When the Portuguese arrived on the shores of Sri Lanka in 1506; they opened an era in which religious identity became central to struggles for power on the island. During the reign of King Bhuvanekabahu VII (1521-51); they became the first European empire to dominate Lankan politics. This book sets out to explain the behaviour of the Portuguese and the Sinhalese as their relationship evolved over the century. Topics covered include the nature of Portuguese imperialism and indigenous state power in the earlier decades; the impact of Catholic mission on this Buddhist society and how this was shaped by local principles of caste; land tenure and religious thought; and the issue of identity. It reveals how indigenist; dynastic; and religious loyalties shaped the increasingly violent conflicts of the later decades. The principal concern is the sacred legitimization of kingship: why was Christian monarchy never truly established in Sri Lanka?
#824614 in Books John Grenier 2008-09-15Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 8.98 x .71 x 5.98l; .85 #File Name: 0521732638248 pagesThe First Way of War American War Making on the Frontier 1607 1814
Review
0 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Five StarsBy Stephen Peter RosenExcellent history of western small war practice.0 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Great history bookBy gade04Good book that explains why American warfare is so violent: enemy oriented instead of place oriented.10 of 13 people found the following review helpful. A Misleading TitleBy J. BrattenWhile very excited that another historian had addressed the oft-overlooked Second Hundred Years' War period; I was somewhat disappointed to find that Grenier seemed to limit his thesis to Native-colonial confrontations. He falls into the trap of believing that light infantry tactics originated in America; whereas they could be found all over Eastern Europe in the groups of auxiliary soldiers hired by European armies. In addition; in his section on the French and Indian War; he fails to make note of the distinction that colonial forces made between French and Indian enemies. While Indian villages could be destroyed; it was rare that English colonists or ranger companies went on scalp hunts of French colonists. Much of this "first way of war" is tied to the beliefs that most colonists had about Native Americans; which was that it was an "eye for an eye." They responded to violence with violence. Colonial warfare with indigenous Indian nations; whether as their allies or enemies; was waged with a ferocity that resembled much racial warfare of the time; such as the English in Ireland. On the other hand; English colonists could also work alongside Indians as friendly allies; such as the way that the colony of Massachussetts did in the Pequot War of the 17th century. Overall; while Grenier's work is a good synthesis of Native-colonial warfare; he overlooks the intricacies of colonial-Native relations.
