Transformation of Saiva Religion into Hindu Identity among Eelam Tamils   Abstract This report traces the multi-century transformation of Saivam — a liturgically distinct, philosophically grounded Tamil tradition of Śiva-worship — into the pan-communal umbrella category of “Hindu” identity among Eelam Tamils. The transformation is neither linear nor purely doctrinal; it is the product of interlocking colonial violence, missionary counter-pressure, 19th-century reform movements, post-independence ethnic politics, and 21st-century cultural diplomacy. The report identifies four major inflection points: (1) the Portuguese destruction of Jaffna Kingdom institutions (1619); (2) the Navalar-led Saiva reform and institutionalisation of “Hindu” schools (1840s–1879); (3) post-independence state-building and Sinhalese-Buddhist majoritarianism (1948–1983); and (4) India’s post-war cultural and religious diplomacy (2009–2026), augmented by Hindutva network ...