Seerpadar Explained

Caste Name:	Seerpadar
Languages:	Tamil
Religions:	Shaivism

Seerpadar (also written as Cirpatar or Seerpadam) is a Tamil caste found in the coastal regions of Eastern Province in Sri Lanka.^[1] They are traditionally involved in agriculture.^[2] They are chiefly found in the Veeramunai, Mandur, Thuraineelavanai, Kalmunai, Kurumanveli and Periye Kallar regions in the Batticaloa and Ampara District.^[3]

History

Early history

The Seerpadar caste derive their name and origin from a Chola queen known as Seerpada Devi, chronicled in inscriptions, copper plates and local poems.^[4] According to them, their origin stems from the union of Seerpada Devi and the prince Sittathurai (also known as Balasimhan), the son of king Ukkirasinghan (legendary founder of Jaffna Kingdom). The caste has been recorded in colonial records as being involved in cultivating activities and warriors.

Seerpadar's Inscriptions

• Veeramunai ceppedu
• Thirukkovil ceppedu
• Kokkaticholai ceppedu
• Thuraineelavanai ceppedu
• Thirukonamalai ceppedu

Others

• Veeramunai
• Kanchikudicharu

Notes and References

1. Book: Raghavan, M. D.. Tamil culture in Ceylon: a general introduction. 1971. Kalai Nilayam. 109–112. en.
2. Book: McGilvray, Dennis B.. Crucible of Conflict: Tamil and Muslim Society on the East Coast of Sri Lanka. 2008-05-07. Duke University Press. 978-0-8223-4161-1. 41, 376. en.
3. Book: Whitaker, Mark P.. Learning politics from Sivaram: the life and death of a revolutionary Tamil journalist in Sri Lanka. 2007. Pluto Press. 978-0-7453-2353-4. 67. en.
4. Book: Whitaker, Mark P.. Amiable Incoherence: Manipulating Histories and Modernities in a Batticaloa Tamil Hindu Temple. 1999-01-01. V.U. University Press. 978-90-5383-644-6. 117, 127. en.