This course is about botanic gardens of the British Empire, focussing, in particular, on the Royal Botanic Gardens of Peradeniya in the past colony of Ceylon (now Sri Lanka). It looks at the origins of colonial botanic gardens; how they developed within an imperial network with the Royal Botanic Gardens of Kew at its hub; and the multiple (and often conflicting) roles that these gardens performed. Plants of empire, as historian David Arnold points out, were situated within a ‘volatile nexus’ of science, commerce, state politics and personal ambition. Ceylon's strategic location, rich biodiversity and various climatic zones made it important both scientifically and economically for the acclimatisation of new crops. By the mid-nineteenth century, many garden directors were becoming aware of the environmental costs of plantation agriculture. The rich archival sources for Peradeniya will allow us to examine this so-called ‘Green Imperialism’ through the eyes of its successive directors.
Course aim
To introduce students to the dynamic character of colonial botanic gardens in the nineteenth century. To tell the stories behind familiar commodities (coffee, tea, cocoa, rubber), their environmental legacy and how garden directors engaged with this.
Do I need any particular skills or experience?
- This course is for beginners and improvers
By the end of the course I should be able to:
- Understand the vital role played by plants within the British Empire.
- Evaluate the character and complex role of botanic gardens.
- Assess the stories behind familiar commodities such as coffee, tea, rubber, cocoa.
- Describe the roots of environmentalism.
What else do I need to know?
Nothing
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