Role of Brahmins in Society of Eastern Province, Sri Lanka

கிழக்கிலங்கைச் சமுதாயத்தில் பிராமணர்களின் வகிபங்கு

Keywords: Brahmin, Chaturvedimangalam, Existence, Authority, Influence, Varna System

Abstract

There is evidence of the existence of various social groups such as Naga, Baratas, Kabojha, Tamils, and Brahmins etc. In Eastern Sri Lanka from the third century BC onwards. Although the existence of Brahmins is observed here, it must explore whether they were found at a high level in the varna system like in Indian society. The objective of this study is to find out the history of Brahmins in the Eastern province and to reveal their role in history from ancient times to colonial period. This research uses the Historical and Descriptive methodology. Brahmi inscriptions, Mahavamsa, Deepavamsa (Pali literature), Tamil inscriptions and oral stories have been used as primary sources for this study. Based on the findings there is corroborating evidence of the continuous presence of Brahmins in Eastern Sri Lanka from the third century BC to the colonial period. As the Brahmins excelled in education, they held an influential place in the religious and other political spheres. Influences of Brahmin may have increased slightly during the rule of Cholas due to receiving land grants (chaturvedimangalam). During the medieval history of eastern Ceylon, they have power in irrigation works, and temple practices as authorities called ‘Urchapaiyar’. Although the Brahmins were influential in Eastern Sri Lanka, it is noteworthy that they were not regarded as superior to other communities such as the North Indian Varna classification

Published
2023-04-01
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