Marakkalage

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Although Marakkala is the modern colloquial term for Muslims, Marakkalage is another uniquely Karava ancestral name and is used by several traditional Karava familes of Sri lanka todate. Variant forms are : Maha Marakkalage, Arasa Marakkalage, Andra Marakkalage, Antinna Marakkalage, Kodi Marakkalage, Loku Marakkalage, Manna Marakkalage, Sandra Marakkalage and Marakkala Malimige.

The name Marakkalage derives from the type of craft used in warfare by the rulers of the Kuru Mandala coast (the region of the Kurus) and Sri lanka. They were also used in their naval battles against the Portuguese in the 16th century to attack Portuguese ships. The ancestors of the families bearing these names may have been the owners or commanders of such vessals.

The Karavas were the traditional martial and naval community of Sri Lanka and the preservation of that naval tradition in such mediaeval names is of interest. Sri Lankan and Portuguese history mention that Karavas were Naval commanders in the armies of the Nayaks of Tanjore.

A stamp issued by India shows the Marakkar war-paroe, a boat that could carry 30-40 men and could be rowed in the sea as well as through lagoons and narrow waters. It is available as a Wikipedia image: Marakkar Stamp 2000.jpg. These crafts were also used in their naval battles against the Portuguese in the 16th century to attack Portuguese ships.

[edit] References

Queyroz Fr. The Temporal and Spiritual Conquest of Ceylaö,