ABSTRACT
This chapter shows that in the baseline period the pervasiveness of caste discrimination was not mutually exclusive with a high degree of inter-caste interaction and co-operation. It discusses the Muslims as a caste group because within and around the Rangama/Devideniya community the Muslims formed, an endogamous group which can clearly be seen to occupy a rank in the caste hierarchy. In the baseline period the Walawwe caste occupied the highest rank in the community caste hierarchy. The Goigama were second only to the Walawwe people in the caste hierarchy and constituted the solid core of respectable people in the community. The Gallat and most of the lower castes have a model of the caste hierarchy which places the Gallat higher than the Vahumpura. The single family categorized as Vahal by all other castes in this community during the baseline period would, in all probability, have described themselves as Padu and been so called by persons outside the community.
