Explore the compelling history of Ceylon’s Chief Headmen System in The Chieftains of Ceylon by J.C. Van Sanden. This meticulously researched work traces the evolution of an administrative structure that adapted to the needs of successive colonial powers, from the Portuguese to the Dutch and eventually the British. The book examines the pivotal roles played by Mudaliyars, Rate Mahatmayas, Atikars, and other Chieftains in governance, revenue collection, and trade, particularly in the cultivation and export of cinnamon.
 
Van Sanden offers an impartial account of these influential figures, documenting their lives and careers with a commitment to factual accuracy. The volume also includes an appendix of prominent Chieftains from the past century, alongside details of those who retired from service, offering a comprehensive view of this fascinating administrative system.
 
Enhanced by 44 rare photographs and Lord Stanmore’s 1899 reflections on the system’s significance, this reprint of the 1936 classic is an essential resource for historians, researchers, and enthusiasts of Sri Lanka’s colonial heritage.
 
Unearth the intricacies of Ceylon’s colonial governance and the remarkable individuals who shaped its history.