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Dutch rule in Ceylon:
The Dutch got a foothold into Ceylon by assisting Rajasimha II eliminate Portuguese power from the Island. Rajasimha II naively assumed that the Dutch, after his aims had been achieved, would return whence they had come from, leaving behind a few officers and stores. As for the Dutch, their policy in the East had always been that of gaining political control over spice producing areas and Ceylon was a jewel in their crown. From the mid seventeenth century through to 1796, in which year the coastal areas of Ceylon came under the English East India Company, it was a case of constant struggle between the Dutch and native rulers of Ceylon. Dutch coinage used in Ceylon comprise of 3 main types: |
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