Korales of Sri Lanka: Administrative Divisions of the 1911 Census
In the historical administrative landscape of Sri Lanka, the term Korale (and the related term Pattu) referred to specific territorial divisions used for governance, land management, and census tracking. These divisions provided a granular look at how the island was organized during the colonial era.
The 1911 Sri Lanka Census provides a comprehensive record of these officially recognized divisions, mapping them across provinces and districts. These divisions often reflected traditional boundaries that had evolved over centuries, blending indigenous social structures with colonial administrative needs.
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Key Facts
- Census Year: The data is based on the official 1911 Sri Lanka Census.
- Hierarchy: The administrative structure followed a hierarchy of Province → District → Korale/Pattu.
- Terminology: While "Korale" is common in the south and center, "Pattu" was frequently used in the Northern and Eastern regions.
- Scope: The divisions covered all major provinces, including Western, Central, Northern, Southern, Eastern, North Western, North Central, Uva, and Sabaragamuwa.
Regional Breakdown of Divisions
Western and Central Provinces
The Western Province, centered around the Colombo Municipality and districts like Negombo and Kalutara, utilized divisions such as the Siyane Korale and Rayigam Korale. In the Central Province, the complexity of the terrain is reflected in the numerous divisions of Kandy, Matale, and Nuwara Eliya, featuring various "Palata" (regions) such as Udunuwara and Yatinuwara.
Northern and Eastern Provinces
In the North, the administrative units were predominantly referred to as Pattus. In Jaffna, these included Valikamam, Vadamaradchi, and Tenmaradchi. The Eastern Province, encompassing Batticaloa and Trincomalee, similarly used the Pattu system, such as the Manmunai and Kadukkulam Pattus.
Southern, North Western, and North Central Provinces
The Southern Province featured divisions like the Wellaboda and Gangaboda Pattus in Galle and Matara. The North Western Province, particularly in Kurunegala, exhibited an extensive list of Korales, including the Hatalispahe and Dewamedi divisions. The North Central Province centered on Anuradhapura, utilizing divisions like Nuwaragam Palata.
Uva and Sabaragamuwa Provinces
Uva's divisions in Badulla were categorized into divisions like Bintenna and Wellassa. Sabaragamuwa, covering Ratnapura and Kegalle, utilized a mix of Korales and Pattus, such as the Atakalan Korale and the various Pattuwa divisions of Kegalle.
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Summary of 1911 Administrative Structure
| Province | Key Districts | Primary Division Types |
|---|---|---|
| Western | Colombo, Negombo, Kalutara | Korale, Mudaliyar's Division |
| Central | Kandy, Matale, Nuwara Eliya | Korale, Pattu, Palata |
| Northern | Jaffna, Mannar, Mullaitivu, Vavuniya | Pattu, Division |
| Southern | Galle, Matara, Hambantota | Korale, Pattu, Gravets |
| Eastern | Batticaloa, Trincomalee | Pattu, Koralai |
| North Western | Kurunegala, Puttalam, Chilaw | Korale, Hatpattu, Pattu |
| North Central | Anuradhapura | Korale, Palata, Pattu |
| Uva | Badulla | Korale, Division |
| Sabaragamuwa | Ratnapura, Kegalle | Korale, Pattu, Palata |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Korale?
A Korale was a traditional administrative division in Sri Lanka, used for local governance and land administration, particularly prominent in the southern and central regions.
What is the difference between a Korale and a Pattu?
While both served as sub-district administrative units, the term "Korale" was more common in the Sinhalese-speaking areas, whereas "Pattu" was the standard term used in the Tamil-speaking Northern and Eastern provinces.
Which province had the most complex divisions in 1911?
Based on the census data, the Central and North Western provinces (particularly Kurunegala) showed a very high density of diverse Korales and Pattu divisions.
Were these divisions used for the census?
Yes, these divisions were the officially recognized units used to organize and record population data during the 1911 Sri Lanka Census.
What was a "Mudaliyar's Division"?
A Mudaliyar's Division was an area under the jurisdiction of a Mudaliyar, a high-ranking native official who acted as an intermediary between the colonial government and the local population.