The Kandyan Agreement, also known as the Treaty of Kandy, was a treaty signed on March 2, 1815, between the British and the Kandyan Kingdom of Sri Lanka. This treaty marked the end of the Kandyan Wars and the annexation of the Kandyan Kingdom by the British Empire.
The Kandyan Kingdom was the last independent kingdom in Sri Lanka. The kingdom was known for its strong resistance to foreign invasions and attempts to conquer their land. However, the British Empire was determined to annex the Kandyan Kingdom and, in the early 19th century, they launched a series of campaigns to achieve their goal.
The Kandyan Wars lasted from 1803 to 1818, and during this time, the Kandyan Kingdom faced great devastation, with the British forces making significant progress. However, in 1815, a delegation from the Kandyan Kingdom led by Molligoda, Ehelepola, and Pilimatalawe arrived in Colombo to negotiate a peace treaty with the British. The treaty was signed in Kandy, the capital of the Kandyan Kingdom.
The Kandyan Agreement was a comprehensive document that outlined the terms and conditions of the annexation of the Kandyan Kingdom by the British Empire. The treaty recognized the sovereignty of the British Empire over the Kandyan Kingdom and its people, with the Kandyan chiefs being recognized as subordinate to the British crown.
The treaty stated that the Kandyan Kingdom would be governed by a Resident in Kandy, who would be appointed by the British government. The Kandyan chiefs were allowed to retain their lands and properties but were required to pay a tribute to the British Empire.
The Kandyan Agreement also guaranteed the protection of the Buddhist religion, the language, and the customs of the Kandyan people. This clause in the treaty was of great significance as it ensured that the Kandyan people could continue to practice their religion and preserve their cultural heritage.
In conclusion, the Kandyan Agreement of 1815 marked the end of the Kandyan Wars and the annexation of the Kandyan Kingdom by the British Empire. The treaty was a significant milestone in the history of Sri Lanka as it brought an end to the last independent kingdom on the island. The Kandyan Agreement was a comprehensive document that recognized the sovereignty of the British Empire over the Kandyan Kingdom and its people, while also ensuring the protection of the cultural and religious heritage of the Kandyan people.