The Jaffna fort as a symbol of colonlism: a historical view

Abstract

Western Colonial legacy is visible in different forms in Sri Lanka even after the colonial domination. Consecutively the Portuguese, the Dutch and British advent to the Island and established their colonial power in different ways. The Jaffna fort was built by the Potrugues for their colonial purposes and other two western powers continue their control over the Jaffna fort throughout the colonial period. So that the Jaffna fort was one of the glorious symbol of the colonial legacy of Sri Lanka during the western colonial period. The purpose of this research is to do a descriptive narrative of the Jaffna fort during the colonial era. A land plot situated in front of Jaffna fort is called" iynoorruvan vallavu "indicate the chola influence prevailed at the time. Further, the surrounding area of this fort was the excellent center for international trade as archaeological remains revealed such evidence like the romans coins, rouletted ware, Arabian coins, pieces of painted amphora and sedu coins. The description organized in to four parts. First part explains the historical background, second reveals the commercial and military purposes of Portuguese and their cultural aspect. Third one describes the Dutch architecture, Final part explained the changes which took place in the Fort due to the British activities. Therefore, the Jaffna fort could be trace as a key to understand the western colonial legacy in Jaffna as well as sri Lanka.