Sri Lanka Kalmunai History: A Look at the Rich and Varied Past



Kalmunai is a city located in the Eastern Province of Sri Lanka. It is the second largest city in the province and is known for its rich cultural and historical heritage. The city has a long and varied history, with evidence of human habitation going back to at least the 5th century BC. The city was a major trading hub in the region during the ancient and medieval periods, and has served as a center of learning and culture for centuries.

The earliest known inhabitants of Kalmunai were the Vedda, an aboriginal tribe that lived in the region for centuries before the arrival of the Sinhalese in the 5th century BC. The Vedda were hunter-gatherers and were known for their skill in hunting and gathering food from the surrounding forests. They were also known for their knowledge of herbal medicine and for their skill in making traditional weapons and tools.

The Sinhalese arrived in the region in the 5th century BC and established a kingdom in the area. During this period, the region was known as “Kalinga” and was a major trading hub for spices, textiles, and other goods. The city was a center of learning and culture and was home to several important Buddhist monasteries.

In the 11th century, Kalmunai was conquered by the Chola dynasty of South India. The Chola rulers introduced Hinduism to the region and built several temples and other monuments. The city was also a major port during this period and was an important trading hub for spices, textiles, and other goods.

In the 16th century, Kalmunai was captured by the Portuguese. The Portuguese built several churches and other monuments in the city and introduced Christianity to the region. The city was also a major port during this period and was an important trading hub for spices, textiles, and other goods.

In the late 17th century, Kalmunai was captured by the Dutch. The Dutch built several churches and other monuments in the city and introduced Protestantism to the region. The city was also a major port during this period and was an important trading hub for spices, textiles, and other goods.

In the 19th century, Kalmunai became part of the British Empire. The British built several churches and other monuments in the city and introduced Christianity to the region. The city was also a major port during this period and was an important trading hub for spices, textiles, and other goods.

Kalmunai has a long and varied history and is a city of great cultural and historical significance. The city has served as a center of learning and culture for centuries and has been home to several important Buddhist monasteries, Hindu temples, and Christian churches. The city is also a major port and has been an important trading hub for centuries.