Nallur
Country: Sri Lanka
Region: Asia
Period: 15th-17th c.CE
Location: 9.666667°N, 80.033333°E
Description
Nallur, located in the northern part of Sri Lanka, was the capital of the Jaffna Kingdom from the 15th to 17th centuries CE. This historical city served as the cultural and administrative center for the Tamil kings of the Jaffna Kingdom. Nallur’s prominence was marked by its religious and military significance, particularly during the reign of King Cankili I and the kingdom’s eventual fall to the Portuguese.
Modern Remains
Modern remains in Nallur primarily consist of the Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil, a major Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Murugan. The temple, rebuilt in the 18th century, stands as a symbol of Nallur’s cultural and religious heritage. Other remnants of the kingdom are limited, but the town still hosts significant festivals and rituals that reflect the area’s long-standing Tamil cultural legacy, making it a vibrant historical and cultural landmark.