In a revelation that surprised many, the discovery of a vibrant Telugu-speaking community in Sri Lanka has sparked intrigue and urgency. Known as “Gypsies” or “Ahikuntakas,” these proud Telugus are fighting to preserve their linguistic and cultural heritage. Their story, rooted in history and resilience, is one of survival, identity, and a call for unity.
Hidden Telugu Diaspora in Sri Lanka
The Telugu community in Sri Lanka, numbering around 900,000, traces its roots to the British colonial era when many migrated to work in tea plantations. Despite speaking Telugu fluently, most lack literacy in their mother tongue, a gap that threatens its survival. “If this continues, future generations might forget how to even speak Telugu,” community leaders warn. Determined to safeguard their identity, they’ve united under organizations like the All Ceylon Telugu Artists Cultural Association, rejecting labels like “Gypsies” or “Ahikuntakas” and demanding recognition as the Telugu Jati (Telugu Community).
Recently, two community elders, Kandhasamy Ramasamy Anuvattu (President) and Dharmadasa Nimal (Secretary), visited Andhra Pradesh and Telangana at the invitation of the Telugu Jati Trust and Telugu Neravu Trust. At a heartfelt gathering in Hyderabad, they shared their aspirations and struggles, appealing for support to preserve their heritage.
From Tea Plantations to Cultural Crossroads
During British rule, Telugu migrants flocked to Sri Lanka’s tea estates as labourers. Over time, their population grew, but the absence of a written script left their language unrecognized. Vestiges of their past glory remain in place names like “Telungu Nagar” and “Allampalli,” hinting at a once-thriving community. Colombo alone once housed 300,000 Telugu-speaking Vaddars, now scattered and diminished. A political party, the All Sri Lanka Telugu Congress, stands as a testament to their enduring presence.
Initially living as small nomadic groups, these Telugus earned the “Gypsy” moniker due to their wandering lifestyle. Some, known as Ahikuntakas, made a living taming snakes and monkeys. With land allocations from the Sri Lankan government, many have settled into farming and built homes in regions like Akkaraipattu, Aligambai Tirukkovil, Thabuttegama, and Kalavewa in the Eastern and North Central Provinces. Official estimates peg their numbers at 4,000 across seven villages, though community leaders insist the figure is higher.
Purity of Their “Telungu”!
Linguistically, the Telugu spoken by Sri Lanka’s Ahikuntakas is remarkably pure, untouched by the Sanskrit, Urdu, Persian, Arabic, or English influences that flavour mainland Telugu. “Their language is authentic Telugu,” explains Adapa Subbareddy of the Telugu Neravu Trust. “Where we say ‘akshara’ (letter), they say ‘akkuraalu.’ Their pronunciation retains the original doubled consonants of classical Telugu.” This linguistic purity underscores their unique cultural identity.
History of Migration and Adaptation
How did Telugus reach Sri Lanka? Theories vary, but many believe they accompanied Tamils from Rameswaram, traveling by boat for trade or plantation work. Subbareddy and Ganga Rajini Dissanayake, Assistant Director at the University of Kelaniya, suggest that Ahikuntakas were born and raised in Sri Lanka, evolving into a distinct community. Over time, their nomadic roots and lack of recognition as a distinct ethnic group by Sinhalese authorities led to challenges, including difficulties in performing traditional funeral rites. As a result, some have converted to Buddhism or Christianity.
Education remains a critical concern. Sri Lankan schools teach in Sinhala or English, leaving no room for Telugu. Community leaders like Dharmadasa Nimal (Secretary) emphasize the need for Telugu schools to teach reading and writing, ensuring the language’s survival. “We need the support of all Telugus to make this a reality,” he urges.
Rising Through Education
Of the estimated 15,000 Telugus in Sri Lanka, most are farmers, while a few hundred families still earn a living through traditional practices like snake and monkey charming. Education has brought change: some have joined the police force, others have entered medicine, and many pursue diverse livelihoods, from daily labour to skilled professions. “Education is transforming our lives,” says Kandhasamy Ramasamy Anuvattu (President), highlighting the community’s progress.
Last Queen of Kandy: A Telugu Legacy
Sri Lanka’s Telugu connection runs deep. The island’s first kingdom, Anuradhapura, was founded by Vijaya, a Telugu from Kalinga (modern-day Srikakulam) in the 5th century BCE. Remarkably, its last kingdom, Kandy, was also ruled by Telugus. Queen Venkata Rangamma Devi, known as the “Last Queen of Kandy”, and her husband, King Vikrama Rajasingha, left an indelible mark. Their portraits adorn a prestigious Colombo hotel, and ancient texts in Kandy’s Sri Dalada Maligawa Temple library preserve their story. The temple, home to the sacred Tooth Relic of Buddha, holds special significance for Telugus, with paintings of Princess Hemamali and Prince Dantakumara narrating a 3rd-century CE journey to protect the relic.
Kandy’s fortress, built by Telugu rulers from the Madurai Nayaka dynasty, stands as a symbol of their 200-year reign. Known as “Vadagars” (those from the north), these rulers, including Venkatarangamma (also called Savithramma), shaped Kandy’s history until the British seized control in 1815. The royal couple was imprisoned in Colombo and later exiled to Vellore, Tamil Nadu, where they died. Their tombs remain as a poignant reminder of their legacy.
A Call to Preserve a Proud Heritage
From the sacred Sri Dalada Maligawa Temple to the enduring Telugu villages, Sri Lanka’s Telugu community is a testament to resilience and cultural pride. Facing challenges of assimilation and linguistic erosion, they seek solidarity from Telugus worldwide. By establishing schools, preserving their pure Telugu dialect, and reclaiming their identity as the Telugu Jati, they aim to secure their place in history. Their fight is not just for survival—it’s a rallying cry to celebrate and sustain a shared legacy that spans continents and centuries.
