Tab Article

Ratings: ★★★★☆(4.7/5)
Genre: Sociology / Sri Lankan History / Labor Studies / Gender Studies

Book Review:
A Groundbreaking Study of Power and Resistance
Kumari Jayawardena and Rachel Kurian's ''Class, Patriarchy and Ethnicity on Sri Lankan Plantations'' is a landmark publication that offers a powerful and nuanced understanding of a community that has been historically marginalized and often overlooked. This book is not just a history of plantations; it is a deeply analytical work that dissects the very structures of power that have defined the lives of plantation workers for two centuries.

The authors skillfully weave together the complex threads of class exploitation, patriarchal control, and ethnic discrimination, showing how these forces have operated both separately and together to create a unique and oppressive social order. From the arrival of South Indian workers under British colonialism to their ongoing struggles for citizenship, rights, and dignity, the book charts a history of both profound suffering and remarkable resilience. The focus on gender is particularly illuminating, bringing to light the double burden borne by women and their crucial, though often unacknowledged, role in protest movements.

Jayawardena and Kurian's scholarship is meticulous, drawing on a wealth of historical sources, yet their writing remains accessible and engaging. ''Class, Patriarchy and Ethnicity on Sri Lankan Plantations'' is more than an academic text; it is a vital contribution to understanding the social fabric of modern Sri Lanka and a testament to the enduring power of collective protest. It is an indispensable read for anyone seeking a deeper, more critical understanding of the island's history and its contemporary challenges.