CONTRIBUTION OF THE SRI LANKAN SOURCES FOR STUDYING THE POLITICAL HISTORY OF INDIA (FROM 5TH CENTURY B.C. TO 4TH CENTURY B.C.)

Manatunga, D. K.2025-09-122024Manatunga, D. K. (2024). CONTRIBUTION OF THE SRI LANKAN SOURCES FOR STUDYING THE POLITICAL HISTORY OF INDIA (FROM 5TH CENTURY B.C. TO 4TH CENTURY B.C.) (pp. 177–185). Desk Research Conference – DRC 2024, The Library, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka.http://repository.kln.ac.lk/handle/123456789/29947Sri Lanka has a strong historical tradition and is rich in it’s historical sources. In this context, it is important to study Sri Lankan historical sources in order to obtain a better understanding of the history of nearby India and other South Asian countries. Many scholars have recognised the historical significance and authenticity of Sri Lankan chronicles such as the Dipavamsa, Mahavamsa and Attakatha as historical sources. Many details or information contained in these sources are in line with archaeological sources and foreign records. Owing to the confusion that was found in Indian sources, it was difficult to study the Indian history in a clear perspective in such a situation. The help received from Sri Lankan sources in order to construct Indian history is invaluable especially during the period from 6th century B.C. to 4th century B.C. Sri Lankan sources in particular have contributed very much to average and determine the years and periods relating to the Haryanka, Sisunaga, Nanda and Maurya dynasties. Many historians believe that Sri Lankan sources are more reliable with regard to this period than Indian sources. The main objective of this research is to study the Indian political history from the 5th century B.C. to the 4th century B.C. with a view to analyze the contribution made by Sri Lankan sources to study and construct the ancient Indian history. Accordingly, the discussion is mainly focused on political history of India during the stipulated period. The research methodology used is the study of primary sources. In this connection, information provided by Sri Lankan chronicles and Attakathas in relation to the Indian history was comparatively examined with those in Indian sources. In this study it was able to identify the main tendencies in the political spheres in Indian history during the specified period. It was also able to identify the royal dynasties and their correct sequences with correct dates.Indian Political HistorySri Lankan SourcesDynastiesCONTRIBUTION OF THE SRI LANKAN SOURCES FOR STUDYING THE POLITICAL HISTORY OF INDIA (FROM 5TH CENTURY B.C. TO 4TH CENTURY B.C.)Article