Ancient Industry of Sri Lanka

Ancient Industry in Sri Lanka

• Sri Lanka had a well-organized industry 2250 years ago, with a collective organization known as 'Poogaya' or 'Niyamasthana'.

Trade and Commerce

• People engaged in trade were known as “Wanija” or “Vapara”, with the latter being the Sinhala term for 'Vyaparika', meaning business.
• The rich were involved in trade and offered caves to Buddhist monks for their stay.
• A trader named Sumana offered a cave, which was mentioned in the inscriptions found in Hambanthota district.

Markets and Administration

• The city of Anuradhapura was a place where ancient markets were organized, with King Udaya IV (946-954 AD) organizing the market and its administration.
• The inscriptions mention the Hopitigama market and the laws governing trade.
• A fine was imposed on anyone who did business on 'Poya' days (full moon days), and they had to supply oil for the temple lamps to compensate.

Pottery Industry

• Ancient people of Sri Lanka had a well-developed pottery industry.
• The people who made pottery were called Kumbhakara.

Spinning and Weaving

• The art of spinning, weaving, and trading were prevalent in ancient times.
• The inscriptions mention 'Thathvaya', which means spinning and weaving.

Cities and Trade

• Anuradhapura and Magama were prominent cities, known as 'Pura', where local and foreign traders lived.
• A bazaar called ‘Kalasumana’ existed in the southern gate of Anuradhapura.
• The ancient people of Sri Lanka organized themselves collectively, engaged in different industries, and traded with foreign countries.