 He along with other activists were instrumental in the revival of native traditions in Sri Lanka that had been long dormant during the previous 400 years of colonial rule by various European powers.Chunnakam Kumaraswamy Pulavar was born to Ampalavanar and Chithamparammai on January 18, 1854 as only son, among two daughters.When the Pulavar was 5, he started studying Tamil under Om Namasivaya Desikar and also started studying at Mallakam English School.