Kandyan Convention Signed by British and Kandyans
The Kandyan Convention was signed between British colonial forces and leaders of the Kingdom of Kandy in Ceylon. This agreement marked the end of hostilities and established British control over the region, leading to the formal annexation of the Kandyan territories. The signatories included Major Thomas Marshall representing the British and various leaders from the Kingdom of Kandy. The treaty facilitated the transition of political power and aimed to ensure peace in the region, albeit under foreign domination.
Marked the end of armed resistance in Kandy
Established British control over the central highlands
Facilitated the preservation of local hierarchy
Kandyan monarchy remained under British sovereignty
What Happened?
The signing of the Kandyan Convention represented a significant turning point in the history of Sri Lanka, specifically for the Kingdom of Kandy. After years of resistance against British colonial expansion, the Kandyans agreed to the treaty as their forces faced military setbacks. The British, having taken control of the coastal areas of Ceylon, sought to pacify the mountainous interior where the Kingdom of Kandy was located. On February 2, 1815, at the Nuwara Eliya Convention, British representatives led by Major Thomas Marshall engaged in talks with local Kandyan leaders. The conditions of the agreement included promises of protection and the maintenance of the Kandyan monarchy under British sovereignty, a delicate compromise intended to foster coexistence.After the signing, the British consolidated their power, which ultimately led to the full annexation of the Kingdom of Kandy in 1824. The Kandyan Convention was characterized by both negotiations and the troubling context of military force, as resistance continued even after the treaty. Additionally, it represented the complexities of colonial diplomacy where terms were often dictated by the more dominant powers. While the Kandyans initially sought to preserve their autonomy and culture, this agreement marked a significant loss of independence for the Kandyan Kingdom and its people.
Why Does it Matter?
The Kandyan Convention is interesting as it symbolizes the systemic shift from local governance to colonial administration. The treaty facilitated the complete British control over Sri Lanka, marking the end of significant resistance from the Kingdom of Kandy and the establishment of colonial order in the central highlands. It altered the socio-political landscape of Sri Lanka, incorporating the Kandyan territories into British rule and setting a precedent for future interactions between colonial powers and local rulers.