Because of Schalk’s deep knowledge of Tamil and his attention to the historical development of key concepts, Schalk has written an enlightening description of some of the main motivating ideas undergirding the LTTE’s struggle, along with some of the rituals used by the community to participate in these ideas.

"There are six main ideological sources for the LTTE concept of martyrdom that rationalise armed struggle for Cutantiram [read as sudanthiram, freedom]. Firstly, there is the revival of a sacrificial language as expressed in the term arppanippu, meaning ‘dedication (of man to god)’. Secondly, there is the Tamil bhakti tradition from the Gita providing concepts of dedication and ascetism and a cosmic perspective in which the battle for independence takes place. Thirdly, there is a Christian element expressed in the concept of catci [saatchi], ‘witness’, ‘martyr’. Fourthly, there is Subhasism, expressed in the justification of armed struggle and in the concept of balidan, ‘gift (of life) as sacrifice’. Fifthly, there is Dravidian nationalism providing martial concepts to the LTTE and the concept of a linguistic Tamil nation-state. Sixthly, there is the martial feminism of the female Tamil fighters adapted to Tamil male concepts of female behaviour (Schalk 1994: 181-183) adopted by the female Tamil fighters." (p. 66)

Schalk also discusses why he believes ‘hero’ is a better translation of tiyaki and mavirar than ‘martyr’ because, most importantly, a tiyaki dies in a completely secular context, expecting no personal reward, wanting only to advance the cause.

Schalk’s article is a ‘must read’ for all those trying to understand the LTTE or to understand the cultural chasm between those from LTTE-influenced areas in Sri Lanka, India or elsewhere and those who live in a different world. Prof. Schalk was glimpsed at a Mahveerar Day celebration in London this year, presumably continuing his research, so we look forward to reading his next analysis of the subject.