LAND TENURE IN VILLAGE CEYLON

BY PROF. GANANATH OBEYESEKERE

Professor Gananath Obeyesekere (1930–2025) was a renowned Sri Lanka anthropologist whose pioneering research has left an indelible mark on the study of South Asian societies. His work seamlessly intertwined anthropology, history, and philosophy, providing a deep understanding of social and cultural structures. Obeyesekere's research on Sri Lankan history, belief systems, and rural life continues to influence scholars around the world.

Land Tenure in Village Ceylon, first published in 1967 by Cambridge University Press, is an anthropological study of exceptional historical depth. In this work, Professor Obeyesekere provide a detailed analysis of land tenure and the resulting social structure in the Ceylonese village of Madagama. Through meticulous research, Obeyesekere trace the evolution of land holdings and the correlated kinship patterns starting from the establishment of the estate in 1790.

The book explores the traditional agricultural and economic practices of the village, which were significantly impacted by land shortages, leading to multiple divisions of land shares. Additionally, the introduction of British colonial rule, along with the imposition of Roman-Dutch law and the rise of a cash economy, reshaped the village's socio-economic structure. The practices of mortgaging and land speculation became foundational to a new power structure, influenced by feudal norms of land ownership. This transformation led to a radical reorganization of the traditional village system, providing valuable insights into the forces that shaped rural Sri Lanka.

Reviewed by

Shehani Gamage

Assistant Librarian, BCIS