Nobodies to Somebodies: The Rise of the Colonial Bourgeoisie in Sri Lanka

Nobodies to Somebodies examines the origins and growth of the bourgeoisie in Sri Lanka during British rule–an important but neglected aspect of the country’s modern history. It traces the evolution of the bourgeoisie from a ‘feudal’ society and mercantilist economy, to the age of plantations. This study assigns primacy to class over caste, and gives details about the rise of the new-rich ‘Nobodies’ of many castes, ethnicities, and religions into the ranks of the ‘Somebodies’.