A bibliographical survey of the palm leaf manuscripts in Ridiviharaya in Kurunegala District & Aluthepola Ganekanda temple, Gampaha District

Abstract

This research was undertaken with the aim of studying the bibliographical features of palm leaf manuscripts in Sri Lanka. Two temples namely, Ridiviharaya and Aluthepola which possess these manuscripts were selected as samples of the study, and the selection was done on the basis of their geographical location and historical chronology. Ridiviharaya in Kurunegala District dates back to Anuradapura era while Aluthepola in Gampaha District is thought to have come into existence in the 18th century. Thus, the samples selected for the research can be considered as justifiable representations of the palm leaf manuscripts in the country in terms of geographical location and chronological significance. In addition to identifying the subject areas dealt with in the samples, an effort was made to study their bibliographical features as well. Having access to these manuscripts was considerably difficult due to non-availability of bibliographies. Non?existence of a standard criterion or guidelines which specify steps and measures necessary for palm leaf manuscript analysis aggravated this problem. In view of the above problems, this research formulated a bibliography incorporating the data necessary to analyse palm leaf manuscripts. The manner in which in the data should be arranged and the methods suitable to prioritize bibliographic data were also discussed in it. The research also traced the history and the expansion of the art of palm leaf manuscripts in the country. The evidence collected suggests the existence of a bibliographical tradition specific to the country in the past. The data helped to identify character styles, numerical patterns and structural feature of that tradition as well. It is felt that the manuscripts found in the temples were deteriorating in quality gradually, and therefore measures are necessary to conserve them.