Jaffna history

Foundation and Ancient Roots

The history of Jaffna stretches back into deep antiquity, making it impossible to pinpoint an exact founding date. This region, known in ancient chronicles as Nagadipa, was inhabited long before the Common Era. The first mentions of settlements on the peninsula appear in the historical chronicle "Mahavamsa" and in classical Sangam Tamil literature.

There is a legend regarding the origin of the city's Tamil name — Yazhpanam. It is believed to translate as "City of the Harpist" and is connected to the story of a blind musician who received these lands as a gift from an ancient ruler for his virtuoso skill in playing the yazh (a string instrument).

Factors of Formation and Development

Jaffna's transformation into a significant political and economic centre was predetermined by several key circumstances:

• Geographical Location: Proximity to South India across the Palk Strait made the city a natural gateway for migration and cultural exchange between the island and the continent.
• Maritime Trade: The ancient port of Jambukola Pattana (near modern Jaffna) served as a vital hub on sea routes, welcoming ships carrying pilgrims and traders.
• Political Power: The city's golden age occurred in the 13th century when it became the capital of the independent Kingdom of Jaffna under the Aryacakravarti dynasty. This secured its status as the principal city in northern Sri Lanka.

Cultural and Economic Structure

From the early stages of its existence, Jaffna formed as a stronghold of Tamil culture and Hindu traditions. Education and the arts flourished here even in ancient times, and the famous Nallur Kandaswamy temple became the spiritual heart of the region.

The economy of early Jaffna was based on transit trade, fishing, and agriculture in an arid climate. A special role was played by pearl diving in the Gulf of Mannar and the export of elephants, which brought significant wealth to the rulers and attracted the attention of foreign merchants even before the arrival of European colonisers.

Key Historical Milestones

The history of Jaffna is rich in events reflecting the changing of eras and the influence of diverse cultures, from ancient kingdoms to the colonial period and modern times.

• 13th Century — Establishment of the independent Kingdom of Jaffna and the consolidation of the Aryacakravarti dynasty, making the city their capital.
• 1450 — Troops from the Kingdom of Kotte, led by Prince Sapumal, temporarily capture Jaffna, uniting the island under one crown.
• 1619 — The Portuguese definitively conquer the kingdom, overthrowing the last king, Cankili II, and establishing colonial administration.
• 1625 — Construction begins on the fortified Jaffna Fort, which became a crucial defensive structure for the region.
• 1658 — The Dutch East India Company captures the city after a siege, ousting the Portuguese and initiating a period of commercial prosperity.
• 1707 — Codification of "Thesawalamai" — a unique code of traditional laws and customs of the region's inhabitants, partially in force to this day.
• 1796 — Jaffna comes under the control of the British Empire, marking the beginning of a new administrative and educational era.
• 1823 — Foundation of the Batticotta Seminary (now Jaffna College), which became the first western-style higher education institution in Asia.
• 1905 — Opening of the railway line linking Jaffna with Colombo, significantly simplifying trade and passenger transport.
• 1933 — Establishment of the Jaffna Public Library, which eventually became one of the largest repositories of books in South Asia.
• 1948 — Sri Lanka (then Ceylon) gains independence, and Jaffna becomes the key administrative centre of the sovereign state's Northern Province.
• 1974 — Opening of the University of Sri Lanka's Jaffna Campus, later transformed into the independent University of Jaffna.
• 2019 — Jaffna Airport receives international status, resuming regular air services with India.

Stages of Urban Development and Transformation

The development of Jaffna as a unique urban and cultural centre progressed through changing eras, each leaving its mark on the region's architecture and economy. We can highlight key milestones that defined the city's modern appearance:

• Formation of the Sacred Centre (13th–15th centuries)
  The rise of the Nallur area as the capital of the Kingdom of Jaffna. The main Nallur Kandaswamy temple became not only a religious but also an urban planning core, around which residential settlements and public life formed according to traditional canons.
• Colonial Urbanisation and the Fort (17th–18th centuries)
  The construction by the Portuguese and subsequent reconstruction by the Dutch of Jaffna Fort shifted the administrative and commercial centre to the lagoon coast. This introduced a regular European layout and characteristic colonial architecture to the city's appearance.
• Codification of the Legal System (1707)
  The adoption of the "Thesawalamai" code of laws under the Dutch legally cemented local customs regarding land ownership and inheritance. This created a unique legal climate that fostered stability in economic relations in the region for centuries to come.
• Educational Revolution (19th century)
  The extensive activities of American and British missions led to the creation of a dense network of schools and colleges. This turned Jaffna into a "city of intellectuals," ensuring a high literacy rate and forming a class of educated civil servants and professionals.
• Transport Integration (1905)
  The launch of the Northern Railway connecting Jaffna to Colombo became a powerful economic driver. This allowed for the rapid export of agricultural produce (tobacco, mangoes, onions) to southern markets and reduced the cost of delivering goods to the region.
• Cultural Renaissance and the Library (Mid-20th century)
  The construction of the Public Library in a majestic Dravidian style became the pinnacle of architectural development of that time. It secured the city's status as one of the leading cultural and scientific centres of South Asia.
• University Status (1974)
  The opening of the University of Jaffna was a logical continuation of educational traditions. The university became a hub for youth and the development of the arts, preserving and studying rich Tamil heritage.
• Restoration of International Ties (Modernity)
  The modernisation of Jaffna Airport to international standards and the resumption of flights to India opened a new chapter in the city's economy, stimulating the influx of tourists and the development of cross-border trade.

Architectural Mosaic and Urban Planning

The appearance of Jaffna was formed at the intersection of two powerful cultural currents: traditional South Asian architecture and European colonial influence. The city's urban structure demonstrates an interesting division: on one side, a strict, fortified zone by the coast created by Europeans; on the other, organically developing residential quarters around large temple complexes, characteristic of Tamil culture.

A distinctive feature of local architecture is its adaptation to the hot climate: the use of internal courtyards, verandas, and high ceilings in both public buildings and private homes.

Styles and Eras

In Jaffna's architecture, one can clearly trace the succession of historical periods, each bringing its own stylistic features:

• Dravidian Style (Ancient and Modern Reconstruction): The dominant style of religious structures. Characterised by tall gateway towers (gopurams), profusely decorated with sculptures of deities and vibrant painting. This style symbolises the region's spiritual connection with South India.
• Colonial Fortification Style (17th–18th centuries): The legacy of the Portuguese and Dutch. Distinguished by massiveness, the use of coral stone, geometrically regular bastions, and concise decoration subordinate to defensive functions.
• Dutch Colonial Style (18th century): Manifests in civil and administrative buildings. Characteristic features include wide verandas with columns (often of the Tuscan order), gabled tiled roofs, and large windows for ventilation.
• Indo-Saracenic and Neo-Dravidian Style (20th century): The era of British rule and post-independence brought a fashion for monumental public buildings combining elements of Western classicism with traditional Eastern motifs (domes, arches, carvings).

Iconic Buildings and Architectural Landmarks

Several key objects define the city's visual code and serve as landmarks for travellers:

• Jaffna Fort: One of the best-preserved examples of Dutch fortification in Asia. Built in the shape of a star, it combines military might with Baroque-era engineering precision. Inside, the ruins of the Dutch church Kruys Kerk remain.
• Jaffna Public Library: A majestic white building constructed in the 1930s (and restored later) in a style inspired by the ancient architecture of Anuradhapura and Dravidian traditions. It is the main symbol of the city's cultural revival.
• Nallur Kandaswamy Temple: A brilliant example of Dravidian architecture. Its golden arches and ornately decorated gopuram tower dominate the eastern part of the city, serving as the urban planning centre of the Nallur district.
• Jaffna Clock Tower: Built in honour of the Prince of Wales's visit in 1875. The structure is executed in an eclectic style, blending Victorian elements with Eastern decor, and serves as an important historical marker in the city centre.

Rulers and Statesmen

• Cankili II (Sankili II)
  The Last King of Jaffna
  A historical figure symbolising the end of the era of the independent kingdom. He ruled in the early 17th century and led the resistance against Portuguese expansion. His defeat in 1619 marked the beginning of a long period of European colonial administration in the region.
• Sir Ponnambalam Ramanathan
  Statesman, Lawyer, and Philanthropist
  A prominent politician of national stature who did much to develop education in his home region. He founded Parameshwara College (upon which the University of Jaffna was later created) and Ramanathan College for girls, contributing to the enlightenment of the local population.

Educators and Cultural Guardians

• Arumuka Navalar
  Religious Reformer, Scholar, and Publisher
  One of the most significant figures in the history of Tamil culture in the 19th century. He revived Shaivism traditions in Sri Lanka, opened numerous schools, and is considered the "father of modern Tamil prose" for his contribution to the development of the literary language and printing.
• C. W. Thamotharampillai
  Philologist and Editor of Classical Texts
  A native of the peninsula who dedicated his life to saving ancient Tamil heritage. He was among the first to collect, restore, and print manuscripts of Sangam era literature, preserving priceless literary monuments for posterity.
• Kanakasabapathy Kailasapathy
  Academic, Literary Critic
  The first president of the Jaffna Campus (now the University of Jaffna). An outstanding scholar who introduced modern comparative methods to the study of Tamil literature and played a key role in shaping the city's intellectual environment in the 20th century.
• T. Rudramurthi, known as "Mahakavi"
  Poet and Playwright
  An innovator in poetry who boldly used the colloquial Jaffna dialect in his works. His creativity made literature more accessible and relatable to ordinary people, reflecting the daily life and culture of the region.