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]
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]
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]
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]