The Creation of the Hunter: The Vädda Presence in the Kandyan Kingdom – A Re-examination by Gananath Obeyesekere is a deeply insightful and scholarly work that offers a thorough examination of the Vädda people and their significant role within the history of Sri Lanka, particularly in the context of the Kandyan Kingdom. Drawing on his expertise in anthropology and history, Obeyesekere challenges the conventional and often romanticized portrayals of the Väddas as a simple, primitive, or “wild” people, positioning them instead as key participants in the social, political, and cultural dynamics of the island’s historical landscape.
Overview of the Book:
The book centers around the Väddas, an indigenous group in Sri Lanka, whose presence and role in the Kandyan Kingdom have often been overlooked or misunderstood. Obeyesekere delves into historical texts, colonial writings, and his own fieldwork to provide a more nuanced account of the Vädda people. By examining their cultural practices, societal structures, and the challenges they faced during colonial and post-colonial times, Obeyesekere reveals the Väddas’ complexity and their vital contributions to Sri Lanka’s cultural heritage.
Obeyesekere specifically focuses on how the Väddas navigated the political and cultural shifts that occurred in the Kandyan Kingdom during the period of British colonial rule. He explores how the Väddas were integrated into the broader political system, often serving as intermediaries or agents of the kingdom’s rulers in a variety of capacities, particularly in matters of defense, hunting, and local governance.
Re-evaluation of Vädda Identity:
The primary aim of The Creation of the Hunter is to challenge the prevailing myth that the Väddas were a stagnant, backward community living outside the mainstream of Sri Lankan society. Obeyesekere critiques the historical narrative that reduces the Väddas to mere symbols of "nature" or "savagery" and instead brings forward their agency, demonstrating that the Väddas actively shaped their destiny within the shifting structures of the Kandyan Kingdom.
Obeyesekere also interrogates colonial representations of the Väddas, who were often depicted as “the last of the wild men,” reinforcing their marginalization. Through a historical and anthropological lens, he calls for a reimagining of the Vädda presence as an integral part of Sri Lanka’s past, one that is not just relegated to the shadows of history but celebrated for its unique contributions.
Social and Cultural Insights:
A central theme in the book is the Väddas' connection to the natural environment, particularly their renowned skills in hunting, which the book uses as a metaphor for their survival and adaptation within the broader societal framework. Obeyesekere reflects on the role of hunting in shaping Vädda identity and how the act of hunting was not only a livelihood but also a vital aspect of the community's spiritual and social life.
He also investigates the relationship between the Väddas and the Kandyan Kingdom's rulers. Through a series of case studies, Obeyesekere shows how the Väddas, who were often seen as outsiders or "wild men," had a more complex relationship with the Kandyan monarchy. They were recruited as scouts and warriors in the kingdom's defense against colonial forces, highlighting their strategic importance. In addition, their role as intermediaries between the royal court and the more rural, mountainous regions of the kingdom gave them a crucial position in the politics of the time.
Colonial Impact and the Väddas’ Changing Role:
One of the most striking aspects of the book is its examination of the changing role of the Väddas during British colonial rule. With the imposition of colonial laws and the disruption of traditional lifestyles, the Väddas faced immense challenges. However, the book illustrates that despite the efforts of the British to marginalize and suppress indigenous groups, the Väddas maintained a sense of identity and continued to influence their environment in subtle ways.
Obeyesekere also explores how the Väddas adapted to the demands of colonial society. The British introduced new agricultural practices, social structures, and land policies that disrupted traditional ways of life. However, the Väddas managed to negotiate these changes and maintain their cultural distinctiveness. They were not passive victims of colonialism but rather resilient communities that found ways to maintain their identity amidst the forces of modernization.
Themes of Identity and Cultural Survival:
At its core, The Creation of the Hunter is about cultural survival and the persistence of identity in the face of colonialism and modernization. Obeyesekere emphasizes the importance of understanding the Väddas' history from their own perspective, rather than imposing external narratives on them. He urges readers to appreciate the Väddas' contribution to the broader history of Sri Lanka, not just as a “primitive” or “marginalized” people but as active participants in the cultural, political, and social life of the country.
Academic and Critical Reception:
Since its release, The Creation of the Hunter has been hailed as an essential contribution to the fields of anthropology, history, and South Asian studies. Scholars have praised Obeyesekere’s rigorous research, which blends historical documentation with ethnographic fieldwork. His critical perspective challenges the colonial and post-colonial narratives that have long dominated the academic discourse on Sri Lanka’s indigenous peoples. The book has sparked discussions about the need to reassess and reframe the histories of marginalized communities within Sri Lanka.
Conclusion:
The Creation of the Hunter is a significant academic work that redefines how the Väddas and their role in Sri Lankan history are understood. It calls for a more inclusive and accurate representation of the Väddas, moving beyond simplistic stereotypes to acknowledge their resilience, agency, and lasting impact on Sri Lankan society. By revisiting their contributions to the Kandyan Kingdom, Obeyesekere offers a fresh perspective on an often-overlooked indigenous community and challenges readers to reconsider the ways in which history is constructed and remembered.
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The Creation of the Hunter is available for purchase through various outlets, including local bookstores and online platforms.
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