Jaffna: A Medieval Tamil Hindu
State
| by Dr. Naresha Duraiswamy
( August 24, 2014, Colombo, Sri Lanka Guardian) There was a Tamil kingdom in north Sri Lanka that lasted between 350 to 400 years despite the vicissitudes, turbulence and interruptions. The Kingdom of Jaffna developed maritime and commercial influence of some importance in the 1300s of the Common Era (CE). The 1400s CE witnessed external factors at play that led to a relative military decline. There was however a significant cultural efflorescence. The kingdom faced internal dissension and intrigue in the 1500s CE before falling to the Portuguese in 1621. Here is a remarkable story that is often forgotten in today’s historical discourse.
I am indebted to the publications cited in the bibliography below. Particular acknowledgement is due to the seminal work of Professor S. Pathmanathan. I am not a historian by academic background and the narrative below is written strictly in my private and individual capacity.
