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The caste systems of Sri Lanka were historically not tied to the religious establishment but rather a tool to service the ruling elite - a model more reminiscent of feudalism in Europe. At least three major, parallel caste systems exist in Sri Lankan society: Sinhalese, Sri Lankan Tamil and Indian Tamils.[ 1]
The caste systems in Sri Lanka were organized in a similar manner to the Jāti systems found in South India. The history of the caste system in Sri Lanka is unclear since there is very little historical evidence and much research carried out into the subject has been criticized as being biased. [2] Caste positions did not correlate with wealth. [3]
Govigama (also known as Goyigama, Govikula, Govi Vansa or Goyi Vansa) [1] is a Sinhalese caste found in Sri Lanka. They form approximately half of the Sinhalese population and are traditionally involved in agriculture. [2] The term Govigama became popular during the last period of the Sinhalese Kingdom of Kandy.
Rodi or Rodiya (lit., filth) are an untouchable social group or caste amongst the Sinhalese people of Sri Lanka. [ 1] Their status was very similar to all the Untouchable castes of India with segregated communities, ritualised begging, economically weakest section of the society. [ 2][page needed]
Koviyar (Tamil: கோவியர், romanized: Kōviyar, also known as Covia) is a Tamil caste found in Sri Lanka. They are traditional agriculturalists and temple workers but also included merchants, landowners and temple patrons. [1] Kattavarayan as caste deity is observed by the Koviar. [2]
Vahumpura also known as Wahumpura or Dewa people, are a Sinhalese caste, who were the second largest caste in Sri Lanka. They were traditionally producers of jaggery, but have now spread throughout the island undertaking many occupations, including agriculture. A few prominent members of the Deva community in Sri Lanka
Salagama (also known as Saliya [ 1]) is a Sinhalese caste found mostly in the southern coastal areas of Sri Lanka. The community was traditionally associated with the cultivation and management of cinnamon and were formerly also involved as weavers and soldiers. [ 2][ 3]
Sri Lankan Vellalar ( Tamil: இலங்கை வெள்ளாளர், lit. 'Ilaṅkai veḷḷāḷar') is a caste in Sri Lanka, predominantly found in the Jaffna peninsula and adjacent Vanni region, who comprise about half of the Sri Lankan Tamil population. They were traditionally involved in agriculture, but also included merchants ...