Genealogy of CATHOLIC FAMILIES of Karampon
(and related inhabitancies in Naranthanai, Suruvil, Allaipiddy & other)

KARAMPON has been a prosperous village in the Island of Leyden. Leyden has in recent years gained prominence as the KAYTS ISLAND. Kayts is the name of the main Town in the Island wherein are situated the customs House, Police Station, Courts, Hospital, Post Office, College, Schools, Convent, Churches, Temple, a daily market cum shopping center and also a well patronized Rest House. Kayts Town boasts of a natural harbour which is the first landing place for people coming by boats from neighbouring Islands on their way to the mainland Jaffna. Karampon adjoins Kayts Town and enjoys all the facilities available at the Town along with the services of its own.

I started compiling information as to 'who is who' - the relationships and connections - simply to cherish as a family record. In time it expanded embracing a wide circle of relations of Karampon Catholic Families which form one large great mosaic. I now present to you my endeavour in the form of this book. I do so with the keenest sense of inadequacy as you are aware that this attempt is vulnerable at hundred points. If you find something wrong, missing or you are in possession of relevant information kindly communicate with me. I shall try to rectify or include in the next edition or in a supplement. It has not been possible to begin from "First Generation" as "Thombu" records or even private family lineal writings or collections could not be accessed. Hence I have commenced from an era where one could trace memories (say around 1800) and from whence information was readily available.

An important feature I have to touch in relation to this book is the use of "nick" names and or "pet" names. This is to distinguish, identify and or locate family ties, as several people have had identical or similar names. Confusion had to be avoided by referring to a special attribute or trait of on individual which lingered in the family. For example "Esthaki" Thambiah got his "name" because he is reputed to have acted so well in the title role of "Esthakiar" in the Nattu Koothu of the same name. "Panchan" Saverimuthu, got the 'name' as he walked with a sort of a leap. "Haputhalayar" Saverimuthu because his place of business was Haputale. "Kari" Pethuruvar; Pethuruvar is short "pet" form of Pethurupillai as is "Santhiavar" for Santhiapillai. "Kari"or "Kariar" shot up as he was of dark (coal) complexion. "Pariari" Packiam - the link is to his vocation or profession. I have used these "nick" or "pet" names, which were in vogue, without malice. I have to add that as the number of Karampon families became voluminous I have for convenience dividedthemintofourChapters.
It became obvious that many Karampon Catholic Families are intertwined with families of Naranthanai, Suruvil, Allaipiddy, and even Sillalai Pandaterrupppu etc. I have therefore, with the reference to context, included some such families in this book. So as not to be monotonous I have adopted some essays on Karampon and some tracings in Tamil History ( with due acknowledgement to and the courtesy of the authors and as “common heritage of the humanity of the Tamils”). I believe that this book will be useful for people of Karampon Catholic Families in particular and others in general whether displaced and living outside or migrated abroad to eulogise past generations and guide the future ones.

I thank all those who gave me information readily. Two men I honour who encouraged me to finalise and prompted and urged me to publish this work - Rev. Frs. T.J.A. Mathuranayagam and M. Emmanuel Pius. I am very grateful to Mr. S. M. Joseph, Retired Principal, St. Anthony's R.C.School, Kayts for perusing the Script, proof reading and anywise ready to help. Many thanks to my children for the enthusiasm envinced and volunteering assistance, To my wife (Tresa) in addition, for willingly gathering information and enduring patience. God Bless all.

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