Ponnambalam–Coomaraswamy family

Ponnanbalam Ramanathan in 1906 with his future second wife Ms. Harrison (right). Several members of the family were married to western women.

The Ponnambalam–Coomaraswamy family (Tamil: பொன்னம்பலம் குமாரசுவாமி குடும்பம்) is a Sri Lankan Tamil Hindu family that was prominent in politics in former British Ceylon and later Sri Lanka from the colonial era to 1972.[1] Many members received imperial honours such as knighthood by the British Crown.[2]

History[edit]

The Ponnambalam–Coomaraswamy family are mainly from Manipay, Jaffna and were of the Sri Lankan Vellalar caste.[3][4] They have been politically active since 18th century, with many having posts such as Mudaliyars, a title for Ceylonese officials used under the Colony governments of Ceylon.[5]

Arumuganathapillai Coomaraswamy, one of the earliest known member of the family was a Gate Mudaliyar, second highest Mudaliyar position. Arumuganathapillai rendered service to the British under the Kandyan Wars, in their attempt to gain control over the Kandy Kingdom.[2]

The family have also made noteworthy contributions. Ponnambalam Ramanathan founded the Parameshwara College, which was later used by Sri Lankan government to establish the University of Jaffna.[6] Sri Ponnambalam Vaneswarar Temple located in Colombo is also credited to be founded by the family.[7] Sri Kurinji Easware temple is a temple located in Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu is credited to have been built by a European woman, Leelawathy Ramanathan, the wife of Ponnambalam Ramanathan.[8]

Furthermore, some of the family members have made contributions to literature. Ananda Coomaraswamy was a metaphysician and aesthetician, who widely contributed to bringing Indian art to the Western world and has contributed with many books on traditional Indian and Sinhalese art.[9][10]

Notable members of the family[edit]

Photo of Ananda Coomaraswamy, who was born to Muthu Coomaraswamy and British Elizabeth Clay Beebe.

See also[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^ "The Constitution of Sri Lanka: Chapter I - The People, the State and Sovereignty". 2014-05-31. Archived from the original on 2014-05-31. Retrieved 2017-10-02.
  2. ^ a b Wilson, A. Jeyaratnam (2000). Sri Lankan Tamil Nationalism: Its Origins and Development in the Nineteenth and Twentieth Centuries. UBC Press. ISBN 9780774807593.
  3. ^ http://noolaham.net/project/19/1810/1810.pdf [bare URL PDF]
  4. ^ Welhengama, Gnanapala; Pillay, Nirmala (2014-03-05). The Rise of Tamil Separatism in Sri Lanka: From Communalism to Secession. Routledge. ISBN 9781135119713.
  5. ^ Peebles, Patrick (2015-10-22). Historical Dictionary of Sri Lanka. Rowman & Littlefield. ISBN 9781442255852.
  6. ^ "History - University of Jaffna". University of Jaffna. Retrieved 2017-10-02.
  7. ^ Muttucumaraswamy, V. (1973). Founders of modern Ceylon (Sri Lanka): eminent Tamils. Uma Siva Pathippakam.
  8. ^ "Honouring the Kurinji". The Hindu. 2015-05-04. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 2017-10-02.
  9. ^ MFA: South Asian Art. Archived from the original Archived 15 June 2010 at the Wayback Machine
  10. ^ Oldmeadow, Harry (2004). Journeys East: 20th Century Western Encounters with Eastern Religious Traditions. World Wisdom, Inc. ISBN 9780941532570.
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