Michael Roberts
Philip Sansoni’s paperback book of some 154 pages on the history of the Kingdom of Sihale known generally today as “Kandy” is a striking addition to our stock of knowledge about Sri Lanka’s history. Not the least of its assets are the striking photographic illustrations. Indeed, I commence, here, with four selections from the host within the book.
My choices are idiosyncratic: [1]the map of the political situation in 1766 because of its historical worth; [2] the ruins of Fort Macdowall because it marks the power of resistance and military capacities of the state of SIHALE known as “Kandy;” [3] the Ehelapola Statue because I have an academic mate with the name “Madduma Bandara;” and [4] the cinnamon tree because it’s the first time I have seen a picture of this product – one sought after by imperial powers from way back.
The Ruins of Fort Macdowell. ….
… cinnamon cultivation [was] a valuable source of income for the Portuguese, the Dutch and the English
statue of Madduma Bandara Ehlepola
In indicating his main sources, Philip [aka “Pip”] displays the limitations of his work because the field of original and subsequent historical work on this topic is quite extensive. So, let me set out his sources.
Dr. Colvin R. De Silva: Ceylon under the British Occupation 1795-1833, vol 1,
Paul E. Pieris: Tri Sinhala: The Last Phase,
George Calladine: The Diary of Colour-Serjeant George Calladine
Dr. Davy: An Account of the Interior of Ceylon and Its Inhabitants
Captain Johnstone: Narrative of the Operations of a Detachment in an Expedition to Candy, in the Island of Ceylo, in the Year 1804
Wesak Nanyakkara: A Return to Kandy
Geoffrey Powell: The Kandyan Wars
Alexander Alexander: The Life of Alexander (an autobiography)
Dr. Henry Marshall: Ceylon – A General Description of the Island and Its Inhabitants
The limitation in number is to be expected. Pip’s foray is just that: a foray. The power and value of his exploration lie in the pictorial selections and their lay-out. The totality is a knockout which even John Davy would appreciate.
