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Demodara Loop

During the long weekend commencing Poya day 20th September large numbers of people in private buses, vans etc, were going towards the hill country. I too along with our crowd went by van. A trip I had accomplished after more than a quarter century. The new road from Kandy through Randenigala to Badulla and back via Nuwara Eliya was our main route. Hakgala Gardens was chock'a-block' with visitors.

Being quite familiar with the area, we went to Demodara which is in the Uva Province covered with hectares and hectares of the green carpet, tea. The Demodara railway line is a well known masterpiece of engineering feat. From the station the railway line winds its way and comes directly under the station through the tunnel which has been excavated inside a mountain.

It is said that the idea of this loop was a sudden inspiration that occurred to the engineers who masterminded the railway line, when they observed the Kangany who was supervising the workers, undo his 'talappa' (head gear) and re-tie it round his head. We walked along the railway line in front of the station, through the tunnel, climbed up a rugged foot path which is almost perpendicular to the railway line and ended at the Spring Valley Road opposite the Demodara Railway Station. Water is dripping from the Tunnel, some of the Railway sleepers are loose and inside the tunnel it is somewhat dark even at noon with the blazing sun.

It is a great pity it is neglected. The Demodara tunnel and railway entrance is called the Demodara Loop and is of historic significance. It would be a major tourist attraction.

During the latter part of the 19th century, large numbers of Tamils from South India in the Pudukkottah areas came to the estates in Uva.

There is a school of thought that the name Demodara originated from 'Ten Madhura' in South India. In fact there is a reference to 'Ten Madhura', by S.L. Gunasegaram. S.L. Gunesegaram M.A (Lond), an outstanding scholar had devoted much to research. It is said of him that he was 'one of the most prolific contributors to the Letters to the Editor column' and a vigilant defender of what he held to be true. On page 52 of his book 'Selected writings' published in 1985, it is stated, "In old Tamil literature 'Ten Madura' of pre-Christian times was not situated on the same site as the Madura of today. In old Tamil literature 'Ten Madhura' or Southern Madhura referred to Madhura, a sea-port still further south, a well known ancient capital of the Pandyas and a centre of Tamil culture. It was destroyed by sea erosion and the site of new city was shifted further north.'

There is evidence of large-scale settlers from the Pudukkottah (New fort S. India) area in the estates in and around Demodara and even in areas beyond. In fact the Murugan Kovil situated in Haputale Town has granite rock pillars brought from India, where the names of the donors, the 'Theavar' clan from Pudukkottah are inscribed. It is visible even today although done in or about 1900.

By S. THAMBYRAJAH- Colombo 3
Daily News, 16 October 2002

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