Abstract
Invasion, assassination, and covert diplomacy. This is the world of the island of Sri Lanka during the period I will be examining (1500-1687). How does political rivalry, violence, and diplomacy coalesce in this Indian Ocean Island? The history of this island is often understood in terms of colonial exploitation and the ethnic conflict of the modern era. However, the early modern history of the island, the rivalries between European powers and the native Sri Lankan Kingdoms, the movement of commodities across the Indian Ocean, and the struggle for political legitimacy shape the history of the island and the Indian Ocean world. I will examine the origins of these political rivalries, the joint-stock company and the Indian Ocean world more broadly. In addition, I will trace the history of these political rivalries, the history of foreign intervention in the island, and its importance in the Indian Ocean world through this period. The history of Sri Lanka and its interactions with foreign and domestic power shapes our understanding of the Indian Ocean world, the global economy, and the rise of European powers in Asia. This independent study will argue that the history of early modern Sri Lanka was shaped by political rivalry between foreign and domestic powers, articulated through violence and diplomacy, in an attempt to control the Indian Ocean world.
Advisor
Ng, Margaret
Department
History
Recommended Citation
Arace, Tim, "Island of Interest: Political Rivalry, Violence, and Diplomacy in Early Modern Sri Lanka" (2024). Senior Independent Study Theses. Paper 10943.
https://openworks.wooster.edu/independentstudy/10943
Disciplines
Asian History | Diplomatic History | European History | History | Political History
Keywords
Sri Lanka, Early Moder History, Political Rivalry, Violence, Diplomacy, Trade, Commodoties, Dutch, Portuguese, VOC
Publication Date
2024
Degree Granted
Bachelor of Arts
Document Type
Senior Independent Study Thesis
© Copyright 2024 Tim Arace
