Sri Lanka and Northern India relations: An Archaeological study (3rd century B.C. to 9th century A.D.)

Abstract

According to the archaeological evidences, the Balangoda culture is considered as the earliest civilization in Sri Lanka. The aim of this paper is to present archaeological evidences to prove northern Indian association in ancient Sri Lanka from 3rd century B.C. to 9th century A.D. Even in the present Sri Lanka is considered as a multinational country. The geographical situation of Sri Lanka is the main reason for these migrations from the ancient past. Some of the migrants, who had come to Sri Lanka in various time periods, had returned to their motherland and of course, some were settle down in Sri Lanka. Among these nations Indians were in the first place. To prove this relationship, written sources (Mahawamsa Deepawamsa, Travelogues from Hiyun Sian and Fa Hien) and archaeological / numismatic resources like inscriptions, coins, statues, carvings which are belonged to 3rd century B.C to 9th century A.D. is used as the basement for this research. The relationship with Sri Lanka up to 1st century A.D. mainly limited with India. Form that also the northern Indian relationship was seemed to be strong. A considerable number of symbols can be seen in Sri Lankan early Brahmi inscriptions which have Harappa culture influences but not Brahmi. Also this relationship can be seen in the potters that found in archaeological excavations. Fine red polished wares, red slipped pinkish buff ware, black Hellenistic ware are among these potters. Also the Northern Indian characteristics can be seen in Punch make coins, Lakshimi and Svasthika coins. Also the relationship between Northern India can be seen in language styles that used in initial inscriptions in Sri Lanka.