Analysing The Kandyan Kingdom’s Last Stand against the Might of Great Britain

Last Stand in Kandy Kindle Edition,  by Miliani Philip Sansoni (Author)

The book “Last Stand in Kandy” discusses the annexation by the British of the Kingdom of Kandy, after centuries of its’ stubborn resistance to foreign powers. It also covers the period before annexation, full of negotiations, intrigue and finally open warfare. The book also deals with the advent of Western colonisation and discusses the rivalry between the Dutch, the British and the French, insofar as it affected Sri Lanka.

While the British, after their success in 1796, sought to establish an efficient administration in Sri Lanka, they faced an almost impossible task in reconciling the inhabitants of the Kingdom to their rule. When faced with disturbances and uprisings, their usual reaction was to call in their army. The severity of the measures taken were frequently excessive.

The units involved, and some of the officers in them, are examined including the 19th Regiment of Foot which was in the Island for close to 23 years and participated in many campaigns, in Sri Lanka and in South India. Their service was arduous and distressing, both for them and their opponents. Other issues cover the fate of the last King of Kandy, the conspiracies against him, and virulent clashes between the judicial and military establishments of the British which mostly involved obstructive behaviour and the trading of insults.

Fior further information and how to order copies, contact Philip Sansoni: < philip.sansoni@iinet..au >

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Kandy
2. European Exploration
3. The British supplant the Dutch
4. The start of the British Administration
5. The 19^th Regiment /arrives
6. The Beneficial Effects of Alcohol
7. Treaty Negotiations and Intrigue
8. The Accession of Sri Wickrama Rajasingha
9. Negotiations Stall
10. The Delegation to Kandy
11. Outbreak of War
12. The Start of Hostilities
13. The Palace Siege
14. The Massacre at the River
15. The Kandyan Invasion of British Territory
16. Captain Johnstone’s March to Kandy
17. Captain Johnstone’s Retreat to Trincomalee
18. The Governor and General Wemyss
19. The Misfortunes of the 19^th and the arrival of Governor Maitland
20. Soldiers’ Wives
21. Arrival of Governor Brownrigg
22. Intrigue and Rebellion in Kandy
23. Ehelapola’s Elephant
24. This Hostile and Annoying Power
25. The British Move in
26. Kandy Accedes to the British
27. The Uprising Commences
28. The Uprising Falters
29. The Riddle of D’Oyly
30. Replacement of the First Regiments
31. “Native” Troops
32. Aftermath

Appendix 1 Drum Major Odean of the Ceylon Regiment

Appendix 2 Image References

End Notes

TABLE OF CONTENTS