A Study on the Relationship between Southern Province Estate Plantations and the Rural Economy: A Comprehensive Research Analysis

Abstract

This research investigates the impact of British colonial plantation expansion on the rural economy of the southern province. It examines the role of European entrepreneurs and local leaders, in large-scale plantation activities and their effects on the economy. The study employs a comprehensive methodology, utilizing primary sources such as government documents, including Kachcheri (District Secretariat) records, diaries of government agents, administrative reports, and departmental documents. Additionally, data from the Department of Census and Statistics, blue books, and Constituent Assembly debates are incorporated. The findings demonstrate substantial improvements in paddy cultivation by 1948, attributed to local representation in the State Council. Paddy cultivation remained intricately linked to the livelihoods of farmers and labours, with labours who had been working on estate plantations during the day and engaging in field work on their own lands afterward. This mutually beneficial relationship facilitated a smooth continuation of paddy cultivation. Furthermore, estate workers played a vital role in advancing small-scale tea and rubber plantations in rural areas by sharing their expertise with local planters. The collaboration improved estate workers' living conditions, increased villagers' income through commercial crop cultivation, and highlighted the positive impact of British-era plantation expansion on the rural economy.