Ponnambalam–Coomaraswamy family

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]

History

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]

Notable members of the family

Photo of Ananda Coomaraswamy, who was born to Muthu Coomaraswamy and British Elizabeth Clay Beebe.

Arumugampillai Coomaraswamy (1783-1836), Gate Mudaliyar, Member of Legislative Council
- Sir Muthu Coomaraswamy CCS FRGS (1833-1879), Member of Legislative Council + Elizabeth Clay Beebe
  - Ananda Coomaraswamy (1877-1947)
    - Narada Coomaraswamy
- Sellachchi Coomaraswamy + Arunachalam Ponnambalam (1814-1887), Mudaliyar of the Governor's Gate
  - P. Coomaraswamy (1849-1906), Member of Legislative Council
  - Sir Ponnambalam Ramanathan KCMG QC (1851-1930), Solicitor General of British Ceylon, Member of Legislative Council + Leelawathy Ramanathan (1870-1953)
    - Sivagamasundari + S. Natesan, Member of Parliament, Member of State Council, Senator
  - Sir Ponnambalam Arunachalam KCMG CCS (1853-1924), Member of Executive Council, Member of Legislative Council + Swarnambal Namasivayam
    - Arunachalam Padmanabha
    - Sir Arunachalam Mahadeva KCMG (1888-1969), Government Minister, Member of Legislative Council, Member of State Council, High Commissioner to India
      - Balakumar Baku Mahadeva
        Kumar Mahadeva
    - Arunachalam Ramanathan
    - Pathmavathy Arunachalam + Sir S. Pararajasingam, Senator
      - Pararajasingham Nadesan
      - Lalithambikai (-2005) + M. Swaminathan
        D. M. Swaminathan (1945-), Member of Parliament, Governor of Western Province

References

^ "The Constitution of Sri Lanka: Chapter I - The People, the State and Sovereignty". 2014-05-31. Archived from the original on 2014-05-31. Retrieved 2017-10-02.
^ ^a ^b Wilson, A. Jeyaratnam (2000). Sri Lankan Tamil Nationalism: Its Origins and Development in the Nineteenth and Twentieth Centuries. UBC Press. ISBN 9780774807593.
^ http://noolaham.net/project/19/1810/1810.pdf ^{[bare URL PDF]}
^ Welhengama, Gnanapala; Pillay, Nirmala (2014-03-05). The Rise of Tamil Separatism in Sri Lanka: From Communalism to Secession. Routledge. ISBN 9781135119713.
^ Peebles, Patrick (2015-10-22). Historical Dictionary of Sri Lanka. Rowman & Littlefield. ISBN 9781442255852.
^ "History - University of Jaffna". University of Jaffna. Retrieved 2017-10-02.
^ Muttucumaraswamy, V. (1973). Founders of modern Ceylon (Sri Lanka): eminent Tamils. Uma Siva Pathippakam.
^ "Honouring the Kurinji". The Hindu. 2015-05-04. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 2017-10-02.
^ MFA: South Asian Art. Archived from the original Archived 15 June 2010 at the Wayback Machine
^ Oldmeadow, Harry (2004). Journeys East: 20th Century Western Encounters with Eastern Religious Traditions. World Wisdom, Inc. ISBN 9780941532570.

[1] "The Constitution of Sri Lanka: Chapter I - The People, the State and Sovereignty". 2014-05-31. Archived from the original on 2014-05-31. Retrieved 2017-10-02.

[:0-2] Wilson, A. Jeyaratnam (2000). Sri Lankan Tamil Nationalism: Its Origins and Development in the Nineteenth and Twentieth Centuries. UBC Press. ISBN 9780774807593.

[3] ttp://noolaham.net/project/19/1810/1810.pdf ^{[bare URL PDF]}

[4] Welhengama, Gnanapala; Pillay, Nirmala (2014-03-05). The Rise of Tamil Separatism in Sri Lanka: From Communalism to Secession. Routledge. ISBN 9781135119713.

[5] Peebles, Patrick (2015-10-22). Historical Dictionary of Sri Lanka. Rowman & Littlefield. ISBN 9781442255852.

[6] "History - University of Jaffna". University of Jaffna. Retrieved 2017-10-02.

[7] Muttucumaraswamy, V. (1973). Founders of modern Ceylon (Sri Lanka): eminent Tamils. Uma Siva Pathippakam.

[8] "Honouring the Kurinji". The Hindu. 2015-05-04. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 2017-10-02.

[9] MFA: South Asian Art. Archived from the original Archived 15 June 2010 at the Wayback Machine

[10] Oldmeadow, Harry (2004). Journeys East: 20th Century Western Encounters with Eastern Religious Traditions. World Wisdom, Inc. ISBN 9780941532570.

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History

Notable members of the family

See also

References