Multi-Ethnic People and Culture in Northern Sri Lanka: A Study Based on the Kingdom of Jaffna

Abstract

Northern Sri Lanka has been a region of distinctive cultural traditions since ancient times. This study considers Northern Sri Lanka primarily as the territory associated with the Jaffna Kingdom. Although Tamils constituted the majority population and Hindu culture was influential, Buddhism also had an impact on the region. In addition, Sinhalese, South Indian communities, Javakas, and Muslims arrived and settled in Northern Sri Lanka for political, economic, and religious reasons, contributing to its multi-ethnic character. During the medieval period, the emergence of the Jaffna Kingdom strengthened Tamil political and cultural influence. Although the kingdom was predominantly Tamil and Hindu, other ethnic communities continued to live in the region. South Indian migration, the establishment of Vanni settlements, and the arrival of the Portuguese further contributed to the cultural diversity of Northern Sri Lanka. This study adopts a historical approach using primary sources, including Pali and Tamil literary works, European accounts, archaeological evidence, inscriptions, and field observations, together with secondary sources such as books, research articles, journals, and websites. The main objective is to examine the multi-ethnic character and cultural diversity of Northern Sri Lanka during the period of the Jaffna Kingdom.