Ancestry of Muslims in Anuradhapura district: a historical view

Abstract

Anuradhapura district posses 860,575 population. From that total quantity minority Muslims represent 8%. 70,692 Muslims reside in 114 Muslim villages in Anuradhapura district. It is noteworthy that Muslims reside as majority at Kekirawa, Kahatagasdigiliya, Horowpothana, Nachaduwa and Ikkirikollawa. It is pathetic that Sri Lankan Muslims’ history has not been compiled and analysed systermatically compared to other communities. It is a major shortcoming of Muslim community. So the objective of the research is to define the accurate history Muslims in Anuradhapura district. In order to carryout the research effectively data have been received from tales and statements of 15 forefathers who reside at Anuradhapura town, Horowpothana, Kekirawa, Ganewalpola, Kahatagasdigiliya, Medawachi and Mihintale. Results were found based on the analysis of interviews which belong to the category of qualitative and secondary data. According to historical books, the history of Muslims in Anuradhapura is related to the late king ‘Pandukabaya’s’ reign. The Arab folks those who came from Arab countries to Sri Lanka reached Chilaw called as ‘Chilawathurai’ through Anuradhapura road. Information recieved from interviews indicate that those who came from Chilawathurai paid visits to hill countries through Thanthirimalai, Thisawewa Gama, Aamanna rathmala, Endhagala and Kalawewa. At the mean time those who came from Puttlam and Katpity paid visits to hill country through Anuradhapura, Galagethara, Madige, Negama and Kalawewa. Also ‘Ottuppallam Dharga’ or the tomb of ‘Sheih Sikkanthar Valiullah’ is considered as an important remnant of Anuradhapura Muslims’ origin. Through this research it is identified that Sheih Sikkanthar Valiullah was an Islamic scholar who came from India for the sake of spiritual duties and resided in Anuradhapura.