Introduction
The relationship between Tamil communities and Myanmar, now known as Burma, stretches back centuries, spanning economic, cultural, and historical ties. This article explores the historical and economic connections between these two entities, focusing on the role of Tamil migrants, particularly the Chettiars, in shaping the Burmese economy and society.
Historical and Cultural Ties
The connection between Tamil people and Myanmar is primarily rooted in historical and cultural ties. The two countries share a common Buddhist heritage, which was spread through Southeast Asia via the Theravada Buddhist tradition. Sri Lanka, a significant center of Theravada Buddhism, has had a profound influence on Burmese Buddhism, shaping its practices and religious institutions.
Economic Influence
Economic ties between Tamil communities and Myanmar have also been significant, particularly through the activities of the Chettiars—a group of entrepreneurial Tamil communities known for their roles as moneylenders, merchants, and investors.
Chettiars and Burma
The organized migration of Tamil capital to Myanmar began during the British colonial era, particularly after the commissioning of the railway line in 1860, which facilitated easier trading across India and beyond. The Chettiars, a prominent business community from Tamil Nadu, were among the earliest investors in Burma.
By the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Chettiars had established a significant presence in Burma. According to Indian estimates from the time, working funds of Chettiars were proportionately large in Burma, where 64% of their investments were deployed. This investment was not just in banking but also in land and agriculture, significantly altering the economic landscape of Lower Burma.
The area under paddy cultivation in Lower Burma grew from 6 lakh acres to 97 lakh acres by 1852. By 1936, 1650 Chettiar firms controlled 24 lakh acres or a quarter of the farmland in Burma's 13 districts. This massive investment by Tamils supported the agricultural sector and transformed the economic dynamics of Burma.
Tamil Migrants and Organized Migration
As these Chettiar firms expanded their landholdings and businesses in Burma, they also employed a substantial number of Tamils to manage their overseas operations. This led to an organized migration of Tamil workers, further strengthening the demographic and cultural ties between Tamil Nadu and Myanmar.
Impact of World War II
The Japanese invasion of Burma during World War II had a significant impact on the Tamil community. Many of the Chettiars and their businesses suffered substantial losses, as they had to forego both their labor and capital investments. Several prominent groups and companies, such as the Murugappa Group, MAC Group, and the Paramount Group, are a small fraction of the investments made by the Tamil community in Burma during that period.
Modern Legacy
Even a century later, the legacy of Tamil migration to Burma continues to be felt. Tamils in Tamil Nadu still proudly refer to the teak wood used in their homes as "Burma Thaekku," a testament to the enduring economic and cultural connections between these communities.
Conclusion
The historical and economic connection between Tamil communities and Myanmar is a testament to the enduring nature of human migration and economic ties. Despite the passage of time and historical changes, the impacts of Tamil investments and migration on the Burmese economy remain significant, vividly illustrated by the legacy of Chettiars and their role in transforming the agricultural landscape of Burma.