Nobodies to Somebodies: The Rise of the Colonial Bourgeoisie in Sri Lanka
By Kumari Jayawardena
Zed Books, London and New Delhi, 2002
pp xxx+412, INR 650
ISBN 1 84277 228 7
Beginning with early 19th century agricultural production and accelerating in the following decades with urban commercial enterprises, a Sri Lankan bourgeoisie emerged in the colonial period as facilitators of proto-capitalism. This 'modern' economic elite did not fully divest itself of its feudal legacies however, although it did engage in capitalism. The resultant socio-economic transitional period witnessed, for example, the retreat of caste from public discussions of occupation, although caste beliefs continued to be held by large sections of the bourgeoisie privately. As the class of wealthy Sri Lankans consolidated its position, it invested heavily in plantations and eagerly sought titles. The author, in her study of the rise of the colonial bourgeoisie, concludes that it was essentially created and co-opted by the British rulers.
Savarkar and Hindutva: The Godse Connection
By AG Noorani
LeftWord, New Delhi, 2002
pp x+159, INR 295
ISBN 81 87496 28 2
Speaking at Port Blair in May 2002, Indian home minister, Lal Krishna Advani, praised Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, the independence-era author of the term 'Hindutva' who was arrested in connection with Gandhi's January 1948 assassination. Advani called Savarkar a "pioneer" who had helped India gain independence. This public embrace of Savarkar, Noorani argues, is only the latest evidence of the persisting influence of Savarkar on Hindu-right politics. Testifying during his murder trial, Nathuram Godse, Gandhi's assassin, referred to the ideologue Savarkar as "the most faithful advocate of the Hindu cause". Advani's parallel comments about Savarkar, coming as they did immediately after the worst pogrom against Muslims in a decade, testify to the enduring stamp of Vinayak Damodar Savarkar on Indian politics.