Economic Condition Of Jaffna Commandery: A Study Based On The 1748 Report By Librecht Hooreman

Abstract

The Commandement of Jaffna was established in 1658, incorporating the peninsula of Jaffna, Mannar and the large area of jungle referred to as Wanni. The geography of the Commandement of Jaffna and its existing administrative structure was different to those of the Colombo Dissavany and the Commandement of Galle. The commander was regarded as the responsible official by all commanderies. He was also considered the administrative head of the Commandery. Librecht Hooreman (Jaffna commander) who in charge of administration in Jaffna in the 17th and 18th centuries. One of its most important sources is his memoir "Memoir of Commandeur of Jaffna, Librecht Hooreman, - 1748." It is anticipated that this translation will be useful in comprehending some significant social, political, and economic facets of Jaffna’s history during a time when the Dutch were actively involved in running the island's coastal areas. This document represents an excellent cross section of the administrative policy of the Dutch East India Company administration in Jaffna which is a valuable source for the construction of the contemporary colonial history of the Island. Primary goal of this study is to identify the Administration Policies of Librecht Hooreman's in the Jaffna Commandery. Librecht Hooreman memoir can be used to identify Jaffna society's social development can be furthered by improving the economic situation. The memoir of Librecht Hooreman, (Jaffna commander) – 1748 served as the primary sources for this study. I used both primary and secondary data in this investigation. In addition to emphasizing the initiatives that will further Jaffna society's economic development,