Sri Lanka's Ethnic Identity: A Historical Perspective on Sinhalese
Understanding Sri Lanka's ethnic identity is crucial for grasping the historical context that has shaped the country. Historically, Sri Lanka has been a Sinhala country, with the Sinhalese forming the majority and Sinhala being the primary language and cultural identity. However, the current ethnic conflict between the Sinhalese and Tamils is a legacy of long-standing disputes over the history of the island. This article explores how the Sinhalese came to identify themselves and the island as a Sinhala territory through various historical sources and inscriptions.
Historical Accounts from Indian Sources
Many Indian sources dating back to the Gupta era and earlier refer to Sri Lanka as a Sinhala territory, emphasizing the strong belief of the Sinhalese people in their identity as a distinct ethnic group:
Rajasekhara's Balaramayana (9th/10th century): According to verse 49 of Act X, the island of Sinhala was renowned for its people, mountains producing gems, and the ocean yielding pearls. Notably, no sources identify Sri Lanka as a Tamil territory.
Markandeya Purana (1904): This ancient text mentions the Sinhalas and other inhabitants of the island, solidifying the cultural and historical ties.
Tej Ram Sharma (1978): Inscriptions and historical records show that "Simhala" was a term used equally with "Lanka" to refer to the island, indicating the close association between the people and the territory.
Alexander Cunningham (1871): Detailing the island's name "Seng-kia-lo" or "Sinhala," which is associated with the legend of Vijaya, a Sinhalese prince who conquered the island. Other names like "Salike," "Serendivus," and "Zilan" are all derived from "Sihala-dipa."
Geographical Identity vs. Ethnic Identity
The term "Sinhala" is not just a linguistic identifier but also a geographical one. The Sinhalese people derive their name from the island itself, reflecting a deep-rooted sense of identity and belonging.
Different names like "Lankā," "Laka," "Sīhalē," "Heladiv," "Sinhaladvīpa," and "Tunsinhala" have been used to describe both the people and the land. This twinning of language and people confirms the Sinhala identity as a geographical, cultural, and historical construct.
The Evolution of the Word "Eelam"
The term "Eelam" has its roots in the historical designation of "Sinhala." Over time, it has taken on new meanings and has become a point of contention in the ethnic conflict, representing both a cultural and territorial claim.
Conclusion
The historical records from Indian sources clearly indicate a strong presence of Sinhala identity in Sri Lanka. This identity has been reflected in various linguistic and cultural expressions, solidifying the Sinhalese as the primary ethnic group of the island. Understanding these historical contexts is essential for comprehending the complex dynamics and ethnic tensions in contemporary Sri Lanka.
Through exploring these historical texts and inscriptions, we can appreciate the depth of the Sinhalese identity and its connection to the land. This historical perspective provides a foundation for discussing the current ethnic conflict and the ongoing challenge of reconciling historical narratives in modern Sri Lanka.