The Impact of Colonization, Urbanization, and Trans-Cultural Diffusion on Vedda People’s Music and Dance from the 17th to 21st Centuries in Sri Lanka

Abstract

Vedda people are considered the earliest inhabitants of the Island of Sri Lanka. Historical records from the 17th century disclose that the Vedda community has been subjected to rapid transformation during the past three centuries, most notably from the 20th century onwards. Originally living a hunters and gatherers lifestyle, Vedda’s music and dance were integral to their life. Records from 1681 demonstrate their communal cultural activities such as rituals. As a result of colonization and geo-political dynamics, Veddas’ lifestyle was transforming from hunting and gathering to farming. Under the circumstances of deforestation and urbanization they had to be relocated from their hunting lands to settle down in villages among the Sinhalese and Tamil communities. While intermarriages and cultural integration slowly took part in initiating this transformation within the Vedda culture, the involvement of modern-day technology such as the radio, television, internet, smartphone, and social media in their day-to-day life play a huge role in the processes affecting their hereditary musical and dance traditions.