Intercultural influences on the architectural traditions of Jaffna Peninsula: a study focused on the architectural remains of the Manthiri Manai

Abstract

Architecture occupies a special place in rediscovering the early cultural traditions of the Jaffna peninsula. Architectural traditions of the Jaffna Peninsula which was routed in the south Indian traditions of Kerala and Tamil Nadu were subjected to change under the impact of western influences. The aim of this paper is to investigate the architectural traditions of the Jaffna peninsula which is a window for Tamil national culture. The ancient South Indian and Kerala architectural traditions are best illustrated by the household buildings, religious buildings and other public buildings. However, this original traditional architecture has been overshadowed by Dutch influences. Present day architecture of Jaffna peninsula can be seen as an admixture of both the past as well as the modern influences.