A 16th Century Clash Of Civilizations

Susantha Goonatilake's book, part of the Royal Asiatic Society's research project on the Portuguese Encounter in 16th century Sri Lanka, delves into the clash of civilizations that occurred when the Portuguese arrived with Papal instructions to conquer and convert in the name of the Catholic Faith. The book highlights the brutal campaigns of physical and cultural destruction, including the torching of Buddhist, Hindu, and Muslim centers and the destruction of ancient centers of learning. It also exposes disturbing acts of violence, such as the public spiking of babies born to non-converts. Goonatilake's work provides contemporary perspectives on these encounters, shedding light on a social epistemology that earlier writers have rarely explored. This clash of civilizations left profound scars on Sri Lanka's culture and history.