” The reference for this information is #PallavaRajasiyam.

– Velnagam Nagendran

 

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