Throughout the colonial history of Sri Lanka, one unique Eurasian community stood out due to their European ancestry blended with local culture the Dutch Burghers. This group traces its origins back to the period when the Dutch East India Company ruled parts of the island from the 17th to the 18th century. Over generations, the Dutch Burghers developed a distinct identity, maintaining elements of Dutch customs while adapting to Sri Lankan society. Their influence on language, cuisine, legal systems, and architecture remains a fascinating subject for those studying colonial legacies and cultural integration in South Asia.
Origins of the Dutch Burghers
The Dutch East India Company’s Role
The Dutch Burgher community originated during the Dutch colonial period in Sri Lanka, then known as Ceylon. The Dutch East India Company (VOC) gained control of coastal Ceylon in the mid-1600s, after defeating the Portuguese. Dutch administrators, soldiers, traders, and settlers established themselves in the region. Many of these men married local women, either from Sinhalese, Tamil, or Portuguese descent. Their mixed-race descendants formed the foundation of the Dutch Burgher population.
Meaning of the Term ‘Burgher’
The term ‘Burgher’ comes from the Dutch word ‘burger,’ meaning citizen. Under Dutch rule, Burghers were European or mixed-European citizens with specific rights and privileges. When the British took over Ceylon in 1796, they continued to recognize the Burgher community as a distinct legal and social group. Eventually, the label ‘Dutch Burgher’ came to refer specifically to those of Dutch and European ancestry living in Sri Lanka.
Language and Religion
Languages Spoken
During the Dutch colonial era, the official language was Dutch. However, over time, the Dutch Burghers adopted English as their primary language, especially after the British colonization. Today, most Dutch Burghers speak English fluently, often alongside Sinhala or Tamil, depending on their location.
Religious Beliefs
The Dutch Burghers were predominantly Protestant, mainly affiliated with the Dutch Reformed Church. However, religious affiliation evolved with time, and many Dutch Burghers became Anglican or Methodist during British rule. Some even converted to Roman Catholicism, especially if they descended from Portuguese or Sinhalese mothers who practiced Catholicism.
Cultural Contributions
Cuisine
Dutch Burgher cuisine is one of the most celebrated aspects of their cultural legacy in Sri Lanka. Dishes such as lamprais (rice and meat baked in a banana leaf), breudher (a type of festive bread), and frikkadels (meatballs) showcase their rich culinary heritage. These recipes blend Dutch, Portuguese, and Sri Lankan flavors and remain popular among both Burghers and non-Burghers alike.
Architecture and Music
Many Dutch-era buildings in Sri Lanka, including churches, forts, and homes, were constructed or influenced by the Burgher community. Their music, often featuring violin and piano, was an integral part of family gatherings and community events, with western classical influences remaining prominent for generations.
Social Status and Education
Legal Recognition and Privileges
Under colonial administrations, Dutch Burghers occupied a middle tier in the racial hierarchy below the European rulers but above native populations. They often served as civil servants, translators, lawyers, and educators, enjoying better access to education and public employment.
Emphasis on Education
The Dutch Burgher community placed strong emphasis on education, literacy, and professional development. Many pursued higher education and became doctors, engineers, and legal professionals. Their proficiency in English made them highly employable, especially during the British era.
Decline and Emigration
Post-Independence Shift
After Sri Lanka gained independence in 1948, the privileged status of the Dutch Burghers began to diminish. Language policies promoting Sinhala and the rise of ethnic nationalism led to reduced opportunities for English-speaking minorities. Many Dutch Burghers found themselves increasingly marginalized.
Migration to Western Countries
Facing diminishing career prospects and political uncertainty, a significant number of Dutch Burghers migrated to countries like Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom, and New Zealand in the mid-to-late 20th century. This diaspora contributed to the shrinking of the Dutch Burgher population in Sri Lanka, though their cultural footprint remains strong.
The Modern Dutch Burgher Identity
Organizations and Heritage Societies
Despite their reduced numbers, the Dutch Burghers continue to preserve their unique heritage through cultural organizations such as the Dutch Burgher Union (DBU) in Colombo. These societies organize social events, publish genealogical records, and promote traditional cuisine and customs.
Challenges of Preservation
Today, the Dutch Burghers face challenges in maintaining their identity amid globalization and cultural blending. Intermarriage, language shifts, and geographic dispersal have influenced community cohesion. Nonetheless, many younger Dutch Burghers express renewed interest in tracing their ancestry and reconnecting with their roots.
Legacy of the Dutch Burghers in Sri Lanka
Lasting Contributions
The Dutch Burghers left a profound mark on Sri Lankan society. Their contributions to governance, education, architecture, and cuisine continue to shape the country’s cultural landscape. While they no longer hold the social status they once did, their legacy endures in many subtle and meaningful ways.
Recognition in Literature and Media
Numerous Sri Lankan writers and historians have documented the lives and legacies of the Dutch Burghers. From autobiographies to academic studies, their stories form an essential part of Sri Lanka’s multicultural history. Films and TV programs occasionally feature Burgher characters, often emphasizing their European appearance and unique customs.
The Dutch Burgher community represents a fascinating chapter in the history of colonial and postcolonial Sri Lanka. Emerging from a blend of European and South Asian heritage, the Burghers developed a distinct identity that has withstood centuries of change. While their numbers may have dwindled, the Dutch Burghers continue to influence Sri Lankan culture in diverse and enduring ways. From architecture to education and from food to language, the story of the Dutch Burghers is one of resilience, adaptation, and cultural richness. For anyone interested in the legacy of European colonialism in Asia or the evolution of multicultural societies, the history of the Dutch Burghers offers valuable insights and enduring relevance.