Journals Proceedings

International Journal of Social Science and Human Behavior Study

Historical Significance of Galle fort during the Dutch period in Sri Lanka.

Author(s) : S.A. DILHANI

Abstract

Galle which is situated in the coast line belongs to the wet zone when considered in terms of geographical features. Galle fort expands up to a land area of about 92 acres bordered by sea from three directions. In 1974 Archeological Department of Sri Lanka named Galle fort as an archeological reserve and In 1983 UNESCO inscribed it as a world cultural heritage site. It held an importance in respect of east and west foreign trade because of Galle is surrounded by the sea from three directions and the sometime situated a useful natural harbour. After the 16th century A.D Galle was governed by Portuguese, Dutch and British which resulted with their influence by way of cultural and religious environment. In 1505, the Portuguese arrived unintentionally in Galle, their fleet having been driven to shelter by a storm. In 1602 Dutch East India Trading Company was established amalgamating all the other trading companies in Netherland. Objective of this company was to maintain a monopoly of trade in the east and also to constructed fortresses in the countries under their ruling. They paid their special attention towards Sri Lanka (then Ceylon) because it was a central point for trading activities. Although Dutch tried to maintain relationship with the Kandyan kings several times, it was fulfilled only in 1638. It was through an agreement signed between Dutch and king Rajasinghe II, the Kandyan king. (B.N.R. Jayasena, 2007, 177P)

No fo Author(s) : 1
Page(s) : 150 - 153
Electronic ISSN : 2374 - 1627
Volume 2 : Issue 2
Views : 381   |   Download(s) : 128