Pandarikulam (Vavuniya-03 or officially designated as 214E) emerges as a distinctive suburban enclave within the expanding precincts of Vavuniya, situated in the northern region of Sri Lanka. It is characterised by a unique allure that distinguishes it from the surrounding villages assimilated during the town's progressive expansion.[citation needed] The nomenclature "Pandarikulam" is reflected in both Tamil as பண்டாரிகுளம் (Paṇṭārikuḷam) and Sinhala as පණ්ඩාරිකුලම් (Paṇḍārikulam).
This suburban locale, officially denominated as Vavuniya-03 or 214E, has become an integral component of the urban fabric as Vavuniya has expanded its geographical confines. Nestled at a distance of approximately 1km (0.62mi) from the centre of Vavuniya, Pandarikulam epitomises the dynamic trajectory of the town's growth. Its strategic positioning on the periphery of Vavuniya offers a harmonious synthesis of urban proximity and the serene ambiance associated with suburban living.[2][3]
As one of the villages subsumed into Vavuniya during its expansion, Pandarikulam encapsulates the essence of a community in transition, adapting to the urban milieu while preserving its distinctive identity. The evolution of this suburb mirrors broader transformations in northern Sri Lanka, where the confluence of tradition and modernity manifests in a mosaic of cultural nuances.[4]
Pandarikulam, with its amalgamation of tradition and progress, stands as a microcosm reflecting the overarching narrative of Vavuniya's development. This suburban enclave beckons exploration not merely for its geographical proximity to the heart of Vavuniya but also for the intricate narratives woven into its thoroughfares, illustrating the dynamic currents of life in this evolving town in northern Sri Lanka.[5]
Etymology
The etymology of the village's name, Pandarikulam, provides a fascinating insight into its historical evolution. Originally referred to as Karunkaliyadithoddam in Tamil (கருங்காலியடித்தோட்டம்), which translates to 'Ebony Garden' in English, the nomenclature reflects the presence of Ebony trees in the region.
During the era of the Vanni kings, the village gained prominence as it was bestowed upon the citizens of "Pandaram." These individuals were known for their religious practices, particularly for constructing garlands and participating in worship ceremonies at Shaivaite temples dedicated to the goddess Mari.
Over time, historical records from Vavuniya reveal a transformation in the village's name. Pandarakulam underwent a renaming process, eventually becoming "Pandarikulam." This change is attributed to the heroic figure, King Pandaravanniyan, whose influence and significance in the area led to the adoption of his name for the village.
Therefore, the etymology of Pandarikulam encapsulates the transition from its original designation based on the presence of Ebony trees and the association with the Pandaram citizens to its subsequent renaming inspired by the heroism of King Pandaravanniyan during the reign of the Vanni kings.[6]
Location
Pandarikulam is a locality situated approximately 1 kilometer (0.62 miles) away from Vavuniya. This location is characterised by its geographical boundaries, being surrounded by neighboring areas. To the north, Pandarikulam shares its border with Kurumankadu, while to the east, it is adjacent to Vairavarpuliyankulam. On the western side, Ukkulankulam forms the boundary, and to the south lies Pandarikulam South.
Pandarikulam, situated in the Vavuniya district, boasts a rich and diverse history that spans centuries, marked by the influences of various kingdoms and cultures. The area's historical narrative begins with its governance under Tamil Kings during the Yaka and Naga periods in ancient Sri Lanka. Notably, numerous tanks were constructed, and Naga Sacred Guard Stones adorned with inscriptions were strategically placed, reflecting the Tamil kings' profound impact on the region.
With the advent of the Sinhalese to Sri Lanka, Pandarikulam became part of the Rajarata kingdom. The city experienced a revival of Saivism and Tamil culture following the Chola invasion. Subsequently, during the Pandyas' invasion of Sri Lanka and the defeat of the Cholas by the Pandyas in Tamil Nadu, Vavuniya, including Pandarikulam, fell under Pandya rule. However, with the dispersion of the Pandyas during the Vijayanagara invasion, the Vanni, who had arrived with the Cholas, asserted their independence from the Pandyas, forming the submissive Vanni Nation.
During the Dutch occupation, King Pandaravanniyan valiantly led forces that fiercely resisted the Dutch invaders in coastal Sri Lanka. Despite the Dutch attempts to overcome him on the battlefield, Pandaravanniyan's determination remained unyielding. Frustrated by their inability to defeat him, the Dutch devised a treacherous plot to assassinate the king. In a brutal act, they hung Pandaravanniyan's lifeless body in public view, intending to instill fear and suppress rebellious sentiments among the people. This macabre event served as a chilling inspiration for many ancient villages, including Pandarikulam, named in honor of the fallen king.
In 1796, facing increasing challenges, the Dutch handed over coastal Sri Lanka to the British, marking a significant turning point for Pandarikulam. The village had witnessed the defeat of Pandaravanniyan by the Dutch and subsequently fell under British control. Dutch Lieutenant Von Driberg, reflecting on the events, expressed that he had never encountered a hero as remarkable as Pandaravanniyan in his lifetime.
Adding to the historical narrative, there exists a myth in the current-day Vanni region suggesting that one of the villages starting with the name "Pandara" is the final burial place of the heroic king.
In the post-colonial era, following Sri Lanka's independence, Pandarikulam faced demographic shifts due to migration driven by the Sinhalese oppression and the repercussions of war. Despite being heavily affected, the city has remarkably recovered.[7]
Pandarikulam is primarily a Tamil-speaking suburb, with a predominantly Tamil-speaking population. The majority of residents identify as Hindu Shaivaites, while a smaller portion of the Tamil community adheres to Christianity. Despite the religious diversity, a church in the area is under the care of Hindu Shaivaite families, exemplifying a harmonious coexistence. The Sinhalese population in Pandarikulam is minimal, consisting mostly of policemen, numbering less than 10 individuals. These Sinhalese residents typically speak Tamil as their second language and practice Buddhism. Additionally, a Muslim minority, who follow Islam, is not permanently settled in Pandarikulam; instead, they reside in a nearby Muslim village and operate fish shops in the area.
Pandarikulam, a region with significant historical importance, boasts two notable landmarks. The first is the Pandarikulam Muthumari Amman Kovil, a Hindu temple steeped in antiquity and revered as one of the oldest pilgrimage sites for the ancient Vanni people in the Vavuniya district. Positioned as the inaugural temple among the four directional temples constructed in ancient Vavuniya, its purpose was to safeguard the local populace from diseases and invoke rain for agricultural prosperity.
Dedicated to the goddess Mari Amman, this temple holds a special place in folklore, asserting that those who intricately weave garlands for this divine abode also weave them for King Pandaravanniyan. The temple, situated as the western guard temple, stands as a testament to the cultural and spiritual heritage of the region.
Another noteworthy historical site in Pandarikulam is the remnants of a step arch, dating back to the British colonial era in Ceylon. During the construction of the railroad connecting Colombo to Jaffna, Vavuniya emerged as a pivotal location for steam engine water replenishment. Notably, Vavuniya gained recognition for its abundance of tanks, with the Vairavarpuliyankulam near the Vavuniya railway station being one such prominent example. However, due to its considerable depth and lack of safety for water extraction, an alternative water source was sought.
Adjacent to Vairavarpuliyankulam, Pandarikulam presented itself as the closest and most suitable tank, characterised by its shallowness and ample water reserves. During the construction of the railway, enslaved individuals were employed for the arduous task of water extraction. To facilitate their rest periods, the step arch was erected as a testament to the labor-intensive endeavors undertaken during that era.[8]
Pandarikulam Amman Kovil, After Maha KumbabishekamPandarikulam Amman Kovil, During Construction Period
Education
Pandarikulam, located in Vavuniya, is home to a diverse array of educational institutions that contribute significantly to the region's academic landscape. Notable among these is Vipulanantha College,[9] a government-funded school renowned for its exceptional performance in both sports and education. Despite facing challenges such as the absence of a dedicated sports ground, Vipulanantha College stands as one of the top-performing schools in Vavuniya, often considered a rival to Vavuniya Tamil Madya Maha Vidyalayam.
The educational spectrum in Pandarikulam includes specialised institutions like the Maths Centre, catering to students seeking additional support and enrichment in mathematics. The Education Development Institute (EDI) plays a pivotal role in enhancing educational development, likely offering a variety of courses aimed at improving teaching methods and student learning outcomes.
Lincoln English Academy is recognised for its expertise in English language education, particularly in IELTS preparation, providing valuable assistance to individuals aspiring to excel in English proficiency exams. Columbus Best Institute (CBI), a private institution, is presumed to offer academic and extracurricular programs to students seeking additional educational support.
Tamil Valakam and Ideal are also part of the educational landscape in Pandarikulam, with the former likely contributing to the promotion and preservation of Tamil language and culture. The nature of the *Ideal* institute is unspecified, while I Guide lacks detailed information on its specific focus and offerings.
A recent trend in Pandarikulam reveals a notable influx of private tuition centers, attracted by the advantageous location that combines proximity to the town with a less busy yet highly populated Suburb atmosphere. This shift underscores the growing recognition of Pandarikulam as an emerging educational hub, reflecting the commitment to fostering academic excellence in the region.
Transportation
Pandarikulam, situated in the vicinity of Vavuniya, is accessible through various transportation hubs, facilitating connectivity to this vibrant locality.
Vavuniya Railway Station: The primary railway link to Pandarikulam is through the well-connected Vavuniya Railway Station. Although Pandarikulam itself lacks a dedicated railway station, the Vavuniya Railway Station is conveniently located within approximately 1km of Pandarikulam, ensuring easy access for commuters. This strategic proximity enhances the accessibility of Pandarikulam, providing a vital rail connection to and from the region.
Vavuniya Airport: While Vavuniya is equipped with an airport, it's noteworthy that the Vavuniya Airport is currently inactive. Despite this, alternative transportation options, particularly buses, offer a practical means of reaching Pandarikulam. Commuters can opt for buses that traverse the route to Ukkulankulam via Pandarikulam, providing a reliable and accessible mode of transportation to and from the region.
Vavuniya Bus Stand: Another crucial transportation hub facilitating access to Pandarikulam is the Vavuniya Bus Stand. Commuters can avail themselves of bus services that operate on routes passing through Pandarikulam. Of particular note is the route to Ukkulankulam via Pandarikulam, offering a convenient and well-connected bus service for those traveling to and from Pandarikulam.[10]
Anuradhapura is a major city located in the north central plain of Sri Lanka. It is the capital city of North Central Province and the capital of Anuradhapura District. The city lies 205 kilometers (127 mi) north of the current capital of Colombo in the North Central Province, on the banks of the historic Malwathu Oya. The city is now a World Heritage Site famous for its well-preserved ruins of the ancient Sinhalese civilisation.
The Tamils, also known as the Tamilar, are a Dravidian ethnolinguistic group who natively speak the Tamil language and trace their ancestry mainly to India's southern state of Tamil Nadu, to the union territory of Puducherry, and to Sri Lanka. The Tamil language is one of the world's longest-surviving classical languages, with over 2000 years of Tamil literature, including the Sangam poems, which were composed between 300 BCE and 300 CE.
Trincomalee, historically known as Gokanna and Gokarna, is the administrative headquarters of the Trincomalee District and major resort port city of Eastern Province, Sri Lanka. Located on the east coast of the island overlooking the Trincomalee Harbour, Trincomalee has been one of the main centres of Sri Lankan Tamil speaking culture on the island for nearly a millennium. With a population of 99,135, the city is built on a peninsula of the same name, which divides its inner and outer harbours. It is home to the famous Koneswaram temple from where it developed and earned its historic Tamil name Thirukonamalai. The town is home to other historical monuments such as the Bhadrakali Amman Temple, Trincomalee, the Trincomalee Hindu Cultural Hall and, opened in 1897, the Trincomalee Hindu College. Trincomalee is also the site of the Trincomalee railway station and an ancient ferry service to Jaffna and the south side of the harbour at Muttur.
The Pandyan dynasty, also referred to as the Pandyas of Madurai, was an ancient Tamil dynasty of South India, and among the four great kingdoms of Tamilakam, the other three being the Pallavas, the Cholas and the Cheras. Existing since at least the 4th to 3rd centuries BCE, the dynasty passed through two periods of imperial dominance, the 6th to 10th centuries CE, and under the 'Later Pandyas'. Under Jatavarman Sundara Pandyan I and Maravarman Kulasekara Pandyan I, the Pandyas ruled extensive territories including regions of present-day South India and northern Sri Lanka through vassal states subject to Madurai. Pandya dynasty is the longest ruling dynasty in the world.
Rajadhiraja Chola I was a Chola emperor, as the successor of his father, Rajendra I. He was the only Chola emperor who was killed while leading his army in war, and although he had a short reign, he helped his father conquer several territories as well as to maintain the Chola authority over most of Sri Lanka, Eastern Chalukya and Kalinga, among others. He also established imperial relations with overseas allies despite a series of revolts in the territory.
Sri Lankan Tamils, also known as Ceylon Tamils or Eelam Tamils, are Tamils native to the South Asian island state of Sri Lanka. Today, they constitute a majority in the Northern Province, form the plurality in the Eastern Province and are in the minority throughout the rest of the country. 70% of Sri Lankan Tamils in Sri Lanka live in the Northern and Eastern provinces.
Vavuniya is a city of Vavuniya District in the Northern Province of Sri Lanka. The municipality is administered by an Municipal Council. The town has been known since ancient times, but being a heavily forested area, less than 100,000 people lived in the entire district before the Sri Lankan Civil War. The city is situated as a border town that divides the Tamil and Sinhalese population. To the south of the city are the Sinhala cities and to the north are the Tamil cities. The city has a large population of Tamils, Muslims and a significant number of Sinhalese. In the early days, Vavuniya was known as Vanni due to the abundance of Vanni Trees. The Security Forces Headquarters - Wanni is located in Vavuniya.
Tamilakam was the geographical region inhabited by the ancient Tamil and Malayali people, covering the southernmost region of the Indian subcontinent. Tamilakam covered today's Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Puducherry, Lakshadweep and southern parts of Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka. Traditional accounts and the Tolkāppiyam referred to these territories as a single cultural area, where Tamil was the natural language and permeated the culture of all its inhabitants. The ancient Tamil country was divided into kingdoms. The best known among them were the Cheras, Cholas, Pandyans and Pallavas. During the Sangam period, Tamil culture began to spread outside Tamilakam. Ancient Tamil settlements were also established in Sri Lanka and the Maldives (Giravarus), prior to the migration of Prakrit speakers.
Kalinga Magha or Gangaraja Kalinga Vijayabahu was an invader from the Kingdom of Kalinga who usurped the throne from Parakrama Pandyan II of Polonnaruwa in 1215. A massive migration followed of Sinhalese people to the south and west of Sri Lanka, and into the mountainous interior, as they attempted to escape his power. Magha was the last ruler to have his seat in the traditional northern seat of native power on the island, known as Rajarata; so comprehensive was his destruction of Sinhalese power in the north that all of the successor kingdoms to Rajarata existed primarily in the south of the island.
Thunnalai is a village in Vadamarachchi South-West, Jaffna District, Northern Province, Sri Lanka. It is located near Thondaman Aru lagoon. It is also in close proximity to Vallipuram. Naga names are found in India. Nagpur, Nagar Kovil, Nagapatnam and Nagaland are examples. Nair, nayakkar, naidu are remnants of Naga heritage. Tamils are a linguistic name; but Nagas are more of a racially based line. Nagas are now integral part of all linguistic tribes.
Pandara Vanniyan was a Tamil Chieftain who ruled in Vanni Nadu in 18th century AD. He is referred to by some as the last Tamil king in Sri Lanka, who also rose to revolt against the British Ceylon empire and Dutch Ceylon empire, who died battling the British colonial rule on the island. He was officially declared a National Hero of Sri Lanka in 1982.
Vavuniya District is one of the 25 districts of Sri Lanka, the second level administrative division of the country. The district is administered by a District Secretariat headed by a District Secretary appointed by the central government of Sri Lanka. The capital of the district is the city of Vavuniya.
Vanniar or Vanniyar was a title borne by chiefs in medieval Sri Lanka who ruled in the Chiefdom of Vavuni regions as tribute payers to the Jaffna vassal state. There are a number of origin theories for the feudal chiefs, coming from an indigenous formation. The most famous of the Vavni chieftains was Pandara Vannian, known for his resistance against the British colonial power.
The Vanni chieftaincies or Vanni tribes was a region between Anuradhapura and Jaffna, but also extending to along the eastern coast to Panama and Yala, during the Transitional and Kandyan periods of Sri Lanka. The heavily forested land was a collection of chieftaincies of principalities that were a collective buffer zone between the Jaffna Kingdom, in the north of Sri Lanka, and the Sinhalese kingdoms in the south. Traditionally the forest regions were ruled by Vedda rulers. Later on, the emergence of these chieftaincies was a direct result of the breakdown of central authority and the collapse of the Kingdom of Polonnaruwa in the 13th century, as well as the establishment of the Jaffna Kingdom in the Jaffna Peninsula. Control of this area was taken over by dispossessed Sinhalese nobles and chiefs of the South Indian military of Māgha of Kalinga (1215–1236), whose 1215 invasion of Polonnaruwa led to the kingdom's downfall. Sinhalese chieftaincies would lay on the northern border of the Sinhalese kingdom while the Tamil chieftaincies would border the Jaffna Kingdom and the remoter areas of the eastern coast, north western coast outside of the control of either kingdom.
Ukkulankulam, is a suburb of Vavuniya in northern Sri Lanka. Ukkulankulam was a part of Pandarikulam during the reign of the Vanni king. Today there are two different villages but administratively the two are one and the same. However there are separate local council members.
Vairavarpuliyankulam, is a suburb of Vavuniya in Sri Lanka. All government buildings for the Vavuniya district are located there. This is one of the place in Vavuniya, where Rich and educated people lives. Most of them are originally from Jaffna, came after massive displacement in 1996. Prices of the Land is so High and Living in Vairavarpuliyankulam is matter of Pride.
The Chola conquest of Anuradhapura was a military invasion of the Kingdom of Anuradhapura by the Chola Empire. The period of Chola entrenchment in entire Sri Lanka lasted in total about three-quarters of a century, from roughly 993 CE to 1070 CE, when Vijayabahu I recaptured the north,east and central Sri lanka and expelled the Chola forces restoring Sinhalese sovereignty.
When to date the start of the history of the Jaffna kingdom is debated among historians.
Tamil dynasties are the kingdoms who ruled over present day Tamil Nadu, Sri Lanka, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala and Odisha. These include the Pallavas, the Pandyas, the Cholas and the Cheras.
Vattapalai Kannagi Amman Thirukkovil is an ancient Shaivaite and Shaktism-related Hindu temple located in the Mullaitivu District of Northern Sri Lanka. The temple's folklore is connected to the later stories of Kannagi, a legendary Tamil woman who, after leaving the Pandya capital Madurai, traveled to Kerala and eventually arrived in the prosperous land of Sri Lanka. Vatrapalai is an important Kannagi pilgrimage site in Sri Lanka, second only to the Mangala Devi Kannagi Kovil in Kerala.
↑ Arudpragasam, A. R. (1996). The traditional homeland of the Tamils. The missing pages of Sri Lankan history (1. print. and publed.). Kotte, Sri Lanka: Kanal Publications. ISBN978-955-9424-00-0.
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