Nobodies to somebodies
Subtitle: the rise of the colonial bourgeoisie in Sri Lanka
By: by Kumari Kayawardena.
Publisher: Zed Books; DIstributed in the USA exclusively by Palgrave
Published: 2002
Place of publication: London; New York; New York
Language: eng
Number of pages: 412
Subjects: Middle class -- Sri Lanka -- History.; Sri Lanka -- Social conditions.; Sri Lanka -- Economic conditions.; Great Britain -- Colonies -- Asia.
Description: "Nobodies to Somebodies examines the origins and growth of the bourgeoisie in Sri Lanka during British rule - an important but neglected aspect of the country's modern history. It traces its evolution from a 'feudal' society and mercantilist economy to the age of plantations.

In the course of this evolution local merchants accumulated capital through arrack and toll renting, subsequently diversifying into plantation cultivation and graphite mining, thereby making dents in the old caste-based division of labour.".

"The book focuses on the rentier nature of the bourgeoisie and how they adopted Western culture and lifestyles and were basically collaborative with the colonial rulers. It highlights the constraints on further capitalist development, the obsession of the bourgeoisie with land acquisition and social status, and its consciousness as a class, especially on issues of political reform."--BOOK JACKET.
Notes: Includes bibliographical references (p. [370]-379) and indexes.