The religious intercourse between Sri Lanka and Thailand as depicted in Jinakalamali

Abstract

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.