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113992242-Dravidian-Settlements-in-Ceylon-and-the-Beginnings-of-the-Kingdom-of-Jaffna-By-Karthigesu-Indrapala-Complete-Phd-Thesis-University-of-London-1965

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26<br />

Perhaps such conditions led to <strong>the</strong> migration <strong>of</strong> some Tamila to<br />

plames like <strong>Ceylon</strong>, but <strong>the</strong>re is no clear evidence on this po<strong>in</strong>t.<br />

Despite <strong>the</strong> absence <strong>of</strong> any evidence, we may not be wrong <strong>in</strong><br />

say<strong>in</strong>g that migrations <strong>of</strong> small groupd <strong>of</strong> peaceful settlers<br />

from South India to <strong>Ceylon</strong> would have gone on <strong>in</strong> this period<br />

as <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> earlier centuries.<br />

The South Indian <strong>in</strong>vasions were, <strong>the</strong>refore, still<br />

<strong>the</strong> most predom<strong>in</strong>ant factor that helped to streng<strong>the</strong>n <strong>the</strong><br />

<strong>Dravidian</strong> element <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> local population. There were more than<br />

thirteen <strong>in</strong>vasions from <strong>the</strong> ma<strong>in</strong>l<strong>and</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> thirteenth century<br />

<strong>and</strong> one <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>m at least brought <strong>in</strong> a large cont<strong>in</strong>gent <strong>of</strong><br />

mercenary forces. The chaotic conditions that prevailed <strong>in</strong><br />

Rjaraha afforded ample opportunities for <strong>the</strong>se mercenary<br />

elements to appropriate l<strong>and</strong> <strong>and</strong> seize property. Under such<br />

circumstances it is doubtful whe<strong>the</strong>r many would have liked to<br />

return to <strong>the</strong> subcont<strong>in</strong>ent. As is alleged <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> Pli <strong>and</strong><br />

S<strong>in</strong>halese sources, a large number <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> mercenaries must have<br />

found new homes <strong>in</strong> Rjaraha The Tamil sources, however,<br />

seem to prefer to treat <strong>the</strong>m as peaceful settlers who went to<br />

<strong>the</strong> isl<strong>and</strong> <strong>in</strong> response to <strong>in</strong>vitations from <strong>the</strong> Tamil rulers<br />

1. See supra, p.9S<br />

2. See <strong>in</strong>fra, pp.rt ft.

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