Sharmalan Thevar

In recent times, an alarming narrative has emerged within the Malaysian blogosphere, suggesting a historical event that appears to be a misinterpretation or perhaps a deliberate misinformation campaign. The claim revolves around a so called Malay prince named Manabharana from Srivijaya, purportedly attacking and conquering the Chola kingdom. This misleading story has gained traction and is spreading like wildfire across various social media platforms. The need to address and rectify such inaccuracies is crucial not only for the sake of historical accuracy but also for fostering a responsible and informed online community. To delve into the matter, it is essential to clarify that historical records reveal the existence of multiple individuals named Manabharana throughout history. However, a nuanced understanding reveals that all these figures were Tamils (Damila) hailing from the Pandya kingdom, with references to their exploits documented in Tamil inscriptions and Sri Lankan chronicles...

Ariyalur and Udaiyarpalayam are now taluks under the larger present day Ariyalur district. In his book "The Heirs of Vijayanagara: Court Politics in Early-Modern South India", author and researcher Lennart Bes of Radboud University Nijmegen states that the Kallar polygar of Ariyalur may have been the son-in-law of the Kallar polygar of Udaiyarpalayam (page 311). This is according to a Dutch source from the late 1670s;  NA, VOC, no. 1454, f. 1015; no. 1756, f. 1219v: reports of local VOC envoys to Tanjavur and Ramnad, August 1688, October 1708. The zamins (earlier palayam) of Ariyalur and Udaiyarpalayam were ruled continously by Kallar polygars until the year 1765 as confirmed by Lewis Moore (see end of article). Both Ariyalur and Udaiyarpalayam were attacked by the combined forces of Nawab and British. After the attack, the Kallar polygars and their families were disposed of their rights and properties.  They took refuge in Tanjore (Tanjavur) and later Mysore.  They were ...

Image Copyright: Virtos Media In the tapestry of human existence, our beliefs play a crucial role in shaping our identity and guiding our actions. Often, we find ourselves born into a religious order, influenced by familial and communal ties that mold our cultural perspectives. Conformity to these norms can be a powerful force, as deviating from them may mark us as outsiders. However, it is essential for individuals to scrutinize their beliefs, as blindly adhering to or choosing a religion without introspection can hinder personal growth and understanding. Faith has accompanied humanity since its earliest days, evolving as a response to the mysteries of existence that eluded scientific comprehension. Across diverse cultures, similar deities emerged to explain natural phenomena, such as sky deities, rain deities, mountain deities, and creators often referred to as Gods. Questions about life beyond death led to the formulation of afterlife concepts like reincarnation, judgment, hell, and...

For illustration purpose only. Credit: Ravindran John Smith. Deepavali, a significant Hindu festival, is swiftly approaching, with preparations underway. As the festivities draw near, I extend my warm wishes to all my readers for a joyous Deepavali celebration with their loved ones. In the Malaysian Hindu community, predominantly consisting of Tamils, a time-honored custom referred to as "paṭaiyal" (also spelled as padayal) is observed on the eve of Deepavali. This traditional ceremony involves presenting food as a gesture of reverence and remembrance for departed ancestors. It is possible that this ritual's origins trace back to early societies visiting the graves of deceased family members. Nevertheless, given that the majority of Hindus opt for cremation rather than burial for their departed loved ones, the practice may have initially revolved around the veneration of the "kulateyvam" (family deity) and the "kāvalteyvam" (guardian deity), rather tha...

In each cluster, a majority expresses a desire to maintain its cohesive identity, while a minority seeks to disassociate and form new clusters. This process of separation and integration leads to the emergence of additional clusters over successive centuries, ultimately contributing to an increase in overall cluster diversity. Humans are naturally social animals, and our preference for living in groups or clusters can be attributed to evolutionary advantages, emotional needs, cognitive benefits, and the development of complex social structures. Throughout human evolution, living in groups provided survival advantages, safety, and support during difficult times. Social interactions fulfill our emotional and psychological needs, fostering a sense of belonging.  Group living enhances cognitive development through shared learning and problem-solving. Ultimately, our social nature has been instrumental in shaping human progress and achievements throughout history. Within the context of ...

In recent times, a thought-provoking public post on Facebook caught my attention. The post's author, whose identity remains protected for privacy reasons, expressed discontent with the growing trend among Tamil people, particularly the youth, of embracing their traditional surnames. This article delves into the complexities of the issue, shedding light on the historical and cultural context of Tamil surnames, as well as examining the merits of the objections raised by certain groups. Respecting Individual Autonomy : It is essential to uphold the principle of individual autonomy in matters concerning personal identity. While the Facebook user is within her rights to choose not to use a surname, it is crucial to recognize that she lacks the authority to dictate others' choices in this regard. Personal preferences and naming conventions vary widely across cultures and societies, and it is imperative to respect the right of individuals to decide how they wish to be identified. Clar...