History

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Judicial administration in ancient India
(Academic Staff College (ASC), Jawaharlal Nehru University, India, 2003) Abayarathna, A.H.M.H.
Historical value of Dipavamsam
(Proceedings of the Annual Research Symposium 2003 - Faculty ofGraduate Studies, University ofKelaniya, 2003) Gunawardana, V.D.N.S.
Sihalawaththu:As the oldest historical source
(Proceedings of the Annual Research Symposium 2004-Faculty of Graduate Studies. University of Kelaniya, 2004) Gunawardana, V.D.N.S.
Commitment to teaching – a need for a paradigm shift
(Academic Staff College (ASC), Jawaharlal Nehru University, India, 2005) Koggalage, D.T.; Dharaneeta, K.A.T.
The status of women at the time of Buddha
(Academic Staff College (ASC), Jawaharlal Nehru University, India, 2006) Sudharmawathie, J.M.; Hewawasan, H.H.N.S.
Historical Importace of the legend of Ramayana.
(Proceedings ofthe AnnuaIResearch Symposium 2007 - Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Kelaniya, 2007) Gunawardana, V.D.N.S.
හෙළ පාලන තන්ත්‍රයේ හැඩතල
(Sesatha Publishers, 2007) Ilangasinghe, M.
Judicial Administration System in Ancient Sri Lanka: A Review of Primary Sources
(University of Portsmouth, United Kingdom, 2007) Abayarathna, A.H.M.H.
Mural paintings as a historical source with special reference to the temple paintings of the Kandyan tradition
(Buddhist and Pali University of Sri Lanka, 2007) Koggalage, D.T.
The religious intercourse between Sri Lanka and Thailand as depicted in Jinakalamali
(Annual research symposium, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2008) Gunawardana, V.D.N.S.
The book Jinakalamali, the chronicle of Siam, contributes to the study of Sri Lankan history. This book gives many details about the religious intercourse between Sri Lanka and Siam in 13th ? 15th centuries. Ratanapachcha thero was the author of it. This book discloses I. Enshrining of the relic in Seruvila stupa II. Religious contribution of the kings in the Anuradhapura period (Devanampiyatissa to Mahasena) III. A special Buddhist statue seehalapatima which was brought from Sri Lanka to Siam and the homage it received from the leaders of Siam. IV. Contribution of Udumbara Mahasama of Sri Lanka and his followers to develop the Siam religious activities. Most of the information given in Jinakalamali could be proved through inscription in Siam. If not for the Mahavansa some information given in the Jinakalamali could not have been correctly understood as they are given in such a shorter form. However the value of Jinakalamali is the book reveals the contribution of Sinhalese Buddhist monks to establish Buddhism in Siam.
Territorial Expansion during the reign of King Nissankamalla (1187-1196A.D)
(1st International Conference on Social Sciences in Sri Lanka, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2008) Gunawardana, V.D.N.S.
The reign of Nissankamalla is limited to a few verses in Mahawamsa. But his numerous vainglorious inscriptions which he has inscribed give many informative details about his administration. Nissankamalla?s inscriptions inculcate the fiction that he is descended of king Vijaya of Sinhapura in Kalinga. Nissankamalla toured his kingdom accompanied by his fourfold army. This is testimony to the political instability inside the country. Katugahagalge inscription too discloses the same fact. Through this inscription king ordered the people of Ruhuna to be law abiding and to conduct themselves submissively like the people in the Mayarata. His Rameshvaram inscription discloses the invasion and submission of Pandya Desha. It is also and ostentatious claim. He established friendly relations with Kannta, Bengal, Orissa, Gandhara, Gujarat, Burma and Cambodia. Even though his inscriptions are found in three principalities, this alone is not enough to prove that the whole Island was under this administration.
A critical study of the efforts made by the successive rulers of Dambadeniya period in order to safeguard and protect the sacred tooth relic of the Lord Buddha
(1ST INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON SOCIAL SCIENCES, 18-20 JULY 2008 FACULTY OF SOCIAL SCIENCES, UNIVERSITY OF KELANIYA, 2008) Wanninayaka Sudharmawathie
In the history of Ceylon, the change of capitals for the third time occurred in the city of Dambadeniya in 1232 A.D. under the king of III Vijayabahu of Dambadeniya became the center of power and overall authority. When examining and analyzing the courses and effects of the decline of Polonnaruwa and the rise of Dambadeniya, Sri Lankan was engrossed in a formidable predicament. This came about as a result of the invasion launched by an unscrupulous invader Magha from the state Kalinga in India. By his invasion, he degraded the political, economic, social and religious harmony and dignity in the country. The contemporary Bhikkus who had seen this situation had exerted enormous energy to combat this state of affairs, mainly to safeguard and protect the sacred tooth relic from the invader. The Bhikkus who engaged themselves in this arduous and meritorious deed, having hidden the sacred tooth relic underground at Kotmale and left the country in order to escape from death. The Dambadeniya dynasty comprises III Vijayabahu, II Parakramabahu, IV Vijayabahu and I Buanekabahu. Among the religious services and activities performed by this rulers pertaining to the secret tooth relic took an important place. The most important duty of III Vijayabahu on he becoming the king was to call back from the India the Bhikkus who had left the country for fear of death, and to restore the sacred tooth relic which was hidden at Kotmale to Dambadeniya. From that time rulers had taken scrupulous care to protect and guard the sacred tooth relic. This study is made on historical literature and archaeological data. The conclusions arrived in this study are: 1. There had been a strenuous effect throughout this period to safeguard and protect the sacred tooth relic. 2. There were religious performances connected with the tooth relic, exhibition of the tooth relic ,periodical processions connected with sacred tooth relic. 3. In addition to above, the possession, the possession of the sacred tooth relic had been the symbol of power and kingship.
Kings of the Kelaniya Dynasty: A study in to primary sources
(14th International Conference on Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2008) Manatunga, D.K.
Kelaniya was one of the centers of power in the early historic Sri Lanka. It has been ruled by a royal family whose origin and decline are still obscure. The present study is an attempt to recognize this royal family with the help of literary and ephigraphical sources. Details given in the Mahawamsa,Vamsattappakasini and other chronicles about Kelaniya and its ruling family will be critically evaluated in this paper. Early Brahmi inscriptions discovered at Koratota, Pilikuththuwa, Varana, Yatahalena and Lenagala are re examined and will be compared with inscriptions found elsewhere for identifying members of the royal family. The rise and fall of the Kelaniya dynasty and its socio-political impact in the state formation in Sri Lanka with the establishment of the Anuradhapura kingdom will be elaborated in this study.
The ancient Medical Tradition in Sri Lanka
(34th Annual International Conference, Social History Society University of Wat-wick, United Kingdom, 2009) Gunawardana, V.D.N.S.
The ancient hospital complex at Mihinthale in Sri Lanka
(3rd International congress, Society of South Asian Archaeology (SOSAA), Centre for Asian Studies, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2010) Gunawardana, V.D.N.S.
The ancient Sinhales are responsible for introducing the concept of hospitals to the world. According to the Mahavamsa, written in the 6th century A.C. King pandukabhaya (4th century B.C) had lying in homes and hospitals (sivikasotthi Sala) built in various parts of the country. This is the earliest literary evidence we have of the concept of hospitals. The Oldest archeological evidence we have so far of a hospital is in the ruins of Mihintale. The layout of the building and discovery of a medical through prove this. According to the Mahawams king Sena II (853-887A.C.) had built a hospital complex. We are not quite certain whether this reference is to the present hospital, which is in ruins at the site. The plan of Mihintale hospital complex is interesting. Thirty one rooms can be identified. All the rooms are arranged on a high platform. I have identified number distinctive features in this hospital complex. They are consulting room, Rooms for hot water baths, Outer court, Inner verandah court yard, Shrine room and Room for medicinal bath.
The ancient hospital complex at Mihinthale
(UGC-SAP National Seminar on Social Cultural Transformations in Early South India, School of Social Sciences and International studies, Department of History, Pondicherry University India, 2010) Gunawardana, V.D.N.S.
The ancient Sinhales are responsible for introducing the concept of hospitals to the world. According to the Mahavamsa, written in the 6th century A.C. King pandukabhaya (4th century B.C) had lying in homes and hospitals (sivikasotthi Sala) built in various parts of the country. This is the earliest literary evidence we have of the concept of hospitals. The Oldest archeological evidence we have so far of a hospital is in the ruins of Mihintale. The layout of the building and discovery of a medical through prove this. According to the Mahawams king Sena II (853-887A.C.) had built a hospital complex. We are not quite certain whether this reference is to the present hospital, which is in ruins at the site. The plan of Mihintale hospital complex is interesting. Thirty one rooms can be identified. All the rooms are arranged on a high platform. I have identified number distinctive features in this hospital complex. They are consulting room, Rooms for hot water baths, Outer court, Inner verandah court yard, Shrine room and Room for medicinal bath.
Legends on North India 6th B.C.E to the 3rd B.C.E.
(Annual research symposium, Legends on North India 6th B.C.E to the 3rd B.C.E. University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2010) Manatunga, D.K.
Economic History in Ancient Sri Lanka
(18th Annual Session, Tamilnadu History Congress, India, 2011) Gunawardana, V.D.N.S.
It is obvious that, Sri Lanka has experienced an open economic system in the ancient times, and the rulers had given the state patronage for trading whereby, trading had never been discouraged. As, it had been the tradition in India, and also in that of Sri Lanka as well, the king had been inherited with the state land and water resources. And also it has been stated even in the Kautilyas? Arthashasthra. Hence, the king had played a major role both in internal and external trade. At times, it has been reported in chronicles such as Mah?vamsa that the kings have sent trade delegations to foreign countries through which their counterparts were invited to have trade transactions with the island. Between the East and the West, the island stands in a central position, in the middle of the sea routes, that link the shores of the Persian Gulf, Red Sea, Southeast Asia and Far East. The island is blessed with numerous bays, natural harbors, estuaries and navigable rivers which could facilitate both internal and external trade. The most important capitals of Sri Lanka were situated in the inland of Sri Lanka. The capital of Anur?dhapura was linked to the port of Mah?thitha, closer to the Aruvi ?ru river. The second ancient capital of Polonnaruwa was situated on the banks of the Mahaveli river which is near the port of G?kanna, Tissamah?rama, Sri Lankan?s ancient city in the South was situated on the left bank of the Krindi Oya which is near to the ancient port of Kirinda. Since the Anuradhapura period in the internal trade, the exchange of goods as well as that of the usage of coins had been practiced. The main medium of exchange in the internal trade was the ?Kahavanu?.
Monetary Transaction in Ancient Sri Lanka (6th B.C. to 1017th A.C.)
(SocialHistory Society 36"' Annual Conference,University of Manchester, 2011) Gunawardana, V.D.N.S.
The Circulation of coins in the Anuradhapura Kingdom in Sri Lanka
(Knowledge for Development, annual Research Symposium, RCSS, Sri Lanka, 2011) Gunawardana, V.D.N.S.
It is not certain as to when the use of coins was commenced in Sri Lanka. According to the literary sources and archaeological sources in Sri Lanka, it is obvious that there was a system of barter. It has been accepted that the traders from across the world, have always visited the island from time immemorial. According to Fa Hsian?s? record, the early inhabitants of the island, namely the Yakkha had left their goods on the sea shore with the prices, affixed with the goods, and the traders had come ashore where the relevant value was paid, prior the goods were bought. Fa Hsian?s account does not categorically state as to how money was paid and how the value of the goods relevant was marked. Perhaps it might speak of an era where money was not yet known, and it could perhaps by the barter system of trade. Since the Anuradhapura period in the internal and the external trade, the exchange of goods as well as that of the usage of coins had been practiced. The main medium of exchange in the internal trade was the kahavanu. The oldest coins found so far in Sri Lanka belong to the 3rd and the 4th century B.C. During the initial period of this century, it is reported that symbols such as arms, the human figures, animal motifs, the sun and so on had been used in the punch marked coins. These punch marked coins, on which the elephant and Swasthika had been manufactured, were found in Padaviya, Trincomalee, Seegiriya and Mahatitha from the 1st A.C. to 4th century A.C. The said coins were followed by Sri Lakshmi coins, and afterwards for the 2nd century A.C. to the 4th century A.C, the coins in which the loins and the buffalo motifs inscribed, had been used. After 1017 A.C, during the reign of the Chola kings, the copper coins had been taken in to the usage.