The Advent of Colonialism and its Aftermath By Noor Rahim
The Advent.
Before the invasion of far off lands by foreign powers, that spread its’ wings, sails and tentacles into alien lands; the inhabitants of these lands lived a virtually “peaceful life”, except for internal squabbles among themselves and perhaps the neigbouring countries. They were known to “live off the land” and make do with their own natural resources; which were, in most instances, mainly agrarian by nature.
Then came the seafaring and belligerent/bellicose European Nations that had expansionist intentions during the period or era from the 16th to around the mid-20th century anno domini. What we saw, to a great extent, was not expansionism; but a rule for exploitation with lucrative & comfortable benefits to the invaders who occupied the invaded land; and the greed to fill the coffers of their own Motherland. This was the advent of Colonialism.
Colonialism is defined in wikipedia as the policy of a Nation seeking to extend or retain its authority over other people or territories. Colonialism involves unequal relationships between the Colonial Power and the Colony; and often between the Colonist and the Indigenous Peoples of the Territories occupied by the Colonial. Power.
Furthermore wikipedia states that there were two main (overlapping) types of Colonialism. Namely:
- Settler Colonialism involving large-scale immigration, often motivated by religious, political, or economic reasons.
- Exploitation Colonialism involving fewer colonists and focuses on access to resources for export typically to the metropole (the main city of a country). This includes “trading posts” as well as larger colonies where colonialists would constitute much of the political and economic administration, but would rely on indigenous resources for labour and material. Prior to the end of the slave trade and wide abolition, when indigenous labour was unavailable, slaves were often imported to the Americas by the Portuguese Empire; and later by the Spanish, Dutch, French and British.
A thing of note is that some of the colonial powers did import cheap labour, from some of their satellite colonies too, to supplement/augment the labour force as and when required. This is known to have created a very detrimental racial effect/discord in the lands that gained Independence, in later years.
During the era from the 16th to around the mid-20th century anno domini; the predominant and prominent Colonial Powers were from the following Nations:
- British
- French
- Spain
- Portugal
- Holland (Netherlands)
- Belgium
- Germany
- Italy
These European Powers established colonies in South Asia, South-East Asia, Africa and the Americas.
The above google map illustrates the size of Sri Lanka in comparison to the Colonial Power that reigned supreme during the era.
Most of the South Asian and South-East Asian countries were invaded and Colonised by the British; French; Spanish; Dutch; or Portuguese. Ceylon (now called Sri Lanka) came under the rule of the Portuguese in the 16th century; Dutch in the 17th century; and British from the 18th to the 19th century respectively.
Having wrested the control of Ceylon (Sri Lanka) from the Dutch; and like their predecessors were only able to control the coastal regions and the plains. They ultimately managed to capture the Kandyan Kingdom (Hill Country) after many futile attempts; due to the betrayal of the King, by disgruntled Nobility and dissension of a portion of the peasantry. Culminating in the exile of the King and his retinue to Southern India.
The primary reason for the invasion and takeover of the Island was due to its strategic location in the Indian Ocean; which is a gateway between the West and East sea routes, the so called “Spice Route” at that time.
Spices were the most sought after commodity during that era, by the Western countries; and this was found in abundance in South Asia and South-East Asia. But with time the occupational force in Ceylon (Sri Lanka) found that the “mercantile” value or “commercial” value was insufficient to sustain the expenses of the administration and the occupying forces; let alone sending revenue back to their Motherland. Hence they brought in various “cash” crops into the land to supplement their revenues.
Ceylon (Sri Lanka) was a mainly agrarian based country with focus on “paddy cultivation”, spices and perhaps to a lesser extent mining of precious stones (at that time). As a matter of fact Ceylon (Sri Lanka) was known as the “Granary of the East”; during that era.
To augment the coffers of the British; they imported and planted coffee trees in huge plantations; in addition to an experimental plantation of “tea bushes” on the hill-sides of the central region of Ceylon (Sri Lanka). The coffee plantation met its demise when it was wiped out by a leaf blight (HEMILEIA VASTATRIX) – commonly known as “Coffee Rust”; and the Tea Plantations flourished; to become World renowned.
Fortunately enough the experimental “tea plantation” was a great success and the British expanded on the planting of tea and created the now world renowned beverage; that has withstood the test/passage of time and is a foremost/household name for “tea”, in the world today. The expansion of the tea plantations in the hill country was phenomenal and covered most of the high altitude irrigable regions of the mountainous areas. However, the down-side to this was the felling of the large swathes of forests causing very detrimental ecological change/s in weather patterns and devastating soil erosion. In addition to the abject neglect of the indigenous agricultural (paddy crops) activities and irrigation systems that prevailed before the plantation of tea in the Resplendent Isle.
Tracing back in history one has to marvel at the network of irrigation systems and tanks that were built by the Ancient Kings of Ceylon (Sri Lanka). There were hundreds of tanks especially in the Northern foot hills of Ceylon (Sri Lanka) and the Northern arid and semi-arid regions. However, in later years it was found that the tanks were only filled up during the rainy season and virtually dried up during the drought periods. Agriculture (paddy cultivation) was affected and we were no longer to retain our boast as the “Granary of the East”. It was only after Independence that the country went on to resolve our agricultural needs; and the “Mahaweli Ganga” diversion scheme was mooted.
In implementing the “diversion scheme” the engineers were soon to find that their plans (using modern scientific equipment), discovered that wherever they dug they were soon to find the remains of ancient canals, channels and anicuts that were built/ constructed by the Ancient Kings; and linked the big tanks that abound the North Central plains and the tanks up to the North Eastern coast of Sri Lanka. It is said that a research done by the University of Peradeniya revealed the causes of the silting up of the ancient irrigation systems was the clearing of the forests on the hillside for the tea plantations; besides that of the British administration’s gross neglect and “step-motherly” treatment meted out to Paddy Cultivation. Of course the British regime did what they did, that was conducive to their own domestic and commercial needs; and that which would bring in more revenue to fill their own coffers; at whatever cost they deemed necessary.
So we now have an industry that is no second to any in the World – the renowned “Tea” beverage, at the cost of losing the old boast of “Granary of the East”. But the ecological effects on the environment was never a consideration in these exploitations; and now appears to dawn on us, as we are mired in the midst of “Global Warming” which as a serious threat to humanity. As the saying goes “You win some; you lose some”; it is more like “You win some; and lose a heck of a lot more”; or is it appropriate to use an old English saying of “Penny wise; Pound foolish? So learned Reader, please weigh the “Pros & Cons” and give this topic a deep look as to whether overall we have achieved the best for the country?
In addition to the coffee and tea plantations, the British also planted rubber trees and created large “rubber Plantations”; mainly in the lower levels of the Southern hillsides of Ceylon (Sri Lanka). Though it was lucrative at that time it was soon to lose its commercial value after World War II; and with the influx of synthetic materials that were to soon substitute for natural rubber. Thus ending the boon in the requirement of this commodity. But here again the synthetic materials have come to haunt us and affect us in myriad ways. Hopefully one will see a resurgence of the Rubber Industry that has seen much neglect in the past few decades.
We in Sri Lanka have to however thank the British for the implementation and construction of an efficient communication (transportation) system in the building of a “Broad Gauge” Railway line to the hill country to mainly transport the processed tea to the Metropolis; and a “Narrow Gauge” Railway line system for rubber and low-grown tea.
The British also left behind various customs, traditions and educational systems including religion in the country of occupation. Instilled laws and discipline among the indigenous peoples of the land. The British were helped by a few leading native figures who wielded influence over the local populace; for which services they were gifted with many properties and stipends; with the addition of being bestowed with titles and honours in keeping and in accordance to British protocols. Some of the natives who curried favour with the foreigners even went on (in extreme cases) to ape the so called “white sahibs’”; with the locals calling them “pukka sahibs”. The worst was when the indigenous folks got “hooked” on to the habits of dependency and craving for foreign made goods; that were no doubt, a boon to the economy of the Motherland of the Colonial Power; as well as the other industrialized countries.
Aftermath of Colonialism.
It was in the year 1950; 2 years after attaining Independence that we were taught a subject called “Civics*”. The Teachers candid/straight forward question to the class was – “Do you know why the Colonialists invaded countries alien to them?” He further explained this by saying – Imagine the Country has a large cake. The cake cut into slices was sufficient for each inhabitant of the Colonist. However when the population increased that sliver of cake got smaller in size. It was then incumbent on the Colonialists to send the excess out of the country so as to enable the slice of cake to enhance the size of slice. This excess population comprising of administrators, soldiers, conscripts and mercenaries were sent out to invade other countries and to colonize them. Furthermore the plunder and the raping of resources of the captured lands were sent back to their Motherland to further enhance their coffers. Hence the piece of cake for those domiciles would get “enhanced (bigger)”; and the country as a whole would be benefitted economically and thus prosper. He further continued that the day would surely come when the Land of Occupation has to be given back to the indigenous people; and then there is the possibility of the slice of cake getting thinner and thinner. That in a nutshell was his explanation on Colonialism.
*Civics as defined in Wikipedia: “Civics is the study of the theoretical, political, and practical aspects of citizenship; as well as its right and duties, the duties of citizens to each other as members of a political body and to the government. It includes the study of civil law and civil code, and the study of government with attention to the role of the citizens – as opposed to external factors – in the operation and oversight of government.
Webster Dictionary defines it as: “A study of civic affairs and the duties and rights of citizenship”.
But the Colonials did leave behind their habits and practices that required the purchase of technology including machinery, wherewithal and many of the “home comforts” that the indigenous people have now got used to. Thus in the present context it would be “living upto the Joneses” in an era called the great “Global Economy”. To a country that has very limited Research & Development capabilities; and to keep pace with the ever changing advancement in technology, there is no option but to import technology and associated goods as dictated; and as advocated by the Industrialized Countries who to a very large extent comprises of the old Colonialist Powers. It could be tantamount to “industrialized blackmail” to cater to our dependency; and to fulfill and satisfy the cravings of the country. Furthermore these Colonialists also created a “brain drain” in which they offered lucrative jobs for the very intelligent, talented and qualified. Many succumbed to the lure of the mullah, thus leaving a vacuum in their Motherland and further deteriorating the concept of Research & Development in their country of birth. Hence one sees the creation of the “Greed Factor/Monster” in the lifestyle of a country.
In fact with the many Trade & Tariffs and Free Trade Pacts/Agreements, our Motherland is now universally known for its cheap human labour; as we are dependent on such foreign imports; and the need for “Foreign Exchange” to deal with the rest of the World. So instead of the “Barter System” in the days of yore where goods were exchanged for goods; it is now labour that is being exchanged to buy our needs from other countries. It is a “catch 22” situation indeed – either “sink or swim”, comes to mind. Our agrarian economy has come to a slump requiring the import of the staple food of the populace – “rice” and “Lentils”; that now needs importation to cope up with the demand. The economy of the country is now based more on the tea exports, tourism, and manufacturing with emphasis mainly on clothing, using cheap labour as our “trump” card or “dangling a carrot” in front of manufacturers/industrialist of foreign agencies. To tout for such business. Most materials for the manufacture are, of course, imported for this purpose. The only silver lining in the cloud being that there is employment for the locals.
The thirst for imported goods seems insatiable; with most of the foreign exchange going to service these needs. Needless to say the influence of Western Culture has a hand in this. It is also known that the country has incurred enormous sums of money on many infra structure extravaganza for the betterment and beautification of the country – which is wonderful. But at what cost and how were the cost met? – is the problem that remains to be answered. Servicing the interest from loans acquired must surely hurt.
The Government also gives encouragement to the citizens to seek employment in foreign lands; so that the much needed “foreign exchange” will flow into the country. Thus helping in keeping a healthy foreign exchange reserve for necessary imports and other purposes, from foreign countries. Again, a case of barter of Labour for Foreign Exchange.
The bread-winners of the Nation, the farmer, a most neglected V.I.P of the country appears to have taken a back-seat in this era of so called “industrialization”. They also appear to be a diminishing race in this age of mechanisation, manufacture & industry. Hopefully they will receive the necessary encouragement and support of the people and the governmental authorities. Like the Honey Bee, the farmers are the life line of propagation in the production of rice for the Nation. Give the farmer the respect and “pride of place”, he so deserves; and let’s work towards making Sri Lanka “The Granary of the East” once again; and rekindle/resurrect the pride and foresight of our great Ancient Kings of yore.
Independence.
With time the local populace were soon to tire of being under foreign rule and the clamour for Independence was born. In this respect the populace stood “shoulder to shoulder” and “together” in their clamour.
It was in the year 1948 that Ceylon (Sri Lanka) was granted Independence. Virtually given “on a plate” as opposed to other countries that had revolts/ rebellions and other non-violent “satyagraha”/Civil disobedience movements to seek Independence. Thank God! The British did not divide our Motherland as they did to the sub-continent of India. For it is a known fact that Colonial Powers were known to follow a Principle of “Divide & Rule” in each and every country they invaded and occupied.
We, of course, had many of those who served in high positions with the Colonialist heading the Political arena and finding themselves elected to the House of Parliament. Which of course was a legacy the British left behind for seeking support towards their own country. The rest is history.
Having received our Independence we did remain a Dominion in the Commonwealth for a period of time. We are now a Republic and still continue to remain in the British Commonwealth.
The setback now (in the modern days) is that the concept of “Togetherness” appears to be a far off cry. We now have the concept of “Unity” that is being advocated and propagated; especially by Politicians (World-wide, of course). Unity is such a loosely used term. Yes! The old saying is “United we win; and divided we fall”. But in reality we always stand in unity in a crisis; and don’t you think that when the crisis is over we stand united, with the majority ruling over the minority in situations where the majority wishes to have its own? Don’t you think that the advocation and propagation of “Togetherness” should be foremost; rather than the politically instituted and bantered about policy of “Unity”? I leave this question in the hands of the Learned Reader.
Noor Rahim
January 13, 2022
