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The island nation of Sri Lanka possesses a rich and sometimes troubled history that stretches back over 2,500 years. According to the nation's "origin myth," it was first settled by a band of 700 young men led by a Bengal prince who was banished from his homeland by his father, the king in 483 B.C. The civilization grew upon the economic prosperity of rice and tea cultivation that inspired the creation of one of the most sophisticated hydraulic systems in the ancient world. Sri Lanka's history has not been entirely idyllic, however. The cultural and technological advances enriched lives, but also created a weakness that outside invaders could exploit. As a result, the Singhalese have been ruled by Southern Indian invaders, as well as the Portuguese, the Dutch, and the British. "The Historical Dictionary of Sri Lanka" provides a one-stop resource for the history of this intriguing country. Dictionary entries cover the people, places, and events that have shaped this country and are further supplemented by a detailed chronology, statistical tables, graphs and appendices. Includes bibliography. ... Read more

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Deals with ethnology in Sri Lanka Vedda (Sri Lanka People), and elaborates on Sri Lanka Antiquities, in the different regions of Ceylon/Sri Lanka from the period BC-1000 AD. ... Read more

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OVERVIEW, CULTURAL TRENDS, MAJOR RULERS ... Read more

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Deals with Sri Lanka's history, the rise of Potuguese Power, in the region of Ceylon/Sri Lanka. This book covers Portuguese Indies, during the period of 1401-1800 AD. ... Read more

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Must read
This book is a must have for anyone that wants to do research on history, genealogy, Christianity, etc. of Ceylon. It has info about the Portuguese interaction with Ceylon .......and the names they gave some Sinhalese and Tamil (who were political, military, leaders) when they converted to Christianity (their original names, and new name). This is hard to find. This book and 'Jesuits in Ceylon' are very good books. ... Read more

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"Historical Relation of the Island of Ceylon in the East Indies". ... Read more

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"Ceylon Past and Present". ... Read more

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"Historic Tragedy of the Island of Ceilao Dedicated to His Most Serene Majesty Dom Pedro the Second". ... Read more

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An examination of the nature of political change within a village, which the author calls Morapitiya, in the Kandyan highlands of Sri Lanka, during the transition from colony to independent nation. During the first years of Sri Lanka's independence, the United National Party perpetuated the 'indirect rule' policy of the British colonial government. In 1956, with the election of a coalition government led by the Sri Lanka Freedom Party, this form of rule was rejected. The new government was committed to reviving the traditional Sinhalese culture, language and Buddhist ideals, and to improving the living conditions of the poor. Soon after assuming power, the S.L.F.P. government began to implement political and economic policies designed to alter village structure in accordance with the new ideals. ... Read more

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"Tri Sinhala: The Last Phase, 1796-1815". ... Read more

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This study of South Asia analyzes both the riches and struggles of the past and the problems and achievements of the present. It describes the painful struggles for independence, and today's political and economic realities. ... Read more

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When the Portuguese arrived on the shores of Sri Lanka in 1506, they opened an era in which religious identity became central to struggles for power on the island. During the reign of King Bhuvanekabahu VII (1521-51), they became the first European empire to dominate Lankan politics. This book sets out to explain the behaviour of the Portuguese and the Sinhalese as their relationship evolved over the century. Topics covered include the nature of Portuguese imperialism and indigenous state power in the earlier decades, the impact of Catholic mission on this Buddhist society and how this was shaped by local principles of caste, land tenure and religious thought, and the issue of identity. It reveals how indigenist, dynastic, and religious loyalties shaped the increasingly violent conflicts of the later decades. The principal concern is the sacred legitimization of kingship: why was Christian monarchy never truly established in Sri Lanka? ... Read more

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Ceylon and Portugal in the Renaissance
A splendid book, superbly researched. A must read for all interested in cultural, political and artisitic exchanges between Asia and Europe in the Renaissance. A scholarly study which will remain the definitive study of Ceylon and Portugal in the Renaissance for a long time to come.


The Development of Cathararine of Austria's Collection in the Queen's Household: Its Character and Cost
Black Africans in Renaissance Europe
Encounters: The Meeting of Asia and Europe 1500 - 1800 ... Read more

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Nobodies to Somebodies examines the origins and growth of the bourgeoisie in Sri Lanka during British rule--an important but neglected aspect of the country's modern history. It traces the evolution of the bourgeoisie from a 'feudal' society and mercantilist economy, to the age of plantations. This study assigns primacy to class over caste, and gives details about the rise of the new-rich 'Nobodies' of many castes, ethnicities, and religions into the ranks of the 'Somebodies'.
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This is the first detailed comparative analysis of electorates in Sri Lanka since 1947. Dilesh Jayanntha examines electoral allegiance in three contrasting constituencies--Sandville, Mirville and Jung Town--and demonstrates how patronage networks based initially on wealth and later on access to and control of state institutions determined electoral allegiance.Often the patronage network was congruent with caste. But, as Jayanntha shows, where the patron-client tie cut across the caste tie it was the former which proved decisive in deciding electoral allegiance. ... Read more

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By a retired officer in the Ministry of External Affairs and a noted scholar,detailed scholarly study of India-Sri Lanka diplomatic relations. focus on l980 to the present, attention to riots, militant groups, Indian Peacekeeping operations. a balanced survey of recent developments. ... Read more