Social Changes in Sri Lanka under British Rule

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Questions and Answers

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?

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?

The Dutch focused on growing cinnamon and pepper for export.

What social structure existed in Sri Lanka before British domination?

The social structure was predominantly agrarian, with an elite minority and a majority being the general public. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the economic system of local villages in pre-British Sri Lanka.

It was a self-sufficient economic system where villagers produced their own food and supported each other. Signup and view all the answers

What change in labor practices occurred during Dutch rule?

The Dutch introduced laborers and a daily payment system for work in minor industries. Signup and view all the answers

What characterized the traditional life style in Sri Lanka before the British took control?

The traditional lifestyle was characterized by village life, mutual assistance, and minimal use of money. Signup and view all the answers

How did the arrival of the British transform Sri Lankan society and economy?

The British rule brought drastic changes to the socio-economic and cultural systems of Sri Lanka. Signup and view all the answers

What role did the Gamsabha play in the community before the Kandyan kingdom?

The Gamsabha was involved in community work such as building canal bunds, maintaining lakes, and constructing roads. Signup and view all the answers

How did the Gamsabha function as a minor court in the village during the Kandyan Kingdom?

The Gamsabha settled minor complaints and disputes among villagers, effectively serving as a local court. Signup and view all the answers

What was the traditional duty service system mentioned in the context of the Gamsabha?

The traditional duty service system required villagers to provide labor for community projects and government services without pay. Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary objective of the Colebrooke Commission in Sri Lanka?

The Colebrooke Commission aimed to address the government's financial difficulties by reforming economic systems. Signup and view all the answers

What change in land policy did the Colebrooke Commission recommend?

The Colebrooke Commission recommended selling lands to encourage private investment and entrepreneurship. Signup and view all the answers

How did the compulsory service system benefit the king's administration?

It allowed the administration to secure necessary labor for government projects without incurring additional costs. Signup and view all the answers

What were service patrimony lands and their significance in the past?

Service patrimony lands were lands awarded to individuals providing compulsory service to the king, ensuring their livelihoods. Signup and view all the answers

Why was the Colebrooke Commission seen as critical for private entrepreneurs?

It aimed to create an environment conducive to private investment by reforming land ownership laws. Signup and view all the answers

What factor contributed to the increase in interest in coconut plantations by 1850?

The fall of coffee prices contributed to the increase in interest in coconut plantations. Signup and view all the answers

By 1880, what percentage of coconut estate owners were Sri Lankans?

By 1880, 65% of coconut estate owners were Sri Lankans. Signup and view all the answers

Which regions were prominent for coconut plantation expansion?

Kurunegala, Chilaw, and Gampaha were prominent regions for coconut plantation expansion. Signup and view all the answers

What was the purpose of establishing a coconut research institution in Lunuwila?

The coconut research institution in Lunuwila was established to develop coconut plantation practices. Signup and view all the answers

What event in the late 19th century initially limited rubber plantation expansion in Sri Lanka?

The focus on tea plantation by cultivators initially limited rubber plantation expansion. Signup and view all the answers

What led to the expansion of rubber plantations by the beginning of the 20th century?

The increase in rubber prices due to the motor vehicle industry led to the expansion of rubber plantations. Signup and view all the answers

By 1920, what percentage of export income was attributed to rubber products?

By 1920, 30% of the export income was received from rubber products. Signup and view all the answers

What change did Colebrooke recommend regarding the labor system in Sri Lanka?

Colebrooke recommended abolishing the compulsory service system, allowing labor to be bought and establishing a wage-paying labor class. Signup and view all the answers

Why did Colebrooke believe that a government monopoly on trade was an obstacle to private entrepreneurship?

Colebrooke believed that continuing a government monopoly on cinnamon and salt trade restricted private sector involvement and hindered economic freedom. Signup and view all the answers

What steps were taken to develop infrastructure for plantation cultivation in Sri Lanka?

Development of roads and railways supported the expansion of plantations. Signup and view all the answers

How was the tax system transformed under Colebrooke's recommendations?

Colebrooke proposed transitioning from direct taxes, such as levies on fish and land, to an indirect tax system based on cash payments. Signup and view all the answers

What was the purpose of establishing a savings bank in Sri Lanka according to Colebrooke?

The savings bank was intended to provide entrepreneurs with loans at reasonable interest rates for estate cultivation. Signup and view all the answers

What impact did Colebrooke's recommendations have on foreign investors in Sri Lanka?

Colebrooke's recommendations allowed foreign investors to buy large tracts of land, leading to significant foreign investment in agriculture. Signup and view all the answers

What agricultural focus did foreign investors adopt in Sri Lanka as a result of Colebrooke's policies?

Foreign investors focused on trade-based agriculture that was profitable in foreign markets. Signup and view all the answers

In what year did Colebrooke's recommendations begin to take effect, leading to economic changes in Sri Lanka?

Colebrooke's recommendations began to take effect in 1833. Signup and view all the answers

What type of system was suggested for the tax collection of land under Colebrooke's reforms?

Colebrooke suggested collecting an equal cash amount from all lands instead of allowing the auction of tax collection rights. Signup and view all the answers

What major reforms in 1833 contributed to the coffee plantation expansion in Sri Lanka?

The Colebrooke reforms facilitated more investment by foreigners and boosted coffee cultivation. Signup and view all the answers

How did the demand for coffee in the European market affect its cultivation in Sri Lanka during the 19th century?

The increasing demand for coffee in Europe led to expanded cultivation and higher profits for planters. Signup and view all the answers

What role did Indian laborers play in the growth of coffee plantations in Sri Lanka?

Indian laborers provided cheap labor, which significantly contributed to the expansion of coffee plantations. Signup and view all the answers

What happened to the coffee export volume from Sri Lanka between 1834 and 1844?

The coffee export volume increased five times from 1834 to 1844. Signup and view all the answers

What were the primary factors leading to the decline of coffee plantations after 1844?

The free trade policy of Britain and a downturn in the global market decreased coffee demand. Signup and view all the answers

What was the major disease that affected coffee plantations in Sri Lanka from 1869 onwards?

The leaf disease caused by the fungus Hemileia Vastatrix led to widespread destruction of coffee plants. Signup and view all the answers

What alternative crops did planters turn to after the decline of coffee cultivation?

Planters began to grow cinchona and cocoa as alternatives to coffee. Signup and view all the answers

In what regions of Sri Lanka did coffee plantations succeed particularly well during the 19th century?

Coffee plantations thrived in areas like Dumbara valley, Gampola, Peradeniya, Matale, and Badulla. Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary reason for the emergence of the middle class in the early 20th century?

The emergence of the middle class was primarily due to their higher economic status and recognition through western education. Signup and view all the answers

How did the traditional aristocratic class respond to the rise of the middle class?

The traditional aristocratic class began to fade away as the new middle class gained prominence. Signup and view all the answers

What economic reforms contributed to the emergence of a labour class during British reign?

The introduction of plantations in the hill country and the need for laborers led to the emergence of a labour class. Signup and view all the answers

What was the status of labourers working in cities during the initial stages of the labour class emergence?

Labourers worked for meager salaries, with no set working hours or labor welfare protections. Signup and view all the answers

What were some of the roles that the new urban labourers undertook in the cities?

Urban labourers performed tasks such as loading and unloading goods, washing clothes, and constructing infrastructure. Signup and view all the answers

What actions did laborers take to improve their conditions in the early 20th century?

Labourers organized themselves into unions and began to strike for better working conditions and wages. Signup and view all the answers

Who was Mr. E.A. Gunasinghe and what was his role in the labour movement?

Mr. E.A. Gunasinghe was a leader who aimed to better organize the urban labour community. Signup and view all the answers

What was the impact of bringing labourers from Southern India during British rule?

Bringing labourers from Southern India was profitable for estate owners and contributed to the growth of a local labour community. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

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

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.