In 1698 Governor Gerrit de Heere travelled around the island of Sri Lanka on an inspection tour. By studying this journal and the cartographic material by Jan Christiaanz. Toorzee included therein...Show moreIn 1698 Governor Gerrit de Heere travelled around the island of Sri Lanka on an inspection tour. By studying this journal and the cartographic material by Jan Christiaanz. Toorzee included therein the author argues that the late seventeenth century Ceylon office of the VOC pursued a policy focused on mercantile efforts rather than state-building, as was done before this period and after it. By using the cartographic material in the journal as an integral part of the text rather than a decorative element, new innovative insights are gained in the analysis of this period.Show less
