Kandyan–Dutch war (1670–1675) facts for kids

The Dutch-Kandyan War (1670-1675) was a fight between the Dutch and the Kingdom of Kandy in what is now Sri Lanka. The Dutch wanted to control more land. The French also got involved, possibly helping King Rajasinha. In the end, the Dutch won, pushing out the French and gaining more territory.

Quick facts for kids Kandyan-Dutch War (1670-1675)
Fort Batticaloa in 1665
Date 1670-1675 Location Present day Sri lanka, and Indian ocean Result Dutch Victory French expelled from all occupied territories Expansion of Dutch Ceylon, and Rajasinha's offensives repelled
Belligerents
Kingdom of Kandy  France	Dutch Republic  Dutch East India Company
Commanders and leaders
Rajasinha II of Kandy Jacob Blaquet de la Haye	Rijckloff van Goens Rickloff van Goens the Younger
Strength
Army of Kandy: 15,000-30,0000 Soldiers French Fleet: 15 Warships 2,250+ Soldiers	Army number in Dutch Ceylon unknown but, 14 Vessels to engage the French

Why the War Started: Background

In 1602, the Dutch set up bases in Sri Lanka. They worked with the Kingdom of Kandy to kick out the Portuguese. The Dutch, led by Van Goens, succeeded in removing the Portuguese.

However, Van Goens wanted to control an area called the "Seven Korales" near Chilaw. This land used to belong to the Portuguese. Even though the Dutch had given it to the Kingdom of Kandy, Van Goens wanted it back.

He was determined to get this land. By doing so, he hoped to cut off the Kingdom of Kandy. He also wanted to make the Dutch East India Company (VOC) stronger along the entire coast. This plan was mainly to control the valuable cinnamon trade. Van Goens knew this might cause a fight with the Kingdom of Kandy, but he went ahead anyway.

Dutch Land Grab: Expansion

The Dutch sent two armies. One went from Colombo to Ruvanvälla, and the other from Galle to Bibilēgama. They built small forts called stockades. At first, they wanted to have good relations and encourage people to move to the lowlands.

But this effort turned into taking over land. They took areas like Sabaragamuva and Ratnapura. In 1667, their control reached Arandara and Alauva, where they built more forts. In 1668, some people rebelled, and the Dutch had to leave their posts for a short time. But they soon took them back.

The Dutch also took back Trincomalee in September 1665. King Rajasinghe did not fight back much. This made the Dutch feel more confident that his power was weakening. In 1668, they expanded again in the east, taking Batticaloa and Kottiyar. Local people first gave in, but later revolted. These revolts were put down.

In 1669, an expedition from Galle extended control to the Walave River-Arugam Bay area. This area was important for salt and for controlling Kandy. Yāla, Māgama, and Arugam Bay were fortified. This expansion helped the Dutch get back land that the Kingdom of Kandy had taken from the Portuguese in the 1650s. The new lands were managed by local leaders and given tax breaks. It is not clear why King Rajasinghe did not do much during this time.

The War Begins: Key Battles

First Kandyan Attack

In August 1670, King Raja Singha finally reacted to the VOC (Dutch East India Company) slowly taking over land. He attacked the company's distant forts. First, he attacked the Arandora fort, then Ruanwella and Sitawaka forts. These were along the upper parts of the Kelani river.

This made Van Goens frustrated. He had always said that King Raja Singha was weak and would not respond to land grabs. However, this attack by Kandy did not work out well. The Dutch quickly reorganized their army. They pushed the Kandyans back and even gained more land.

So, the VOC's gains under Van Goens faced only a small challenge. The 1670 Kandyan attack was not a real threat to the VOC's hold on Ceylon. But it did make the company's leaders more careful.

French Help: Intervention

In May 1669, Louis XIV of France planned an expedition to the East Indies. He ordered a large fleet to be prepared. While Louis XIV was trying to form an alliance against the Dutch, the fleet set sail in May 1670. On March 22, 1672, Admiral De La Haye led a French fleet to Ceylon. They anchored in the bay of Trincomalee.

When the French arrived, the Dutch had a small fort in Trincomalee. The French fleet was about ten times bigger. This surprised the Dutch. They set their fort on fire and left.

The French then took over two islands in Trincomalee harbor. They started building forts there. The French named these islands Isle de Soleil (Island of the Sun) and Caron. Later, the British called them Sober Islands.

At this time, King Rajasinghe II (1629-1687) ruled Kandy. He was fighting with the Dutch. The French were welcomed by King Rajasinghe. He wanted their navy to stop Dutch reinforcements while he fought the Dutch on land.

Admiral De La Haye sent a messenger with 30 French soldiers to talk with the Kandyan court. The messenger, Sieur Desfontaines, was so well-received that he decided to stay in Kandy. Later, two Kandyan court officials visited Trincomalee. They were welcomed aboard French ships. In the following days, many people from Kandy came to help build the forts.

Within two months, King Rajasinghe and the French made a treaty. It allowed the French to build forts to control Trincomalee harbor. Soon after, the Governor of Dutch Possessions in Ceylon, Van Goens, arrived with a Dutch fleet. They attacked the French at Trincomalee. The French were forced to surrender on July 18. The French lost 500 men and four Warships. The French on the other occupied island were left stranded. They eventually left for present-day India.

Second Kandyan Attack

After their French allies failed, the Kandyans attacked Dutch territory again. They also encouraged uprisings. However, the Dutch were able to push them back. They even took back some of their old posts. In July 1672, they marched into Sitāvaka and Idangoda and fortified these places.

Kandyan attacks continued in the east. They attacked the fort at Chinnecalatte and destroyed buildings on the island of Puliantivu. The year 1674 was quieter, with only small raids and uprisings.

Third and Final Attack

In August 1675, the Kandyans launched their third and largest attack. This time, they had about 17,000 men. Attacks from the Seven Kōralēs forced the Dutch to leave their posts at Topture, Tuntote, and Arandara.

The important fort at Bibilēgama, which the Dutch had probably taken back around 1674, was attacked and captured. The fall of this fort opened the way to Mātara. However, the Kandyans did not continue their advance.

Once again, the Kandyan attack slowed down. The Dutch were able to take back Sitāvaka and other captured forts. This was done by Governor Rijckloff van Goens Jr. (1675-1679). He had taken over from his father in 1675. After Governor Rijcklof van Goens left, and with the Dutch gaining land, a peace agreement was made between the two sides. Also, King Rajasingha got along better with Rijcklof van Goens's son. Rajasingha preferred his less aggressive approach compared to Rijcklof van Goens.