Within the larger context of bitter ethnic strife in Sri Lanka, this timely volume assembles a multidisciplinary group of scholars to explore the central issue of Tamil identity in this South Asian country. Bringing historical, sociological, political, and geographical perspectives to bear on the subject, the contributors analyze various aspects of the Sri Lankan Tamil community as it strives to justify its rightful place on the island. Within the larger context of the bitter ethnic strife in Sri Lanka, this timely volume assembles a multidisciplinary group of scholars to explore the central issue of Tamil identity. Bringing historical, sociological, political, and geographical perspectives to bear on the subject, the contributors analyze various aspects of the Sri Lankan Tamil community as it strives to justify its rightful place on the island.Exploring the roots of conflict in Sri Lanka, the book traces the distinct historical origins of the Sri Lankan Tamils, discusses the impact of colonial rule, assesses the countrys caste system, and questions the governments land settlement policy as well as other discriminatory practices.
This exploration enables the contributors to explain the rise of militant movements in Sri Lankaparticularly the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam, who demand the right of self-determination. Finally, the volume addresses the explosive issues of separatism and secession.
- ISBN10 0813388457
- ISBN13 9780813388458
- Publish Date 2 October 1994
- Publish Status Out of Print
- Out of Print 11 October 2009
- Publish Country US
- Publisher Taylor & Francis Inc
- Imprint Westview Press Inc
- Format Paperback
- Pages 247
- Language English