Insights from Chieftains of Uva: Genealogy of two Kandyan Families – Part II

Genealogical studies of the Kandyan people have traditionally focused on the upper caste, the Govigama, specifically those with high-ranking positions. This narrow approach has resulted in the omission of non-office holders, side branches, and ordinary kin, as well as families belonging to what are known as "depressed castes." The reason for this exclusion stems from the lack of competitive caste supremacy within the Kandyan region, unlike in other areas.

Despite this, oral genealogies, folk traditions, palm-leaf manuscripts, and colonial records often preserve the names of less prominent members. However, descendants of clan leaders, such as the Vidana Maha Durayas, Maha Balitiyannas, Maha Hulawaliyas, Mulacharis, and chiefs of Halu Apullana Henayas, have chosen not to record their genealogies, as their ancestral roots have been lost and they have adopted new names and identities.

One notable exception is the work "Great Royal Artificer of the Kandyan Kingdom: Devendra Mulachari" by D. D. M. Waidyasekera (2017), which documents the architectural works of the master craftsman, responsible for notable structures like the Paththirippuwa, Walakulu Bemma, and Mangul Maduwa. Yet, the contributions of hundreds of other master craftsmen and artificers remain largely unrecognized, creating an inconsistency in cultural memory.

Elders were once the primary keepers of memory, passing down genealogies, relationships, anecdotes, and other details through generations. However, with the passing of these elders, cultural and historical memory tied to ancient villages has been lost. Conflicts and discrepancies often arise between family records, oral traditions, colonial writings, and modern historical scholarship in Kandyan genealogical studies.

To address these issues, a combination of all sources, including archival records, oral traditions, and colonial documents, is recommended.