JAFNA, the capital of the district of Jafnapatam. It stands at some distance from the sea, but communicates with it by a river navigable for large boats, and which falls into the sea near Point Pedro. The town is fortified and possesses a good citadel, which, though small, is exceedingly well built; but it was given up in 1795, after a short resistance, to the British troops. The situation is salubrious, and living is cheap; on which account many families have removed to this place from Colombo. The greater part of the inhabitants are of Mohammedan extraction, and are divided into several tribes, known by the names of Lubbahs, Moplays, Chittees, and Cholas. The foreign settlers are more numerous than the native inhabitants. There are manufactures of coarse cotton cloths, calicoes, handkerchiefs, shawls, stockings, &c.; and there are also many artificers, such as goldsmiths, jewellers, joiners, and cabinet-makers.
JAFNAPATAM is the name of a district in the northern extremity of Ceylon. It is considered as the most healthy and populous part of the island, as it escapes, owing to its maritime situation, the intensely hot winds which prevail on the continent. It is clear of woods, produces a variety of fruit and vegetables, and abounds also in poultry and game; whilst the tract that lies between Point Pedro and Jafna is favourable to the breeding of sheep. In the islands dependent on this district, namely, Delft, Harlem, Leyden, and Amsterdam, so named by the Dutch from their native cities, government has an establishment for breeding horses and cattle, for which the islands afford excellent pasture. The woods towards the interior, separating the district from the Candian provinces, are inhabited by a savage race of people known by the name of the Vadahs or Bedahs, who are supposed to be the ancient inhabitants of the country.