Paper presentation with discussion by Kudawawe Somananda Thero at the Tenth World Archaeological Congress
Theme 25/Session 06: Establishment of the Colonies Across Indigenous Landscapes: Uncovering Traces of Colonialism in the Archaeological Record Using Modern Archaeological Techniques
This study examines the impact of British colonialism on architectural organization in Kandy during the 19th century, a period marked by the transition from the Kandyan Kingdom to British rule. In Sri Lanka, historical architecture has long functioned as a medium for expressing authority and reinforcing social stratification. By the late eighteenth century, Kandy’s urban landscape was structured around social divisions, with the Royal Palace and the Temple of the Tooth Relic serving as focal points of political and religious power. British colonial policies reshaped urban planning to align with administrative and economic objectives, introducing new infrastructure, altering land ownership, and reinforcing social hierarchies by privileging colonial officials while marginalizing indigenous populations. Unlike in other regions, colonial authorities in Kandy repurposed existing structures rather than introducing entirely new architectural forms. The Temple of the Tooth Relic was separated from its traditional Buddhist monarchical patronage and placed under colonial control, while royal properties were converted into administrative buildings. This study explores how these transformations influenced perceptions of authority, social accessibility, and gendered spaces. Utilizing archival records from Sri Lankan and colonial sources, the research provides insights into continuities and changes in religious and social hierarchies within Kandy’s evolving urban fabric.
Key words: Sri Lanka, British Colonialism, Architecture, The city of Kandy
Tenth World Archaeological Congress
22-28 June 2025
Darwin, Australia