Podcast
Questions and Answers
What was the primary economic activity in Sri Lanka before British rule?
What was the primary economic activity in Sri Lanka before British rule?
Agriculture was the primary economic activity.
How did Portuguese rule affect agricultural activities in Sri Lanka?
How did Portuguese rule affect agricultural activities in Sri Lanka?
Portuguese rule led to a decline in agricultural activities as they focused more on trade.
What crops did the Dutch cultivate in Sri Lanka that targeted export?
What crops did the Dutch cultivate in Sri Lanka that targeted export?
The Dutch focused on growing cinnamon and pepper for export.
What social structure existed in Sri Lanka before British domination?
What social structure existed in Sri Lanka before British domination?
Describe the economic system of local villages in pre-British Sri Lanka.
Describe the economic system of local villages in pre-British Sri Lanka.
What change in labor practices occurred during Dutch rule?
What change in labor practices occurred during Dutch rule?
What characterized the traditional life style in Sri Lanka before the British took control?
What characterized the traditional life style in Sri Lanka before the British took control?
How did the arrival of the British transform Sri Lankan society and economy?
How did the arrival of the British transform Sri Lankan society and economy?
What role did the Gamsabha play in the community before the Kandyan kingdom?
What role did the Gamsabha play in the community before the Kandyan kingdom?
How did the Gamsabha function as a minor court in the village during the Kandyan Kingdom?
How did the Gamsabha function as a minor court in the village during the Kandyan Kingdom?
What was the traditional duty service system mentioned in the context of the Gamsabha?
What was the traditional duty service system mentioned in the context of the Gamsabha?
What was the primary objective of the Colebrooke Commission in Sri Lanka?
What was the primary objective of the Colebrooke Commission in Sri Lanka?
What change in land policy did the Colebrooke Commission recommend?
What change in land policy did the Colebrooke Commission recommend?
How did the compulsory service system benefit the king's administration?
How did the compulsory service system benefit the king's administration?
What were service patrimony lands and their significance in the past?
What were service patrimony lands and their significance in the past?
Why was the Colebrooke Commission seen as critical for private entrepreneurs?
Why was the Colebrooke Commission seen as critical for private entrepreneurs?
What factor contributed to the increase in interest in coconut plantations by 1850?
What factor contributed to the increase in interest in coconut plantations by 1850?
By 1880, what percentage of coconut estate owners were Sri Lankans?
By 1880, what percentage of coconut estate owners were Sri Lankans?
Which regions were prominent for coconut plantation expansion?
Which regions were prominent for coconut plantation expansion?
What was the purpose of establishing a coconut research institution in Lunuwila?
What was the purpose of establishing a coconut research institution in Lunuwila?
What event in the late 19th century initially limited rubber plantation expansion in Sri Lanka?
What event in the late 19th century initially limited rubber plantation expansion in Sri Lanka?
What led to the expansion of rubber plantations by the beginning of the 20th century?
What led to the expansion of rubber plantations by the beginning of the 20th century?
By 1920, what percentage of export income was attributed to rubber products?
By 1920, what percentage of export income was attributed to rubber products?
What change did Colebrooke recommend regarding the labor system in Sri Lanka?
What change did Colebrooke recommend regarding the labor system in Sri Lanka?
Why did Colebrooke believe that a government monopoly on trade was an obstacle to private entrepreneurship?
Why did Colebrooke believe that a government monopoly on trade was an obstacle to private entrepreneurship?
What steps were taken to develop infrastructure for plantation cultivation in Sri Lanka?
What steps were taken to develop infrastructure for plantation cultivation in Sri Lanka?
How was the tax system transformed under Colebrooke's recommendations?
How was the tax system transformed under Colebrooke's recommendations?
What was the purpose of establishing a savings bank in Sri Lanka according to Colebrooke?
What was the purpose of establishing a savings bank in Sri Lanka according to Colebrooke?
What impact did Colebrooke's recommendations have on foreign investors in Sri Lanka?
What impact did Colebrooke's recommendations have on foreign investors in Sri Lanka?
What agricultural focus did foreign investors adopt in Sri Lanka as a result of Colebrooke's policies?
What agricultural focus did foreign investors adopt in Sri Lanka as a result of Colebrooke's policies?
In what year did Colebrooke's recommendations begin to take effect, leading to economic changes in Sri Lanka?
In what year did Colebrooke's recommendations begin to take effect, leading to economic changes in Sri Lanka?
What type of system was suggested for the tax collection of land under Colebrooke's reforms?
What type of system was suggested for the tax collection of land under Colebrooke's reforms?
What major reforms in 1833 contributed to the coffee plantation expansion in Sri Lanka?
What major reforms in 1833 contributed to the coffee plantation expansion in Sri Lanka?
How did the demand for coffee in the European market affect its cultivation in Sri Lanka during the 19th century?
How did the demand for coffee in the European market affect its cultivation in Sri Lanka during the 19th century?
What role did Indian laborers play in the growth of coffee plantations in Sri Lanka?
What role did Indian laborers play in the growth of coffee plantations in Sri Lanka?
What happened to the coffee export volume from Sri Lanka between 1834 and 1844?
What happened to the coffee export volume from Sri Lanka between 1834 and 1844?
What were the primary factors leading to the decline of coffee plantations after 1844?
What were the primary factors leading to the decline of coffee plantations after 1844?
What was the major disease that affected coffee plantations in Sri Lanka from 1869 onwards?
What was the major disease that affected coffee plantations in Sri Lanka from 1869 onwards?
What alternative crops did planters turn to after the decline of coffee cultivation?
What alternative crops did planters turn to after the decline of coffee cultivation?
In what regions of Sri Lanka did coffee plantations succeed particularly well during the 19th century?
In what regions of Sri Lanka did coffee plantations succeed particularly well during the 19th century?
What was the primary reason for the emergence of the middle class in the early 20th century?
What was the primary reason for the emergence of the middle class in the early 20th century?
How did the traditional aristocratic class respond to the rise of the middle class?
How did the traditional aristocratic class respond to the rise of the middle class?
What economic reforms contributed to the emergence of a labour class during British reign?
What economic reforms contributed to the emergence of a labour class during British reign?
What was the status of labourers working in cities during the initial stages of the labour class emergence?
What was the status of labourers working in cities during the initial stages of the labour class emergence?
What were some of the roles that the new urban labourers undertook in the cities?
What were some of the roles that the new urban labourers undertook in the cities?
What actions did laborers take to improve their conditions in the early 20th century?
What actions did laborers take to improve their conditions in the early 20th century?
Who was Mr. E.A. Gunasinghe and what was his role in the labour movement?
Who was Mr. E.A. Gunasinghe and what was his role in the labour movement?
What was the impact of bringing labourers from Southern India during British rule?
What was the impact of bringing labourers from Southern India during British rule?
Flashcards
Traditional Sri Lankan society before British Rule
Traditional Sri Lankan society before British Rule
The traditional Sri Lankan social, economic, and cultural systems were deeply rooted in the Anuradhapura era, with a focus on Buddhism.
Early European Influences on Sri Lankan Economy
Early European Influences on Sri Lankan Economy
The Portuguese, Dutch, and British each brought their own economic influences to Sri Lanka, but their impact wasn't immediate or widespread. The Portuguese focused on trade, the Dutch promoted cinnamon and pepper production, and the British saw potential in the island's resources.
The Kandyan Kingdom's Influence
The Kandyan Kingdom's Influence
The Kandyan Kingdom, which was largely independent during the colonial era, preserved many traditional practices and its economic system.
British Rule's Impact on Sri Lankan Society
British Rule's Impact on Sri Lankan Society
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Social Structure in Pre-British Sri Lanka
Social Structure in Pre-British Sri Lanka
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Village Life in Pre-British Sri Lanka
Village Life in Pre-British Sri Lanka
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Aththama - Traditional Sri Lankan Economic System
Aththama - Traditional Sri Lankan Economic System
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Transformation of Sri Lankan Economy under British Rule
Transformation of Sri Lankan Economy under British Rule
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What was the Gamsabha?
What was the Gamsabha?
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How did the Gamsabha get labor?
How did the Gamsabha get labor?
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What was the compulsory service system?
What was the compulsory service system?
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Why was the Colebrooke Commission sent to Sri Lanka?
Why was the Colebrooke Commission sent to Sri Lanka?
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What did the Colebrooke Commission try to achieve?
What did the Colebrooke Commission try to achieve?
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What was the commission's land policy recommendation?
What was the commission's land policy recommendation?
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Why did the Colebrooke Commission want to change the land tenure system?
Why did the Colebrooke Commission want to change the land tenure system?
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What was the overall objective of the Colebrooke Commission's economic reforms?
What was the overall objective of the Colebrooke Commission's economic reforms?
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Compulsory Service System
Compulsory Service System
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Abolishing Compulsory Service
Abolishing Compulsory Service
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Breaking Government Monopoly
Breaking Government Monopoly
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Direct to Indirect Taxes
Direct to Indirect Taxes
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Establishing a Savings Bank
Establishing a Savings Bank
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Foreign Investors in Estate Cultivation
Foreign Investors in Estate Cultivation
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Expansion of Plantation Sector
Expansion of Plantation Sector
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Trade-Based Agriculture
Trade-Based Agriculture
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Coffee Plantation in Sri Lanka
Coffee Plantation in Sri Lanka
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Colebrooke Reforms and Coffee
Colebrooke Reforms and Coffee
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Factors Driving Coffee Boom
Factors Driving Coffee Boom
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Governor Barnes's Role
Governor Barnes's Role
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Coffee's Rise in Upcountry Sri Lanka
Coffee's Rise in Upcountry Sri Lanka
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Free Trade's Impact
Free Trade's Impact
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Leaf Disease and its Impact
Leaf Disease and its Impact
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Shifting to Cinchona and Cocoa
Shifting to Cinchona and Cocoa
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Rise of the Educated Middle Class
Rise of the Educated Middle Class
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Emergence of the Labour Class
Emergence of the Labour Class
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Introduction of Indian Labor
Introduction of Indian Labor
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Urban Labor Growth
Urban Labor Growth
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Early Labor Conditions
Early Labor Conditions
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Rise of Labor Unions
Rise of Labor Unions
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Early Labor Strikes
Early Labor Strikes
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E.A. Gunasinghe's Role
E.A. Gunasinghe's Role
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What triggered the rise of coconut plantations in Sri Lanka?
What triggered the rise of coconut plantations in Sri Lanka?
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Who were more enthusiastic about coconut plantation: natives or foreigners?
Who were more enthusiastic about coconut plantation: natives or foreigners?
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Where did coconut plantations flourish in Sri Lanka?
Where did coconut plantations flourish in Sri Lanka?
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What was the economic impact of the coconut industry in Sri Lanka by 1920?
What was the economic impact of the coconut industry in Sri Lanka by 1920?
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What institution was set up to improve coconut cultivation?
What institution was set up to improve coconut cultivation?
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Why wasn't coconut production primarily focused on export?
Why wasn't coconut production primarily focused on export?
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How did infrastructure development support coconut plantations?
How did infrastructure development support coconut plantations?
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What factors led to the delayed growth and subsequent expansion of rubber plantations?
What factors led to the delayed growth and subsequent expansion of rubber plantations?
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Study Notes
Social Changes in Sri Lanka under British Rule
- Sri Lanka had a long-standing ruling system, social, economic, and cultural system before British rule
- Significant changes occurred in these areas by Sri Lanka's independence in 1948
- The British rule impacted socio-economic and cultural aspects of the country
Economic Changes
- Sri Lanka's traditional social and economic systems, rooted in the Anuradhapura era and Buddhist doctrine, experienced changes
- Portuguese rule (16th century) impacted agricultural activities while prioritizing trade
- Dutch rule in coastal areas focused on cinnamon and pepper exports
- The Kandyan kingdom remained largely independent during the Portuguese and Dutch periods, maintaining a distinct socio-economic system
- When the British took over, a social system with an elite minority and a majority of agriculturalists existed
Economic Reforms in Colebrooke Commission
- The Colebrooke Commission was sent in response to the government's income falling short of expenditure.
- The commission aimed to establish an economic system that met British objectives.
- Colebrooke recommended the sale of lands to private entrepreneurs.
- Existing land tenure systems were seen as an impediment to private enterprise.
- Colebrooke proposed allowing citizens and foreigners to buy land for investment purposes
- Civil servants were also allowed to participate in estate cultivation.
- Colebrooke advocated for the end of the compulsory service system, as it was an obstacle to private enterprise.
- It allowed for the establishment of a labour class.
- Cinnamon and salt were government monopolies; the commission recommended opening those markets to private enterprise.
Development of Plantation
- After Colebrooke's recommendations, there was a significant change in Sri Lanka's economy.
- Foreign investment in plantation agriculture increased.
- Coffee cultivation expanded rapidly in the 19th century, driven by foreign interest and high market demand.
- Coffee plantation expansion was affected by factors such as investment and market demand for coffee in Europe.
Coffee Plantation
- Coffee cultivation existed on a small scale on the coast during the Dutch period.
- Internal use of coffee was common, and it didn't become a primary export.
- British rule saw increased coffee plantation in the 19th century.
- Expanding the coffee production led to new challenges, including market fluctuations and the 'Hemileia Vastatrix' fungus disease.
Cinchona and Cocoa
- Cinchona cultivation, used to produce quinine medication, wasn't a significant alternative to coffee
- In response to the decline in coffee cultivation, cocoa cultivation was promoted.
- Cocoa cultivation also faced challenges related to suitable land conditions.
Tea Plantation
- Sri Lanka's fluctuating coffee prices encouraged experiments with tea cultivation.
- The Planters' Association and James Tailor conducted tea plantation experiments during British rule
- Rapid expansion of tea plantation areas in Sri Lanka in the 19th century
- Increased demand in the global market contributed to the expansion of tea plantations.
- Western techniques and factories were introduced during this period.
Coconut Plantation
- Coconut cultivation was prominent and expanded in flat lands due to local interest
- The coconut sector's profitability was affected by the global market and the decrease in coffee prices
- Establishment of a coconut research institute in Lunuwila was part of the efforts to improve production.
Rubber Plantation
- Rubber cultivation in Sri Lanka started around 1877 but didn't significantly grow until the 20th century
- High rubber prices led to increased interest due to the rising popularity of automobiles
Social Change
- Emergence of a Middle Class: British rule led to the decline of aristocratic power and the rise of a new middle class
- Emergence of a Labour Class: Labourers were needed in the expanding plantations. This led to a new labour class and an increase in demands for labour welfare and a decrease in traditional aristocratic power.
Cultural Changes
- Western education and culture became more prominent
- Introduction of new methods of transportation, communication, and other aspects of modern living
- Influence of Western culture on traditions and institutions
- A new class of educated people emerged who pursued Western education. They started to participate in politics.
Advantages of British Rule
- Introduction of English language
- Transportation and communication development
- Growth of export agriculture
- Introduction of industrial revolution-era ideas and systems
- Establishment of a parliamentary system
Disadvantages of British Rule
- Colonial exploitation
- Inequality and disparities in wealth distribution
- Cultural changes and deterioration of local/indigenous cultures
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Description
Explore the significant social, economic, and cultural changes that occurred in Sri Lanka due to British rule, leading up to the country's independence in 1948. This quiz reviews various impacts from previous colonial powers and the reforms initiated by the Colebrooke Commission.
