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The caste systems of Sri Lanka were historically not tied to the religious establishment but rather a tool to service the ruling elite - a model more reminiscent of feudalism in Europe. At least three major, parallel caste systems exist in Sri Lankan society: Sinhalese, Sri Lankan Tamil and Indian Tamils. [1]
The history of the caste system in Sri Lanka is unclear since there is very little historical evidence and much research carried out into the subject has been criticized as being biased. [2] Caste positions did not correlate with wealth. [3] Goyigama was the most common caste in the Sinhalese community numbering around 50%.
[10] [11] The Chetties of Northern Sri Lanka especially in Jaffna were mainly absorbed by the Vellalar caste, although, some still remain separate. [5] A high number of Chetties still live in Nallur , which is known for the inhabitation of high castes, whereas even a road is commemorated for them.
Sinhalisation is a term derived from Sinhala that has a number of meanings in Sri Lanka. It mainly refers to the assimilation into Sinhalese culture in which the members of another ethno-cultural group are steadily integrated or absorbed into established Sinhalese culture.
Rodi or Rodiya (lit., filth) are an untouchable social group or caste amongst the Sinhalese people of Sri Lanka. [1] Their status was very similar to all the Untouchable castes of India with segregated communities, ritualised begging, economically weakest section of the society.
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Sinhalese castes (20 P) Sri Lankan Tamil castes (21 P) Pages in category "Caste system in Sri Lanka" The following 4 pages are in this category, out of 4 total.
They along with other southern Sinhalese castes such as Karave and Salagama have played an important role in the historically left political and right parties. They are mostly Theravada Buddhists today and were instrumental in the revival of Buddhism during the British colonial period.