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Ponnambalam–Coomaraswamy family

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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]

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

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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