The Caste system 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 Jāti system found in South India. The fourfold caste model in Sri Lanka's pre-British period Sinhala history and literature was: Raja, Bamunu, Velenda and Govi. Ancient Sri lankan texts such as the Pujavaliya, Sadharmaratnavaliya and Yogaratnakaraya and inscriptional evidence show that the above hierarchy prevailed throughout the feudal period. The repetition of the same caste hierarchy even as recently as the 18th century, in the British / Kandyan period Kadayimpoth - Boundary books as well, indicates the continuation of the tradition right up to the end of Sri Lanka’s monarchy. Other ancient texts such as the Gavaratnakaraya and Sarpothpaththiya (Sarpavedakama Col. Museum publication, 1956, pgs vi, 5 & 123) respectively classify even Sri Lankan cattle and snakes into the four caste categories as Raja, Bamunu, Velanda & Govi, where again the Govi is the lowest form. To meet Wikipedias quality standards, this article or section may require cleanup. ... Dark green region marks the approximate extent of northern India while the regions marked as light green lies within the sphere of north Indian influence. ... Jātis (the word literally means births) comprise the subcastes found within the four major castes, or varnas, of the Indian caste system. ... The geographical south of India includes all Indian territory below the 20th parallel. ... For the Bollywood film of the same name see Kshatriya Kshatriya (Hindi: , from Sanskrit: , ) is one of the four varnas, or castes, in Hinduism. ... The term Brahmin denotes both a member of the priestly class in the Hindu varna system, and a member of the highest caste in the caste system of Hindu society. ... This article does not cite any references or sources. ... Shudra (IAST: ) is the fourth Varna in the traditional four-section division in historic Hindu society. ...

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. Caste systems are traditional, hereditary systems of social classification, that evolved due to the enormous diversity in India (where all three primary races met, not by forced slavery but by immigration). ...

History

Caste as we know it today appears to have been introduced to Sri Lanka by Prakrit-language-speakers from North India. Whether the similar Jāti 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 (also spelt Pracrit) (Sanskrit: , original, natural, artless, normal, ordinary, usual, i. ... Dark green region marks the approximate extent of northern India while the regions marked as light green lies within the sphere of north Indian influence. ... Jātis (the word literally means births) comprise the subcastes found within the four major castes, or varnas, of the Indian caste system. ... This article or section does not cite its references or sources. ... Anuradhapura, ( in Sinhala), is one of the ancient capitals of Sri Lanka, world famous for its well preserved ruins of the Great Sri Lankan Civilization. ... 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 BC, indicating that caste taboos remained in place. A statue of the Sakyamuni Buddha in Tawang Gompa, India. ... 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. ... (2nd millennium BC - 1st millennium BC - 1st millennium) The 2nd century BC started on January 1, 200 BC and ended on December 31, 101 BC. // Coin of Antiochus IV. Reverse shows Apollo seated on an omphalos. ... This article is about cultural prohibitions in general, for other uses, see Taboo (disambiguation). ...

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 menial tasks, weaving, crafts and ritual drumming. 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. ...

Sinhalese Castes

As a result of the Mudaliyar class created by the British in the 19th century, the majority caste among the Sinhalese population now is the Goyigama. It appears that the Govigama comprise at least half the Sinhalese population. The traditional occupation of this caste is cultivation, and most members are still farmers in villages almost everywhere in Sri Lanka. In traditional Sinhalese society, they were the peasants but their status improved dramatically after the collapse of Sri Lanka's traditional feudal system. Changes to land ownership concepts introduced by the Dutch liberated them from their bonds to the land. The Sinhalese system is divided between the Kandyan and Low country. Traditionally the ‘Mudali’ in Sri Lankan history were royal military officials. ... Language(s) Sinhala Religion(s) Theravada Buddhism, Christianity, small groups of atheists, agnostics, Muslims, others Related ethnic groups Indo-Aryans, Dravidians, Veddahs, Bengalis The Sinhalese are the main ethnic group of Sri Lanka. ... Govi, Govigama, Goigama, Goygama, Goyigama is a very numerous Caste in Sri Lanka. ...

=== Kandyan Castes ===xzczxcxcxzcxcxzcxcxcxczxcxzcxcxcxcxzc 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 Relic in Kandy Kandy (මහනුවර/ සෙංකඩගල in Sinhala, கண்டி in Tamil) is the name used by British invaders for the city of Senkadagala (Mahanuwara) in the centre of Sri Lanka. ... Year 1818 (MDCCCXVIII) was a common year starting on Thursday (link will display the full calendar) of the Gregorian Calendar (or a common year starting on Tuesday of the 12-day slower Julian calendar). ...

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 occupational divisions within the caste such as herdsmen (Patti), woodcutters (Porowakara)etc. 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. Honorific titles hearkening back to ancestral homes, manors or vasagama, or noble houses or gedara still marked the pedigrees of the old nobility in the 1980s, and marriages between members of these families and common Goyigama were rare. The 1980s refers to the years from 1980 to 1989. ...

In the Kandy District of the highlands live the Batgama or Padu, another caste of agricultural laborers who have escaped the British period consolidation of the cultivator caste. Also untouchable Rodiya and the Kinnaraya 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 Rada, traditional washermen 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. 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. Also Batgama and Padu. ... 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. ... Rada is the term for council or assembly borrowed by Polish from Middle High German Rat (council) and later passed into Czech, Ukrainian, and Belarusian languages. ... Paraiyar also Parayar, Paraya, Pariah, Berava or Sambavas are a social group found in Kerala, Tamil Nadu and in Sri Lanka. ...

Southern 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 other than the majority Goyigama common to both Low Country and Up Country, whose ancestors are believed have migrated from South India but who have become important actors in the Sinhalese social system: the Karave, the Durava and the Salagama. The geographical south of India includes all Indian territory below the 20th parallel. ... Karave also Karava or Kurukula are a fishing-related caste or social group found in the southwestern coastal areas of Sri Lanka. ... Durave or Durava are Southern Sinhalese caste in Sri Lanka. ... Salagama (Halagama, Haali or Chaliya) is originally a Brahmin caste, considered to be the highest caste in India, who reside in Sri Lanka. ...

These groups have exploited their traditional occupations and their coastal positions to accumulate wealth and influence during the colonial period. By the late twentieth century, members of southern castes, especially by the karavas, had moved to all parts of the country, occupied high business and academic positions. Formerly untouchable Rodiya and Kinnaraya are also found in the low country.

Castes amongst Sri Lankan Tamils

Currently among the Sri Lankan Tamils, some of the equivalent Sinhalese castes 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 Batgama
• 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. ... Govi, Govigama, Goigama, Goygama, Goyigama is a very numerous Caste in Sri Lanka. ... ... 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. ... Also Batgama and Padu. ... Salagama (Halagama, Haali or Chaliya) is originally a Brahmin caste, considered to be the highest caste in India, who reside in Sri Lanka. ... The geographical south of India includes all Indian territory below the 20th parallel. ...

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. ... The remains of the facade of a Dutch building. ... Mukkuvar also Mukkuva are a social group or caste primarily a fishing community, living in the coastal districts of Kerala, south 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. ... The Indian caste system describes the social stratification and social restrictions in the Indian Subcontinent, in which social classes are defined by thousands of endogamous, hereditary groups often termed as jātis or castes. ...

Their caste structure resembles that of a Tamil Nadu village. Those who are considered to be of higher castes such as Maravar, Kallar, Agamudaiyar, Vellalar, 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. ... est This page is a candidate for speedy deletion. ... Mukulathar or Mukulathor also Mukkulathor is a relatively new name for related social groups or castes of south Tamil Nadu state of India. ... ... For other uses, see Vallalar. ... Naidu or Nayudu or Naidoo is a common title used by various social groups of Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. ... Reddiars also Reddiyar or Reddy is caste tile of prominent land owning, farming and mercantile social group of Tamil Nadu and abroad. ... This article is about a Hindu caste. ...

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. Other tamils were already originally there as a cause of Indian tamils broguth over to be converted into Sri Lankan tamils. 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 are also social groups such as Bharatakula and Colombo Chetties who, while maintaining caste-like endogamy, decline to be considered either Sinhalese or Tamil. Both the groups descend from South Indian immigrants. Maravar are considered as the highest gast among high castes of Indian Origins Social refers to human society or its organization. ... Bharatakula also Bharathas are a Sri Lankan caste of 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 southern Sinhalese Govigamas. Cross-ethnic marriage was fairly common. Several so called 'first class Govigama'families (i.e. those of the ranks of 'superior colonial headman') are descended from a mixure of Govigama men and European women. 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. ... Eurasian, in English vernacular, is a term that refers to those of mixed European and Asian ancestry, regardless of continent of origin. ... 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. ... The European peoples are the various nations and ethnic groups of Europe. ...

Religion and caste

In the case of Tamil caste system, Religious practice tends to reinforce it. In the feudal era, people of low castes were not allowed into the shrines of the major gods. The priests of the gods Brahmin or other native priests among the Tamils. There were no such restrictions in the Buddhist order. Devil Dancers , exorcists, healers and sorcerers were drawn from the caste of tom-tom-beaters Berava. Various Religious symbols, including (first row) Christian, Jewish, Hindu, Bahai, (second row) Islamic, tribal, Taoist, Shinto (third row) Buddhist, Sikh, Hindu, Jain, (fourth row) Ayyavazhi, Triple Goddess, Maltese cross, pre-Christian Slavonic Religion is the adherence to codified beliefs and rituals that generally involve a faith in a spiritual... 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. ... 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. This was in opposition to the Siyam Nikaya which had converted itself into a Govigama preserve within a few decades of its formation in the 18th century. . 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 (also Siyam 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. ... Jaffna District. ... Temples Categories: Temples in India | Temples in USA | Temples in Singapore | Temples in Malaysia | Temples in SriLanka | Hindu temples ...

List of Sri Lankan Castes

Main article: List of Sri Lankan castes

Sinhalese system

Kandyan Castes

• Ahinkuntaya - Gypsies
• Badahäla (Kumbal) - Potters
• Bathgama - Traditionally cultivators. Called Palanquin bearers during the British period
• Berava - Tom-tom beaters
• Govigama - Traditional cultivators and herdsmen
• Haali- Weavers, no longer found, but see Salagama
• Hannali - Tailors
• Hunu - Lime burners
• Kinnaraya - Outcastes
• Navandanna - Artisans many sub categories
• Pamunu - Tenant farmers
• Panna - Grass cutters
• Pannikki - Barbers
• Patti- Herdsmen
• Porowakara - Wood cutters
• Radala - Nobility of the Kandyan Kingdom
• Rajaka - Dhobies, Washermen
• Rodiya - Outcastes
• Wahumpura - Jaggery makers

Also Batgama and Padu. ... Paraiyar also Parayar, Paraya, Pariah, Berava or Sambavas are a social group found in Kerala, Tamil Nadu and in Sri Lanka. ... Govi, Govigama, Goigama, Goygama, Goyigama is a very numerous Caste in Sri Lanka. ... Salagama (Halagama, Haali or Chaliya) is originally a Brahmin caste, considered to be the highest caste in India, who reside in Sri Lanka. ... Kinnaraya or Kinnarayo also Kinnara are a social group or caste amongst the Sinhalese Buddhists of Sri Lanka. ... Tenant farmers of rice paddy in Sri Lanka’s history. ... Panna caste is a minority community of grass cutters from Sri lankas past, connected to the Patti caste, the caste of herdsmen in the Sri Lankan caste system. ... The traditional caste of Herdsmen from Sri Lanka’s feudal past. ... The Porowakara were a minority community of wood cutters from Sri lanka. ... An extremely small minority caste in the Kandyan Kingdom of Sri Lanka. ... Also Hena and Rada. ... Rodi or Rodiya are one of the widely reported untouchable social group or caste amongst the Sinhalese people of Sri Lanka. ... Also Hakuru. ...

Southern Castes

• Ahinkuntaya – Gypsies
• Badahäla (Kumbal) - Potters
• Berava - Tom-tom beaters
• Demala Gattara - Tamil Outcastes
• Durava - Traditional Soldiers. Described as Toddy tappers after the British period
• Gattara - Cultivators
• Govigama - Traditional cultivators and herdsmen
• Hannali - Tailors
• Hinna - Washers to the Salagama
• Karava - Traditional fishermen.
• Navandanna - Artisans. Many sub categories
• Pamunu - Tenant farmers
• Pannikki - Barbers
• Porowakara - wood cutters
• Rajaka (Hena) - Washermen
• Rodiya - Outcastes
• Salagama - Traditional Soldiers.& cinnomon peelers.
• Wahumpura - Jaggery makers

Paraiyar also Parayar, Paraya, Pariah, Berava or Sambavas are a social group found in Kerala, Tamil Nadu and in Sri Lanka. ... Demalagatara are a social group or caste amongst the Sinhalese Buddhists of Sri Lanka. ... Durave or Durava are Southern Sinhalese caste in Sri Lanka. ... The Gattara are a minority community of Sri Lankas past. ... Govi, Govigama, Goigama, Goygama, Goyigama is a very numerous Caste in Sri Lanka. ... Karave also Karava or Kurukula are a fishing related caste or social group found in the south western coastal areas of Sri Lanka. ... Tenant farmers of rice paddy in Sri Lanka’s history. ... The Porowakara were a minority community of wood cutters from Sri lanka. ... Also Hena and Rada. ... Rodi or Rodiya are one of the widely reported untouchable social group or caste amongst the Sinhalese people of Sri Lanka. ... Salagama (Halagama, Haali or Chaliya) is originally a Brahmin caste, considered to be the highest caste in India, who reside in Sri Lanka. ... Also Hakuru. ...

Sri Lanka Tamil system

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

Northern Castes

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

A special category called Kudimakkal was divided along 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. ... ... Koviar also Koviyar or Covia is a Sri Lankan Tamil caste of traditional agriculturalists, temple and domestic workers. ... Mukkuvar also Mukkuva are a social group or caste primarily a fishing community, living in the coastal districts of Kerala, south Tamil Nadu in India and also in Sri Lanka. ... Nalavar also Nalava is a Sri Lankan Tamil caste of traditional agriculturalists and toddy tapers. ... 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. ... This article needs to be wikified. ... Nadar could mean: Nadar, the pseudonym of Gaspard-Félix Tournachon Nadar, a prominent Tamil caste of India and in the Tamil diaspora The Prix Nadar is awarded annually for a book of photographs edited in France. ... Naiker also Nayakar, Nayakkar, Naicker is title used by many Andhra Pradesh, Tamil nadu and Karnataka derived people in India and abroad in the Tamil diaspora. ... For other uses, see Vallalar. ...

• 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 workers, no longer found
• kussavar or potters
• Wannar or washer men

Eastern Castes

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

A special category called Siraikudi or enslaved groups similar to northern Kudimakkal is divided along Vanniar (derived from the word vanni,a Sanskrit word, which means fire) Veera Vanniyan born from the fire, so his sons are called as Vanniar. ... For other uses, see Vallalar. ... ...

• 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. Batticaloa District. ...

References

• Bryce Ryan, Caste in Modern Ceylon, Rutgers University Press, 1953.
• 1855 Ceylon Gazetteer Page 55.
• Social Change in Nineteenth Century Ceylon. Patrick Peebles. 1995, Navrang ISBN 81-7013-141-3

External links

• Traditional Sri Lanka – Codification of Caste system. An out-dated report from 1988
• Caste Conflict and Elite Formation: the Rise of the Karava Elite in Sri Lanka
• Caste amongst the Sinhalese. An out-dated report from 1988
• Caste amongst Sri Lankan Tamils
• Janvamsa, an important treatise of ancient Sri Lanka
• Socio-political organization of Sri Lankan Tamils by Professor Brian Pfaffenberger