Editing Openai/69334603-e204-8007-8688-c342412e0714 (section)

=== ✅ Key Details in Granville’s Diary About Sri Wickrama Rajasinha ===

==== 1. Physical Appearance & First Impression ====

Granville describes the king in detail when he was first brought to Colombo:
* He was small-framed and “not of majestic stature.”
* His eyes were sharp and expressive—Granville notes them as the most striking feature.
* He wore simple but dignified Kandyan attire when he first arrived.
* The king appeared calm and composed despite captivity.

Granville repeatedly contrasts:
* British expectations of a “barbaric tyrant” vs.
* The king’s refined manners and dignified bearing.

==== 2. The King’s Emotional State ====

Granville records several moods:
* Resignation: The king showed philosophical acceptance of his fate.
* Sadness: Particularly when speaking of his queens and the loss of his kingdom.
* Hope: Occasionally inquired whether better treatment awaited in India.
* Unease: During rough sea days and when his queens were distressed.

The diary emphasises that Sri Wickrama Rajasinha was not violent or unstable as some colonial propaganda claimed.

==== 3. The King’s Conduct Onboard ====

The diary shows the king behaving with dignity and order:
* He adhered to all instructions without confrontation.
* He avoided unnecessary speech but was never rude.
* He showed deep affection for one of the queens (often noted crying or ill).
* He kept to himself, often sitting quietly.

Granville specifically writes (paraphrased):

: “His conduct on board was meek and unoffending.”

==== 4. Relationship with the Crew ====

Granville notes important episodes:
* The crew treated the king respectfully after early orders stressed protocol.
* The king politely thanked those who brought him food or bedding.
* He asked for news about weather and journey, showing trust toward Granville.

Granville also writes that officers expected arrogance but instead saw:

: “A man fallen from greatness, yet bearing misfortune without petulance.”

==== 5. The King’s Queens ====

A large portion of the diary describes:
* Their distress, particularly sea sickness.
* One queen becoming seriously ill.
* The king’s constant attention to them.
* British doctors being asked to help.

Granville is sympathetic in these entries, describing the royal family as sufferers rather than villains.

==== 6. Daily Life on the Ship (HMS Cornwallis) ====

Granville describes:
* The king’s sleeping arrangements.
* The foods provided (rice, dhal-type preparations, mild curries).
* The king preferring simple vegetarian meals.
* His habit of: - Sitting quietly near the deck, looking at the sea. - Speaking little except to attendants.

The diary subtly humanizes him, painting him as lonely and reflective.

==== 7. Conversations & Remarks ====

The diary records a few conversations between the king and Granville:
* The king asked whether: - His queens would be treated safely. - He would be allowed some ceremonial respect. - His palace belongings would be returned (they were not).
* He made one poignant remark (paraphrased):

: “All that I loved is behind me now.”

Granville notes it as a moment that “softened the heart.”

==== 8. Conditions of Captivity ====

Granville writes openly about:
* Shackles not being used.
* The king being under constant guard, but with soft treatment.
* Allowances for: - Bathing - Privacy - Attendants - His queens’ needs

Granville quietly criticizes some British officers who showed disdain or mocked the king.

==== 9. The Ship’s Arrival in Madras ====

The diary ends with descriptions of:
* The king looking toward the shore “with melancholy curiosity.”
* Local Indian officials receiving the exiled monarch.
* The royal family being escorted gently but firmly.
* Crowds watching but staying silent.

Granville writes that the final departure from the ship was solemn, with the king walking with “measured dignity.”