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by M. J. M. Thajudeen

World Islamic Tamil Literary Conference under the state patronage and able guidance of Minister of Ports & Shipping, Eastern Development and Muslim Religious Affairs Hon. Rauff Hakeem was held on October 22, 23 and 24 at the BMICH, Colombo.

Thousands of delegates who participated here from around the world made their valuable contributions on various topics at this historic conference.

A research paper on history was submitted here by M. J. M. Thajudeen, a Sub Editor attached to Thinakaran Editorial, Lake House, Colombo. This paper has been included in the records of research studies maintained by the conference.

A significant achievement of this conference, among other things, has been the release of a research paper which deals with the historical background of a two century old Muslim village. An excerpt of this text is given here.

It is indeed a matter of regret to note that a very old Muslim village which came into existence with the arrival of Arabs in the 18th Century still lacks necessary documents in proof of its origin. This is doubly tragic at a time when this village has, in its long march to progress, produced hundreds of intellectuals namely teachers, doctors, engineers and architects who are well placed in the society today.

In this background and also with the future generation in mind, I ventured out to probe into and compile the genesis of this village.

Location of the village

Kammalthurai is a beautiful coastal village.

It is nestled just 5 kilometers away along the marine drive from the Negombo town. From Kochchikade town towards westerly direction there is only 1 kilometer to this village.

This village with an abundance of water resources is split into two sections by the Dutch Canal built in 1706. Villagers belonging to one section call the other side 'akkarai' in Tamil. This canal acted as a confluence between Negombo lagoon and Mahaoya waters. Dutch Governor Van Imhop was in charge of the canal construction works. This canal water way acted as the main factor instrumental in the emergence of this village.

Original inhabitants

Historical records in proof of the early settlers of this village are still unavailable. But it is said that the very first settlement took place between 1775 and 1800 AD. Those Muslim from Kochchi and Ramanadpuram in India who were employed by Arab traders as ship builders are believed to be the first group of people to settle in this area along the banks of Mahaoya. It is also believed that some of those settlers are the original inhabitants of this village. They were also engaged in fishing industry at Kammalthurai with their arrival. It was also an Indian Muslim called Muhammed Muhiyaddeen who was instrumental in the emergence of Alawuddeen Waliyullah Shrine in the year 1800 in this village. This mosque or 'Dharga' came into being there as a result of a dream by this personality. Construction of this mosque paved the way for mere and more Muslims to pour into this village in those early days.

Muslims who were chased out of coastal areas due to animosity the Portuguese had against them, settled down at places like Nambuluwa, Pasyala areas which led to Kandy-Gampola kingdom in 1775. These Muslims began to settle down along the bank of Kelaniya river when enmity broke out between the king of Kandy and the Dutch. Some descendants of those settlers travelled through the Dutch canal and settled down at Kammalthurai.

How the village derived its present name

In addition to Colombo and Galle harbours, Negombo harbour was much sought after by the Arabs of the Middle Age. During rough season, they anchored their vessels safely at this harbour and remained behind at Negombo. They also made use of this time to attend on repairs of these vessels. Coir and timber derived from coconut trees which thrived here due to inherent fertile soil, naturally provided a big boost to their ship building industry there.

These Arabs also handled ship repairing activities in mid sea as well as on the coast. There was a smithy which turned out necessary implements for this industrial sector. Muslim engineers brought from Kochin harbour in India by the Arabs were employed here in the ship building yard.

Gradually these Muslims from Kochin arrived in along with their families and began to settle down in the highlands off Mahaoya. They constructed a mosque for religious observances at the bank of Mahaoya river. The place where the smithy stood was called Kammalthurai. The place where timber was supplied was known as Palahaithurai (Palahai being timber in Tamil) the place where Kochchi Muslims ran business activities was called Kochchikadai.

Those vessels which called over from India made a stop over at Kammalthurai.

The crew members used this place for refreshment and relaxation. Here they enjoyed the taste of tea alongwith betel chew.

These vessels were called 'Paaruwa' in Sinhala and this village which became a shipyard by then was called 'Paaruthota'. Subsequently this 'paaruthota' became Poruthota. This village is called by different names such as Palahathurai, Kammalthurai and Poruthota even today.

The history behind the mosque

The mosque which stands majestically above the shores of Kammalthurai with its beautiful minarets, is 175 years old. This is the oldest and biggest one among the mosques seen between the coastal belt of Colombo and Puttalam.

Early settlers in Kammalthurai built a makeshift mosque using coconut leaves for the first time in 1825. This mosque was located then at the very place where the old volleyball court stood which was in front of the present mosque.

Setting up of school

The first ever school in 1920 was housed at the building which lay to the south of the Kammalthurai mosque. At the beginning there were only 45 students with two non-Muslim teachers. Classes were held only upto Grade V. A lady teacher was appointed in 1928 and this appointment paved way for girl students to enter the school.

When students increased in numbers and space problem set in, the need for a new building was felt. The responsibility fell on the Moors Society which functioned then at Kammalthurai. The members of this society took steps to provide this necessity.

Employment opportunities in the village

Majority of the villagers were well versed in architecture. They designed and built their own houses and mosques very beautifully. It is no exaggeration to say that nearly 75 per cent of mosques in Sri Lanka do carry the architectural designs made by artisans in Kammalthurai.

Fishing industry

Fishing has been the traditional mode of livelihood in Kammalthurai. Early Indian settlers too were engaged in this industry. Since the Western border of this village is covered by the sea, this industry thrived there with its natural resources.

Social conduct

Muslims who lived here maintained a very strict code of conduct among themselves under one patriarchal system.

Whenever there was any problem or dispute among the villagers, it was referred to the mosque authorities for settlement. They acted as judges and quasis and their rulings were well accepted. These mosque authorities were then held in high esteem in that society.

Those who violated these decrees were punished. Some of them were ostracised from the society and they were banned from dealing with the rest of the villagers.

'Sherra' punishment in the form of 80 whippings by using a coconut stem was meted out to those who were found guilty of criminal acts based on sexual matters.

This punishment was called 'Hadh' among the people and it was executed by the custodian (muarrin) of the mosque. Since these punishments were given openly they acted as deterrent punishments leading to very few criminal acts recorded in the society. Under this social set-up no one was able to live on his own accord and everyone wanted to live as one single entity.

Drama

The art of drama was introduced to the village before the year 1950.

Three dramas namely 'Nalla Thangal', 'Alibathusha' and 'Thaiyar Sultan' were staged at the initial period during annual Dharga Feast. These dramas mostly consisted of songs and the villagers took part in them. They were well received by the people.

Details of this village 'Kammalthurai' has been given very briefly here.

A comprehensive account of this village based on facts given here will be out in the near future.

I have no doubt that this will be the very first document which speaks of the history of my village Kammalthurai.

It is also noteworthy to mention here that a well known theologian in East Asia. Late U. M. Thassim was also born here in this village.

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