Tab Article

ratings: ★★★★★ (4.7/5)
Genre: Sri Lankan History, Colonial History, Portuguese Empire

Book Review:
Tikiri Abeyasinghe's ''Jaffna Under the Portuguese'' is a landmark work of historical scholarship, representing a lifetime of dedication and linguistic mastery. As a pioneering study, it remains an indispensable resource for understanding a critical and often overlooked chapter of Sri Lankan history: the Portuguese colonial period in the Jaffna kingdom.

What sets this book apart is its foundation in rigorous primary research. Abeyasinghe, a Professor of Modern History at the University of Colombo, utilized his proficiency in Portuguese to delve into the archival records of the Historical Archives in Goa, India—the central repository of Portuguese colonial administration in Asia. This direct engagement with original documents lends the work an unparalleled authority and depth. The book focuses with precision on the Portuguese revenue and economic policies, offering a detailed analysis of how colonial administration functioned on the ground, its impact on the local society, and its long-term consequences.

Abeyasinghe's approach is meticulous and scholarly, yet his prose remains clear and accessible. He does not simply narrate events but dissects the structures and motivations of Portuguese rule. The book is a testament to his skills as a ''dedicated historian,'' a reputation he earned through his knowledge of Portuguese and Dutch, alongside Sinhala and English.

For students of Sri Lankan history, colonial studies, or anyone seeking a deep understanding of the Jaffna peninsula's past, this book is essential reading. It is a masterful example of how archival research can illuminate the complexities of our shared heritage, solidifying Abeyasinghe's legacy as one of Sri Lanka's finest modern historians.