Veddas/Ancient people of Srilanka

Vedda with a bow and arrow

The Veddas, much like the Sinhalese, trace their roots back to the original inhabitants of Sri Lanka. Scholars believe that the Veddas emerged from a blend of ancient tribes, existing well before King Vijaya's arrival on the island. Analyzing their skull characteristics reveals a resemblance to proto-Austroloid races, indicating a deep connection to the Balangoda inhabitants who roamed Sri Lanka during the Mesolithic period, approximately between 15000 and 10000 BC.

The name “Vedda” originates from “bedda,” a term that means “forest dwellers,” highlighting their historical lifestyle, which is closely tied to jungle habitats rather than village life. They are often referred to as “Mas Vedda,” denoting their hunting heritage within the lush jungles. Legend states that when King Vijaya arrived in Sri Lanka, he encountered Kuweniya, married her, and became the forefather of the Veddas through their children.

When it comes to social structure, the Veddas are notable for their egalitarian community. A Vedda village is typically overseen by a chief, but there is no rigid hierarchy like that found in some other tribal societies. While multiple Vedda communities coexist peacefully in shared regions, they do face challenges that sometimes lead to migration.

Though there is a division among them based on lineage, the Veddas identify with six distinct clans: Monara, Unapatha, Ura, Embala, and Namudana. They can also be categorized by their geographical regions in Sri Lanka, such as the Dabana, East Coast Veddas, and Ritigala Veddas.

Historically, the Veddas occupied caves, eventually transitioning to hut-based living. Over time, they embraced agriculture while still preserving aspects of their traditional hunting lifestyle. Their diet primarily consisted of game, supplemented with fruits, wild honey, and tubers. Hunting and cooking are often communal activities, and they employed unique preservation methods for their food—when they had an abundance of meat, they would submerge it in honey, smoke it, or cure it with salt, showcasing their resourcefulness in the bountiful wilderness of Sri Lanka.

The Vedda community, once unified under the leadership of a revered figure known as “Maha Vanniyalaththo,” has seen the concept of leadership gradually fade due to declining population and changes in local governance. Their marriage ceremonies are both charming and simple, reflecting a profound respect for women. Traditional values discourage extramarital affairs and promote the sanctity of familial bonds. The family is the cornerstone of their society, with deep love shared among members. A unique cultural practice arises when a husband passes away; the widow traditionally marries her deceased husband's brother, ensuring that the children remain protected and cared for.

Children in the Vedda community often grow up without clothing until they are about 6 or 7 years old, after which they receive garments. By the age of 12, they begin their training in hunting, mastering the use of bows and arrows, a skill vital for their way of life.

Death is approached with trepidation by the Veddas, prompting them to vacate their caves during mourning periods. They honor deceased ancestors through chanting ceremonies, believing that the spirits of the departed may return as either benevolent or malevolent forces. One of their central rituals is the “Kiri Koraha Dance,” which accompanies these ceremonies. While the Veddas traditionally have no singular deity or religious leader, many have embraced Buddhism in recent times, adding another layer to their spiritual beliefs.

Living in a cave

During pregnancy, the community holds various protective ceremonies for the expectant mother, aiming to safeguard the unborn child. Once a baby is born, they receive a name within the first month, often being called by affectionate pet names in their early years. Upon a girl reaching menarche, she performs a ritual of throwing stones at a Banyan tree, and her mother conducts a cleansing ritual before ushering her back home. However, the transition into womanhood among the Veddas does not involve elaborate celebrations, reflecting their unique cultural perspectives.

This vibrant way of life, steeped in traditions and customs, is a captivating aspect of the Vedda people, inviting tourists to explore their rich heritage.