King Periyapillai
Reign: 1570–1582
Kingdom: jaffna
International Connections
Periyapillai ruled Jaffna for 12 years under Portuguese suzerainty, managing a precarious autonomy. He paid tribute and allowed Portuguese garrisons, yet preserved Hindu worship and local Tamil administration.
Periyapillai ruled Jaffna for 12 years under Portuguese suzerainty, managing a precarious autonomy. He paid tribute and allowed Portuguese garrisons, yet preserved Hindu worship and local Tamil administration. His reign exemplifies the northern kingdom's struggle to retain identity under colonial pressure.