The caste systems in Sri Lanka are social stratification systems found among the ethnic groups of the island since ancient times. The models are similar to those found in Continental India, but are less extensive and important for various reasons. Modern times Sri Lanka is often considered to be a casteless society in south asia.
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]
A universal welfare system that focused on providing education for everyone regardless of background has provided people from lower caste groups similar opportunities to enter jobs previously only frequented by those in upper-caste groups, with younger generations mostly rejecting any pressure to conform to caste-related jobs. The Civil War has also broken down caste barriers as they were seen as an obstacle toward ethnolinguistic unity.[1]
^ abSilva, Kalinga Tudor; Sivapragasam, P.P.; Thanges, Paramsothy (2009). "Caste Discrimination and Social Justice in Sri Lanka: An Overview" (PDF). Indian Institute of Dalit Studies. III. Retrieved 29 July 2014.
and 25 Related for: Caste system in Sri Lanka information
The castesystemsinSriLanka are social stratification systems found among the ethnic groups of the island since ancient times. The models are similar...
Chetties, are an ethnicity in the island of SriLanka. Before 2001, they were known as the SriLankan Tamil ( ශ්රී ලංකා දෙමළ) caste, but then after 2001,...
(Tamil: நளவர், romanized: Naḷavar) is a Tamil caste found inSriLanka. They were traditionally occupied in palm tree climbing and toddy tapping. According...
as well as diverse South Indian caste origins. They are instrumental in the plantation sector economy of SriLanka. In general, socio-economically their...
island state of SriLanka. Today, they constitute a majority in the Northern Province, form the plurality in the Eastern Province and are in the minority...
(Tamil: கோவியர், romanized: Kōviyar, also known as Covia) is a Tamil caste found inSriLanka. They are traditional agriculturalists and temple workers but also...
Thimilar (Tamil: திமிலர்) is a SriLankan Tamil caste found in the northern and eastern coastal areas of SriLanka, and globally among the Tamil diaspora...
Salagama (also known as Saliya) is a Sinhalese caste found mostly in the southern coastal areas of SriLanka. The community was traditionally associated...
Vansa) is a Sinhalese caste found inSriLanka. They form approximately half of the Sinhalese population and are traditionally involved in agriculture. The...
the Moors, as well as the SriLankan government, which lists the Moors as a separate ethnic community. Although the castesystem is not observed by the Moors...
romanized: Maṭaippaḷḷi) is a caste found mainly in the northern part of SriLanka. Found today as a subcaste of the SriLankan Vellalar, the Madapallis were...
Indic text in this article correctly. SriLanka, historically known as Ceylon and officially the Democratic Socialist Republic of SriLanka, is an island...
SriLankan Paraiyar is a Tamil caste found in northern and eastern SriLanka. They are traditional parai-drummers who were also involved in weaving and...
a caste found in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu and SriLanka. They were traditionally palanquin bearers. They are a single community inSriLanka, but...
caste equity.” Castesystem among South Asian Muslims Castesystemin India Castesystemin Nepal CastesysteminSriLanka Discrimination in the United States...
integral to the Indian castesystem. It developed as a result of relations between the foreign conquerors and local upper caste Hindus who were forced...
such as the worship of Hindu deities, the castesystem, and Animism. Pre-Buddhist historical accounts of SriLanka reveal a significant impact of Indian religious...
The British Ceylon period is the history of SriLanka between 1815 and 1948. It follows the fall of the Kandyan Kingdom into the hands of the British...
/pəˈraɪ.ə/ pə-RY-ə and Paree) is a caste group found in the Indian states of Tamil Nadu and Kerala and inSriLanka. Robert Caldwell, a nineteenth-century...
Mukkuvars in Eastern SriLanka are, like other castes, also divided into kudi's (matrilineal clans). According the study conducted by McGilvray, Kudi system of...
The history of SriLanka is unique because its relevance and richness extend beyond the areas of South Asia, Southeast Asia and the Indian Ocean. The...
Global Information