It was interesting to read comments on the topic. I would like to add my ideas as well specially because of the references to Vaddahs. Native or indigenous may mean the same but relative terms that are attached with a time line. For how long a particular group has lived in a territory will tell you to decide whether they are native or not. But we cannot define limitations of this time line. If the roots goes beyond traceable limits with modern technology, the group can be considered as native or indigenous. If you consider the changes over millions of years that shape the face of nations, no one will be capable of tracing the original genes. * One referred to Ceylankan: Modern term is Sri Lankan (After 1972). Before 1972 and the colonial time, Ceylonese. Many names were used by foreigners time to time for this Island (Seylan, Serendib etc) But the name "Lanka" goes up to prehistoric era (before 25 centuries of written history). King Ravana's time in Ramayana * Vaddahs are the descendants of Vijaya and Kuveni - Written history of Sri Lanka starts with Vijayas arrival (25 centuries ago, but started to write few centuries later) from north-west of Bharath (then India). Kuveni was in Lanka and belongs to Yakka tribe. So people believe that Kuveni is a native or indigenous. They had two children, a boy and a girl. Vijaya brought a bride from his own country before consecration as King of Lanka and chased Kuveni away who helped him to established in the new territory. Kuveni went back to her people but was killed because she betrayed her tribe and helped Vijaya. The boy and the girl was secretly sent away by one of their uncles and survived. Descendants from this couple are called Vaddahs and lived away from the main community. According to this story in the history books, Vaddahs are also not native because they have roots in North India. There are some prehistoric evidence to say that Kuveni too has roots in India. All four tribes: Yakka, Deva, Naga, Raksha lived in prehistoric Lanka have migrated from four part of India time to time and established in this Island. Roots of North Indians are going beyond its territory. Cheers Jaya (Australia) Ramkins ramkins@clear.net.nz To 14/08/2005 09:18 AM SRILANKA-L@rootsweb.com cc Subject Re: [SRILANKA] Native research Thank you all for comments.- even the vitriolic ones. Good to know our site is alive and well Let's move on. Rae ----- Original Message ----- From: "Peter Roy Goggin" <prgoggin@swiftdsl.com.au> To: <SRILANKA-L@rootsweb.com> Sent: Saturday, August 13, 2005 6:05 PM Subject: Re: [SRILANKA] Native research > The same applies to you: > > Oxford Dictionary - Native - One born or whose parents are domiciled in a > particular place or country > > Thus Tamils, Sinhalese, Burghers etc who were born in Sri Lanka are all > natives. > > Seems to me a perfectly good word to use. > > Regards > > Peter Goggin > > ----- Original Message ----- > From: "Gay Fielding" <gayze@tpg.com.au> > To: <SRILANKA-L@rootsweb.com> > Sent: Saturday, August 13, 2005 10:55 AM > Subject: Re: [SRILANKA] Native research > > > > It is such a pity Rae, that you didn't have the sensitivity to check the > > dictionary before you put your foot in your mouth. > > A little reading is a good thing, and if you are a researcher, reading the > > history of the country you are researching before you start putting pen to > > paper, helps you develop an understanding of the culture and trials and > > tribulations of its indigenous peoples.. > > Your statement "Why the fuss" demonstrates your lack of empathy.. > > .***Empathy is the recognition and understanding of the states of mind, > > including beliefs, desires and particularly emotions of others ** > > Gay > > > > > > > > > > ----- Original Message ----- > > From: "Ramkins" <ramkins@clear.net.nz> > > To: <SRILANKA-L@rootsweb.com> > > Sent: Saturday, August 13, 2005 9:25 AM > > Subject: Re: [SRILANKA] Native research > > > > > > >A dictionary check will clarify the word "native" as born and bred in the > > > country. > > > Why the fuss? > > > Rae > > > ----- Original Message ----- > > > From: "Camilla Barlow" <ceebee123@swiftdsl.com.au> > > > To: <SRILANKA-L@rootsweb.com> > > > Sent: Friday, August 12, 2005 7:43 PM > > > Subject: Re: [SRILANKA] Native research > > > > > > > > >> I think you might find a lot of people wiil be upset with the wording > of > > >> your message. I am. > > >> ----- Original Message ----- > > >> From: "Ramkins" <ramkins@clear.net.nz> > > >> To: <SRILANKA-L@rootsweb.com> > > >> Sent: Friday, August 12, 2005 8:26 AM > > >> Subject: [SRILANKA] Native research > > >> > > >> > > >> > Has anyone researched natives and has knowledge of naming patterns? > > >> > Rae > > >> > Downunder > > >> > > > >> > > > >> > ============================== > > >> > View and search Historical Newspapers. Read about your ancestors, > find > > >> > marriage announcements and more. Learn more: > > >> > http://www.ancestry.com/s13969/rd.ashx > > >> > > > >> > > > >> > > >> > > >> ============================== > > >> Search the US Census Collection. Over 140 million records added in the > > >> last 12 months. Largest online collection in the world. 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