The system of Caste in Sri Lanka is a division of society into strata, differing somewhat from the classic Varnas of North India but is similar in nature to the Jati system found in South India . It is one of many caste systems in the world. As everywhere, a Sri Lankan caste can be functional, religious, ethnic, tribal or even composite in origin. To meet Wikipedias quality standards, this article or section may require cleanup. ... A map showing North India North India is a geographic and linguistic-cultural region of India. ... Jatis (the word literally means births) comprise the subcastes found within the four major castes, or varnas, of the Indian caste system. ... A map of South India, its rivers, regions and water bodies. ... Caste systems are traditional, hereditary systems of social stratification. ...

History

The Caste as we know appears to have been introduced to Sri Lanka by Prakrit-language-speakers from North India. Whether the similar Jati like separation of society existed prior to this invasion is unknown. There is evidence, in early historical chronicles, of the main vedic castes in the early Anuradhapura era, although it is possible that these categories were used as a literary convention. It has been posited by Bryce Ryan and others that the system as it exists in Sri Lanka is a preservation of that of early or pre-Vedic India, which bore little relation to the classic varna model. Prakrit (Sanskrit prākṛta प्राकृत (from pra-kṛti प्रकृति), original, natural, artless, normal, ordinary, usual, i. ... A map showing North India North India is a geographic and linguistic-cultural region of India. ... Jatis (the word literally means births) comprise the subcastes found within the four major castes, or varnas, of the Indian caste system. ... The adjective Vedic may refer to The Vedas, the oldest preserved Indo-Aryan texts. ... // Name Anuradhapura, (அனுராதபுரம் in Tamil) is one of the ancient capitals of Sri Lanka, world famous for its well preserved ruins of the Great Sri Lankan Civilization. ... The adjective Vedic may refer to The Vedas, the oldest preserved Indo-Aryan texts. ... To meet Wikipedias quality standards, this article or section may require cleanup. ...

The introduction of Buddhism in the 3rd century BCE blunted the edge of the system somewhat. However, there is a reference to King Dutugemunu Abhaya's son, Saliya choosing to lose caste by marrying Asokamala, a Chandala or outcaste woman, in the 2nd century BCE, indicating that caste taboos remained in place. Buddhism is a religion and philosophy focusing on the teachings of the Buddha Śākyamuni (Pāli:Sakyamuni), born Siddhārtha (Pāli: Siddhattha) of the Gautama (Pāli: Gotama) gotra, who probably lived in the 5th century BCE. Buddhism spread throughout the ancient Indian sub-continent in the five centuries... This article or section does not cite its references or sources. ... In South Asias caste system, a Dalit — formerly called untouchable or achuta — is a person outside the four castes, and considered below them. ... (3rd century BC - 2nd century BC - 1st century BC - other centuries) (2nd millennium BC - 1st millennium BC - 1st millennium AD) // Events 175 BCE - Antiochus IV Epiphanes, took possession of the Syrian throne, at the murder of his brother Seleucus IV Philopator, which rightly belonged to his nephew Demetrius I Soter. ... A taboo is a strong social prohibition (or ban) relating to any area of human activity or social custom declared as sacred and forbidden; breaking of the taboo is usually considered objectionable or abhorrent by society. ...

The later caste system seems to have evolved as much through waves of ethnic migration as by delineation by occupation. Also Sri Lankan monarchs seem to have overwhelmingly depended on South Indian manpower for functional needs such as weaving, crafts and ritual drumming. Among the present-day Sinhalese the Vedic categories no longer exist, while among the Sri Lankan Tamils, the only Vedic category to persist is that of Brahmins; these ethnic groups share many categories. An ethnic group is a group of people who identify with one another, or are so identified by others, on the basis of a boundary that distinguishes them from other groups. ... This article is about non-human migration. ... This article needs to be cleaned up to conform to a higher standard of quality. ... Sri Lankan Tamils also known as Eelam Tamils, Ceylonese or Ceylon Tamils and Jaffna Tamils are today a trans-national minority, and are Tamil people from Sri Lanka. ... Young Indian brahmachari Brahmin A Brahmin (less often Brahman) is a member of the Hindu priestly caste. ...

Sinhalese Castes

The dominant caste among the Sinhalese population is the Govigama. It appears that they comprise at least half the Sinhalese population. The traditional occupation of this caste is agriculture, and most members are still peasant farmers in villages almost everywhere in Sri Lanka. In traditional Sinhalese society, they monopolized the highest positions at royal courts and among the landowning elite. In the democratic society of the twentieth century, their members still dominate the political scene. In most villages they might be no richer than their non-Goyigama neighbors, but the richest landlord groups tend to be Goyigama, while the poorest agricultural laborers tend to include few Goyigama. The Sinhalese system is divided between the Kandyan and Low country. This article needs to be cleaned up to conform to a higher standard of quality. ...

Kandyan Sinhalese Castes

In the Central Highlands, some traditions of the Kingdom of Kandy survived after its collapse in 1818, preserved in unique forms of the caste system until the post independence period. The most important feature of the old system was rajakariya, or the "king's work," which linked each caste to a specific occupation and demanded services for the court and religious institutions. The Temple of the Tooth in Kandy Kandy ( கண்டி in Tamil) is a city in the centre of Sri Lanka. ...

The connection of caste and job is still stronger in the Central Highlands, and at events such as the Kandy Perahera, an annual festival honoring Hindu gods and the Buddha, the various castes still perform traditional functions. The Goyigama in the highlands differ from those of the low country because they preserve divisions within the caste that derive from the official ranking of noble and commoner families in the old kingdom.

Honorific titles hearkening back to ancestral homes, manors or vasagama, or noble houses or gedara still marked the pedigrees of the old aristocracy in the 1980s, and marriages between members of these families and common Goyigama were rare. In the low country, these sub castes within the Goyigama have faded away, and high status is marked by European titles and degrees rather than the older, feudal titles.

In the Kandy District of the highlands live the Batgam or Padu, a low caste of agricultural laborers. Also untouchable Rodiyaand the Kinnara who display the vestiges of a hunter gather tribe, were traditionally segregated from other groups because of their menial status. Living in all areas are service groups, such as the Hena or Radala, traditional washer men who still dominate the laundry trade; the Berava, traditional temple drummers who work as cultivators in many villages; and the Navandanna or Acari types are traditional artisans. Rodi or Rodiya are one of the widely reported untouchable social group or caste amongst the Sinhalese people of Sri Lanka. ... A woman lights kinara candles on a table decorated with the symbols of Kwanzaa. ... Paraiyar also Parayar, Paraya, Pariah, Berava or Sambavas are a social group found in Kerala, Tamil Nadu and in Sri Lanka. ...

Low Country Sinhalese Castes

There are still major differences between the caste structures of the highlands and those of the low country, although some service groups are common to both. The southwest coast is home to three major castes whose ancestors are believed have migrated from South India but who have become important actors in the Sinhalese social system: the Karave or fishers, the Durava or Toddy tappers, and the Salagama or cinnamon peelers. A map of South India, its rivers, regions and water bodies. ... Karave also Karava or Kurukula are a fishing related caste or social group found in the south western coastal areas of Sri Lanka. ... Durave or Durava are traditionally toddy tapping social group or caste amongst the Sinhalese Buddhists of Sri Lanka. ... It has been suggested that this article or section be merged into Palm wine. ... Salagama (Halagama, Haali or Chaliya) is a Sri Lankan cinnamon peelers caste found mostly in Southern coastal areas, especially in the villages around Hikkaduwa and Balapitiya in Galle district. ... Binomial name Cinnamomum verum J.Presl Cassia (Indonesian cinnamon) is also commonly called (and sometimes sold as) cinnamon. ...

Originally of marginal or low status, these groups exploited their traditional occupations and their coastal positions to accumulate wealth and influence during the colonial period. By the late twentieth century, members of these castes had moved to all parts of the country, occupied high business and academic positions, and were generally accorded a caste rank equal to or slightly below the Goyigama.

The highland interior is home to the Vahumpura, or traditional makers of jaggery (a sugar made from palm sap), who have spread throughout the country in a wide variety of occupations, especially agriculture. Formerly untouchable Rodiya and Kinnara are also found in the low country.

Castes amongst Sri Lankan Tamils

Currently among the Sri Lankan Tamils, some of the Sinhalese castes are duplicated: They are Sri Lankan Tamils also known as Eelam Tamils, Ceylonese or Ceylon Tamils and Jaffna Tamils are today a trans-national minority, and are Tamil people from Sri Lanka. ...

• Vellala equivalent to Govigama
• Karaiyar equivalent to Karava
• Paraiyar equivalent to Berava
• Nalavar equivalent to Durave
• Pallar equivalent to Batgam
• Saliyar equivalent to Salagama
• Thurumbar equivalent to Hina

These duplications might have arisen due to similar social structure of caste throughout South Indian cultural zone as well as migrations and fusions in the past. It has been suggested that this article or section be merged into vellalar. ... ... Karave also Karava or Kurukula are a fishing related caste or social group found in the south western coastal areas of Sri Lanka. ... Paraiyar also Parayar, Paraya, Pariah, Berava or Sambavas are a social group found in Kerala, Tamil Nadu and in Sri Lanka. ... Paraiyar also Parayar, Paraya, Pariah, Berava or Sambavas are a social group found in Kerala, Tamil Nadu and in Sri Lanka. ... Nalavar also Nalava is a Sri Lankan Tamil caste of traditional agriculturalists and toddy tapers. ... Durave or Durava are traditionally toddy tapping social group or caste amongst the Sinhalese Buddhists of Sri Lanka. ... Pallar are a caste of upwardly mobile agriculturalists and agricultural workers of Tamil Nadu and Sri Lanka. ... Saliya (or Chaliyan or sali or sale) is a Malayali weavers caste found mostly in Northern Kerala and Southern coastal Karnataka. ... Salagama (Halagama, Haali or Chaliya) is a Sri Lankan cinnamon peelers caste found mostly in Southern coastal areas, especially in the villages around Hikkaduwa and Balapitiya in Galle district. ... In Polynesian mythology, Hina is a goddess, mother of Maui, whom she once asked to slow down the sun so days would last longer. ... A map of South India, its rivers, regions and water bodies. ...

There is also a caste called Koviar, the some members of which claim to be Sinhalese Govigama isolated in Tamil areas after the Jaffna Kingdom conquest of the North. Just like amongst the Sinhalese, the caste structure of the Northern Tamils is somewhat different compared to the Eastern Tamils. Northern Tamil caste system is mostly dominated by the Vellalar except in some coastal regions where Karaiyar have numerical and ritual superiority over others. In the East coast, the fisher castes are dominant numerically that they have used to create ritual superiority over other castes except the Vellalar who seem to be newer arrivals from the North. Paradoxically, Mukkuvars who are at the bottom of the caste hierarchy in the North are almost at the top in the East. Koviar also Koviyar or Covia is a Sri Lankan Tamil caste of traditional agriculturalists, temple and domestic workers. ... To meet Wikipedias quality standards, this article or section may require cleanup. ... Introduction Mukkuvar is a fishing community, living in the coastal districts of southern Kerala, south west of Tamil Nadu in India and also in Sri Lanka. ...

Castes amongst Hill Country Tamils

The Tamils of Indian origin or Hill Country Tamils who were brought over by the British as indentured labour were mainly from the lower Indian castes; the South Indian categories came over with them. The Indian Tamils, Hill-country Tamils, Up-country Tamils or Indian origin Tamils are descended from indentured labourers sent from South India to Sri Lanka in the 19th and 20th centuries to work in coffee plantations there (and, after the collapse of coffee planting in Sri Lanka, in tea and... An Indentured servant is an unfree labourer under contract to work (for a specified amount of time) for another person, often without any pay, but in exchange for accommodation, food, other essentials and/or free passage to a new country. ... This article or section is in need of attention from an expert on the subject. ...

Their caste structure resembles that of a Tamil Nadu village. Those who are considered to be of higher castes such as Vellalas, Kallar, Agamudaiyar, Maravar, Naidus, Reddiars and Nairs occupied the first row of line rooms. They performed respectable jobs such as factory work and grinding of Tea. They worked as minor employees too. Even though they belong to the labor category they were influential among conductors, tea makers, Kanganies or supervisors and other officials. Tamil Nadu (தமிழ் நாடு, Land of the Tamils) is a state at the southern tip of India. ... It has been suggested that this article or section be merged into vellalar. ... Mukulathar or Mukulathor also Mukkulathor is a relatively new name for related social groups or castes of south Tamil Nadu state of India. ... ... est This page is a candidate for speedy deletion. ... Naidu could refer to Naidu caste of India Sarojini Naidu (Nightingale of India), first woman governor of Indian state. ... Reddiars or Vanniars are a jati or caste of people originating in South India. ... The Zamorin of Calicut H.H. Manavikraman Maharaja of the Eradi Vamsham of the Nairs. ...

The workers considered low castes lived in the dwellings that are away from the center and these dwellings are called distant or lower Lines. This group consists of Pallar, Paraiyars, Sakkiliar, Washers and Barbers. The yard sweepers and changers of clothes are in the lowest rank. Pallar are a caste of upwardly mobile agriculturalists and agricultural workers of Tamil Nadu and Sri Lanka. ... Paraiyar also Parayar, Paraya, Pariah, Berava or Sambavas are a social group found in Kerala, Tamil Nadu and in Sri Lanka. ... Sakkiliar also Chakilli, Sakkili and Arunthathiyar are one of the most marginalized social groups or castes from Tamil nadu and Sri Lanka. ...

Non Sinhalese and Tamil castes

There area also social groups such as Bharatakula and Colombo Chetties while maintaining caste like endogamy declining to be considered either Sinhalese or Tamil. Both the groups descent from South Indian immigrants. // Latin root meaning The term social is derived from the Latin word socius, which as a noun means an associate, ally, companion, business partner or comrade and in the adjectival form socialis refers to a bond between people (such as marriage) or to their collective or connected existence. ... // Origins Bharatakula are a Sri Lankan caste of Tamil Paravar immigrants from Tamil nadu in India. ... Colombo Chetty, also known as Colombo Chetties, Colombo Chittis or Colombo Hetties, are a formerly endogamous Sri Lankan social group or caste. ...

Importance of ethnicity versus caste

It appears that caste was more important than ethnicity until comparatively recently. In pre-British times, the Govigama were classed as Vellala by the colonial authorities. Eurasians and South Indian Chetties were absorbed into the Govigamas. Cross-ethnic marriage was fairly common. Several leading 'aristocratic' (i.e. those of the ranks of 'superior headman') Sinhalese families are descended from Tamils or Keralites. Many Karavas speak Tamil language at home and have relatives among the 'Tamil' Karaiyars. This article or section should be merged with ethnic group Ethnicity is the cultural characteristics that connect a particular group or groups of people to each other. ... The term Eurasian refers to the cultural ties and linkages between those in a wider view of the Eurasian continent, centering on the Silk Road, and Central Asia. ... The Chettiars also Chetty, Chetti, Setty, Chitty Shetty and Shettigar is a title, commonly used by people of South Indian origin in India and abroad. ... List of famous Keralites Districts of Kerala Local Body Election in Kerala Government Websites Government of Kerala Chief Minister of Kerala Kerala Tourism Other Websites Kerala Kerala movies Kerala web directory Business Directory of Kerala Online Newspaper kerala portal Kerala news Kerala photos at Junox. ... Karave also Karava or Kurukula are a fishing related caste or social group found in the south western coastal areas of Sri Lanka. ... ...

Religion and caste

Religious practice tends to reinforce the caste system. In the feudal era, people of low castes were not allowed into the shrines of the major gods or into the Buddhist clergy. The priests of the gods or Kapuralas had to be Govigama among the Sinhalese, Brahmin or other native priests among the Tamils. However, the Devil Dancers such as exorcists, healers and sorcerers were drawn from the caste of tom-tom-beaters or Berava . Fishers of Men, oil on panel by Adriaen van de Venne (1614) Various religious symbols Religion is commonly defined as a group of beliefs concerning the supernatural, sacred, or divine, and the moral codes, practices, values, institutions, and rituals associated with such belief. ... Feudalism comes from the Late Latin word feudum, itself borrowed from a Germanic root *fehu, a commonly used term in the Middle Ages which means fief, or land held under certain obligations by feodati. ... Eastern Orthodox shrine Buddhist shrine just outside Wat Phnom. ... It has been suggested that bhikkhu be merged into this article or section. ... This article needs to be cleaned up to conform to a higher standard of quality. ... Tamil New Year Ethnic problems In India After independence, Tamilians felt they and their dravidian race were ignored by the North Indians. ... Paraiyar also Parayar, Paraya, Pariah, Berava or Sambavas are a social group found in Kerala, Tamil Nadu and in Sri Lanka. ...

In the 19th century the Amarapura and Ramanna sects were formed to allow non-Govigama priests to be ordained, in opposition to the casteist Siam sect. In the late 1960s, there were a series of Temple Struggles in the northern Jaffna district, during which members of lower castes forced their way into Hindu temples, establishing their right of entry. Alternative meaning: Nineteenth Century (periodical) (18th century — 19th century — 20th century — more centuries) As a means of recording the passage of time, the 19th century was that century which lasted from 1801-1900 in the sense of the Gregorian calendar. ... The Amarapura Nikaya is a Sri Lankan monastic fraternity (a lineage of ordained monks) founded in 1800. ... Ramanna Nikaya (or Ramanya Nikaya) is one of the most orthodox Buddhist orders in Sri Lanka. ... The Siam Nikaya is a monastic order within Sri Lanka, located most predominantly around the city of Kandy. ... The 1960s decade refers to the years from 1960 to 1969, inclusive. ... Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil, Jaffna Jaffna (Tamil யாழ்ப்பாணம், meaning யாழ்=harp, பாணம்=town of harper) the capital city of the Northern Province, Sri Lanka. ... Temples Categories: Temples in India | Temples in USA | Temples in Singapore | Temples in Malaysia | Temples in SriLanka | Hindu temples ...

List of Sri Lankan Castes

See List of Sri Lankan Castes

Sinhalese system

Traditional Upcountry Sinhalese castes

• Govigama - Traditional land holders and farmers
• Navandenna - Artisans many sub categories
• Wahumpura - Jaggery makers
• Haali- Weavers, no longer found
• Bathgama - Palanquin bearers and farm hands
• Hannali - Tailors
• Pannikki - Barbers
• Hunu - Lime burners
• Berava - Tom-tom beaters
• Radha - Dhobies, Washers
• Badahäla' (Kumbal) - Potters
• Rodiya - Outcastes
• Kinnaraya - Outcastes
• Ahinkuntaya - Gypsies
• Panna - Grass cutters

Preparation of Jaggery Jaggery is the traditional unrefined sugar of India. ... Japanese Palanquin Indian Palanquin A palanquin aka palkhi is a covered sedan chair (or litter) carried on four poles. ... Paraiyar also Parayar, Paraya, Pariah, Berava or Sambavas are a social group found in Kerala, Tamil Nadu and in Sri Lanka. ... Rodi or Rodiya are one of the widely reported untouchable social group or caste amongst the Sinhalese people of Sri Lanka. ... Kinnaraya or Kinnarayo also Kinnara are a social group or caste amongst the Sinhalese Buddhists of Sri Lanka. ...

Traditional Low country Sinhalese

• Govigama - Traditional land holders and farmers
• Karava - Fishers
• Salagama - Cinnamon peelers
• Durava - Toddy tapper
• Hina - Washers to the Salagama
• Demala Gattara - Tamil Outcastes
• Wahumpura - Jaggery makers
• Hannali - Tailors
• Pannikki - Barbers
• Rodiya - Outcastes
• Berava - Tom-tom beaters
• Radha (Hena) - Washers
• Badahäla (Kumbal) - Potters
• Ahinkuntaya' – Gypsies

Karave also Karava or Kurukula are a fishing related caste or social group found in the south western coastal areas of Sri Lanka. ... Salagama (Halagama, Haali or Chaliya) is a Sri Lankan cinnamon peelers caste found mostly in Southern coastal areas, especially in the villages around Hikkaduwa and Balapitiya in Galle district. ... Binomial name Cinnamomum verum J.Presl Cassia (Indonesian cinnamon) is also commonly called (and sometimes sold as) cinnamon. ... Durave or Durava are traditionally toddy tapping social group or caste amongst the Sinhalese Buddhists of Sri Lanka. ... In Polynesian mythology, Hina is a goddess, mother of Maui, whom she once asked to slow down the sun so days would last longer. ... Demalagatara are a social group or caste amongst the Sinhalese Buddhists of Sri Lanka. ... The Rroma people (pronounced rahma, singular Rrom) along with the closely related Sinti people are commonly known as Gypsies. ...

Sri Lanka Tamil system

Due to modernization and assimilation, most northern Tamil castes are no longer found. Northern Tamil based caste

Northern Tamil system

• Piramanar or Brahmin priests
• Chettiar or merchants, no longer found
• Vellalar or landholders
• Idayar or herders, no longer found
• Madapalli or landholders, no longer found
• Agamudaiar or landholders, very few families but identify with Vellalas
• Maravar or landholders, no longer found fused with Vellalar or Karaiyar
• Paravar or fishers
• Karaiyar or fishers
• Palliwilli or fishers,
• Sempadavar or fishers
• Thimilar or fishers
• Mukkuvar or fishers
• Thanakarar or Royal stable workers, no longer found
• Sanar or Nadar' or toddy tappers, very few families
• Kadeyar or lime burners, no longer found
• Siviar or royal palanquin bearers, no longer found
• Koviar or temple workers
• Seniyar or Saliyar or weavers, no longer found
• Nalavar or toddy tappers
• Paraiyar or tom-tom beaters
• Pallar or farm hands
• Vadugar or soldiers, no longer found
• Thurumbar Washers for toddy tappers and other low-caste families

A special category called Kudimakkal was divided along To meet Wikipedias quality standards, this article or section may require cleanup. ... The Chettiars also Chetty, Chetti, Setty, Chitty Shetty and Shettigar is a title, commonly used by people of South Indian origin in India and abroad. ... Vellalars are a dominant caste of agriculturalists of Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Sri Lanka. ... This article needs to be wikified. ... ... Introduction Mukkuvar is a fishing community, living in the coastal districts of southern Kerala, south west of Tamil Nadu in India and also in Sri Lanka. ... Nadar was the pseudonym of Gaspard-Félix Tournachon (1820-1910), a photographer, caricaturist, journalist, novelist and balloonist. ... Koviar also Koviyar or Covia is a Sri Lankan Tamil caste of traditional agriculturalists, temple and domestic workers. ... Nalavar also Nalava is a Sri Lankan Tamil caste of traditional agriculturalists and toddy tapers. ... Paraiyar also Parayar, Paraya, Pariah, Berava or Sambavas are a social group found in Kerala, Tamil Nadu and in Sri Lanka. ... Pallar are a caste of upwardly mobile agriculturalists and agricultural workers of Tamil Nadu and Sri Lanka. ...

• Navidar or Ampattar or barbers
• Koller or black smiths
• Tattar or gold smiths
• Kannar or brass founders, no longer found
• Thatcher or carpenters
• Sitper or masons, no longer found
• Paner' or tailors, no longer found
• Vaniyar or oil makers, no longer found
• kussavar or potters
• Wannar or washer men

Eastern Tamil System

• Vellalar or landholders
• Cirpatakkarar* or landholders
• Mukkuvar or land holders, fishers and farm hands
• Karaiyar or land holders, fishers and farm hands
• 'Thimilar or land holders, fishers and farm hands
• Thanakkarar
• Kaikkulavar or weavers
• Vanniar* or landholders
• Tattar or gold smiths
• Thatcher or carpenters
• Vettar* or hunters

A special category called Siraikudi or enslaved groups similar to northern Kudimakkal is divided along Vellalars are a dominant caste of agriculturalists of Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Sri Lanka. ... Vanniar is the name given to a social group or caste whose members were petty cheifs, peasant farmers and farmer warriors in northern Tamil Nadu, southern Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. ... ...

• Matular'*
• Koil Pantaram' or native priests
• Pantarappillai or native priests
• Kussavar or potters
• Koller or black smiths
• Mutalikal*
• Valipan*
• Nampikal*
• Wannar or washer men
• Navidar/Ampattar or barbers
• Nadar or toddy tappers
• Pallar or farmhands
• Paraiyar or tom-tom beaters
• Koviar' or temple workers
• Tavacikal*
• Kataiyar*

Castes marked with the asterisk (*) are found only in Batticaloa. The town of Batticaloa is the provincial capital of the eastern province of Sri Lanka. ...

References

• Bryce Ryan, Caste in Modern Ceylon, Rutgers University Press, 1953.
• 1855 Ceylon Gazetteer Page 55.

External links

• Traditional Sri Lanka – Codification of Caste system
• Caste Conflict and Elite Formation: the Rise of the Karava Elite in Sri Lanka
• Caste amongst the Sinhalese
• Caste amongst Sri Lankan Tamils
• Janvamsa, an important treatise of ancient Sri Lanka
• Socio-political organization of Sri Lankan Tamils by Professor Brian Pfaffenberger