Synopses & Reviews
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 the evolution of the bourgeoisie from a 'feudal' society and mercantilist economy, to the age of plantations. This study assigns primacy to class over caste, and gives details about the rise of the new-rich 'Nobodies' of many castes, ethnicities, and religions into the ranks of the 'Somebodies'.
Synopsis
Includes bibliographical references (p. [370]-379) and indexes.
About the Author
Kumari Jayawardena is Senior Fellow of the Graduate Studies Institute of Colombo University.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Part 1: Mainly 'Nobodies ' in a Colonial Backwater
1. Trade and Accumulation in the Pre-Plantation Economy
2. The Beginnings of the Bourgeoisie
3. Taking Off Through the Arrack Trade
4. Multi-Caste Class Formation
Part 2: Becoming 'Somebodies'
5. Transition to Plantation Economy
6. Marketing Arrack among Workers and Peasants
7. Profits in the Liquor Trade
8. Merchant Capitalists Spread Their Wings
Part 3: Accumulating Status and Constructing Identity
9. Recasting Caste in Class Society
10. The Sinhala Bourgeoisie of 'Nobodies' and 'Somebodies'
11. The Creation of the Colombo Tamil Bourgeoisie
12. Constructing Muslim Identity
13. Burghers and Eurasians as Modernizers
Part 4: Culture, Religious Revival and Gender
14. Christianization and Cultural Assimilation
15. Religious Revival and the Bourgeoisie
16. The Debut of the Bourgeois Woman
Part 5: Capital and Politics
17. The Politics of Loyalty and Royalty
18. Class and Caste in National Politics
19. Political Capital and Dynasty
20. Conclusion
Appendices