Tamilness and the Feeling of Oneness: A Critical Reading of Indo-Sri Lankan Policy Dynamics

Abstract

Geographical proximity and close ethnic commonalities attracted Tamil Nadu to involve directly or indirectly in the ethno-based political turmoil of Sri Lanka. Therefore, the role of Tamil Nadu had become most significant in determining the depth of intimacy/hatred between India and Sri Lanka relations, particularly after the entry of the Sri Lankan Tamils into Tamil Nadu as refugees and help seekers. It is evident that the Government of Tamil Nadu provided only lip service in terms of solidarity until the movement of Tamil militants became stronger in the political spheres of the Island country. In fact, the Tamil Nadu factor should be read from two different angles. First, the contribution of ‘Tamilness’ has to be understood impartially, prevailing both in Tamil Nadu and Sri Lanka at the beginning of ethnic crisis in Sri Lanka. Secondly, their role should be analyzed systematically within the period of military conflict. In this context, the paper focuses on the imprint of the Dravidian Movement in Tamil Nadu on the ethnic turbulence of Sri Lanka. Further, it would emphasize on the ongoing policy shifts in the ethnotensed Indo-Lankan relations.