National Renaissance in Sri Lanka
48 Questions
3 Views

Choose a study mode

Play Quiz
Study Flashcards
Spaced Repetition
Chat to lesson

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What were the two periods of the struggle for independence in Sri Lanka after 1848?

The two periods were the national and religious renaissance (1850-1915) and the political agitation (1915-1948).

How did the British conquest affect the religious and cultural landscape of Sri Lanka?

The British conquest led to the spread of western culture and impeded the existence of local cultures and traditional religions.

What was the primary goal of the missionary organizations that came to Sri Lanka during British rule?

Their primary goal was to spread Catholicism and establish a loyal group of followers.

Which missionary organization was the first to come to Sri Lanka, and in what year did they arrive?

<p>The London Missionary Organization was the first, arriving in 1804.</p> Signup and view all the answers

In which regions did the Wesleyan Missionary Organization primarily operate?

<p>The Wesleyan Missionary Organization primarily operated in the North and the East.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What methods did the missionary organizations use to spread their religion?

<p>They used writing, preaching, and education as their main methods.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant impact of the British rule on the kingdom in the upcountry of Sri Lanka?

<p>The submission of the upcountry kingdom allowed western culture to spread throughout the country.</p> Signup and view all the answers

List two areas where the American Missionary Organization worked in Sri Lanka.

<p>The American Missionary Organization worked primarily in the North, including Jaffna.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary purpose of the pirivena system after its re-establishment?

<p>To create more educated individuals who contributed to the Buddhist renaissance.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Who was instrumental in opening the press that many Buddhists desired, and where was it established?

<p>Rev. Bulathgama Dhammalankara Siri Sumanathissa thero established the press in Galle.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Name two Buddhist publishers that emerged after the establishment of Lankopakara Printers in 1862.

<p>Lankabinawa Vishratha printers and Kawatakathika printers.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role did public debates play during the Buddhist renaissance?

<p>Public debates were used to respond to missionary preaching and support the perpetuation of Buddhism.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Who was a prominent leader during the public debates against missionary priests?

<p>Rev. Migettuwaththe Gunananda thero.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the Five Great Debates, and why are they significant?

<p>The Five Great Debates were public discussions between Buddhists and Christians that received international recognition, particularly the Panadura Wadaya.</p> Signup and view all the answers

In which year was the Panadura Wadaya debate held?

<p>The Panadura Wadaya debate was held in 1873.</p> Signup and view all the answers

List three Buddhist publications that emerged after 1862.

<p>Lakmini Pahana, Lankalokaya, and Sinhala Jathiya.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What prompted Sir Henry Steel Olcott to come to Sri Lanka?

<p>He was impressed by reading a book about the arguments between Rev. Migettuwaththe Gunananda thero and Christians in Panadura.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the main initiative taken by Sir Olcott upon his arrival in Sri Lanka?

<p>He pioneered the establishment of Buddhist schools to compete with missionary education.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What organization did Sir Olcott help to establish in 1880?

<p>He helped to start the 'Colombo Parama Vignanartha Movement'.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role did Sir Olcott play in fund collection for Buddhist schools?

<p>He traveled from village to village with monks to collect funds for the establishment of schools.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Name two individuals who contributed to the establishment of Buddhist schools alongside Sir Olcott.

<p>Rev. Hikkaduwe Sri Sumangala thero and Anagarika Dharmapala.</p> Signup and view all the answers

List three Buddhist schools established due to the efforts of Sir Olcott.

<p>Ananda Vidyalaya – Colombo, Dharmaraja Vidyalaya – Kandy, Mahinda Vidyalaya – Galle.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did the Buddhist renaissance contribute to the development of the printing sector?

<p>It led to an increase in printing various books, magazines, and newspapers.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the key achievements of the Colombo Parama Vignanartha Movement?

<p>The establishment of Buddhist schools for Buddhist students.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What educational background did Arumuga Navalar have that influenced his work in missionary activities?

<p>He received his primary education in a missionary school.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What significant contribution did Navalar make for Tamil students in 1849?

<p>He founded the Wannaponai Shaiwa Prakasha College.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Name two literary works that Navalar translated and published.

<p>Periya Puranam and Skandha Puranam.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Who continued Navalar's efforts in the Hindu Renaissance movement after his death?

<p>Sir Ponnabalam Ramanadan and Ponnabalam Arunachalam.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of education did the Shiwangala school, founded in 1872, aim to provide?

<p>English education to Tamil students.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What action did Ponnabalam Ramanadan take in response to martial law imposed on Buddhists in 1915?

<p>He voiced support for the Buddhists.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Who led the Islamic renaissance in a manner similar to Arumuga Navalar's leadership of the Hindu renaissance?

<p>M.C. Siddhi Lebbe.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the purpose of the Sri Lanka National Congress, founded by Ponnabalam Arunachalam?

<p>To gain political power for the Sinhalese.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was Anagarika Dharmapala's contribution to the protection of Buddhist religious places in India?

<p>Anagarika Dharmapala fought hard to protect places like Buddhagaya in India.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did European scholars influence the public's understanding of ancient culture in Sri Lanka?

<p>They uncovered elements of ancient culture through research, excavations, and exploration of historical sources.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role did Walisingha Harischandra play in the Buddhist renaissance movement?

<p>He dedicated himself to a movement aimed at protecting the Buddhist religious places in Anuradhapura.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What methods did Buddhist leaders use to combat alcohol consumption during the temperance movement?

<p>They engaged in public preaching, wrote newspapers articles, and used dialogues in novels to educate the public.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was one significant outcome of the renovations of Ruwanweli Seya around 1870?

<p>The renovations marked a revival of interest and investment in the preservation of Buddhist monuments.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Who led the Hindu religious renaissance in response to the challenges posed by missionaries?

<p>The movement was led by Arumuga Navalar.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What impact did the establishment of Buddhist schools have on the Buddhist renaissance?

<p>It helped in educating the public about Buddhism and instilled a sense of nationalism.</p> Signup and view all the answers

In what way did public debates contribute to the Buddhist renaissance movement?

<p>Public debates encouraged discourse on Buddhist values and revitalized interest in Buddhist teachings.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role did missionary organizations play in the improvement of literacy during the Buddhist renaissance?

<p>Missionary organizations worked to develop English education, which significantly improved literacy.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What significant cultural symbols were established during the Buddhist renaissance?

<p>The Vesak full moon poya day was declared a holiday, and the Buddhist flag was introduced.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Who were some of the notable leaders of the Buddhist renaissance that promoted nationalism?

<p>Leaders like Anagarika Dharmapala, Walisinghe Harischandra, Piyadasa Sirisena, and John De Silva were notable figures.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the main intention of the movement aimed at upgrading patriotism and nationalism?

<p>The main intention was to create individuals who love their country and value indigenous culture.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What vision did Anagarika Dharmapala promote regarding the past civilization?

<p>He promoted the importance of understanding past civilization and the value of harmonious living as Buddhists.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did Piyadasa Sirisena express his criticism of the western cultural influence?

<p>He criticized the embrace of western culture through his novels and articles in newspapers like 'Sinhala Jathiya.'</p> Signup and view all the answers

What were some movements that emerged by the onset of the 20th century as a result of the Buddhist renaissance?

<p>Movements to kindle patriotism, protect Buddhist places, and promote non-alcoholism began to emerge.</p> Signup and view all the answers

In what ways did Buddhist schools and pirivens contribute to the Buddhist renaissance?

<p>They fostered a younger generation that understood the value of their culture and religion.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

National Renaissance in Sri Lanka

  • The period of Sri Lanka's fight for independence, following the 1848 conflicts, is divided into national and religious renaissance, and political agitation.
  • From 1850 to 1915, national and religious renaissance was prominent.
  • From 1915 to 1948, political agitation became more important.
  • The British takeover of the hill country in 1815 impacted the existing culture and traditional religions, leading to a national and religious awakening by the late 19th century.
  • This period is termed the national renaissance.

Background of the National Renaissance

  • European powers, in conquering Asian regions, sought to establish religious and cultural influence to create loyal subjects.
  • Portuguese and Dutch control focused on coastal regions, while an independent kingdom existed inland.
  • British rule enabled the spread of Western culture throughout the country.

Missionary Organizations

  • Several foreign missionary organizations, particularly Catholic ones, sought to spread their faith during British rule.
  • Examples of missionary organizations active between 1804 and 1818 are mentioned.
  • Missionaries employed various methods like writing, preaching, and teaching to spread their religions, focusing on specific regions of the country.

Using the Written Medium

  • Missionaries utilized resources and organizational skills to establish printing presses for producing books, magazines, and newspapers.
  • They translated religious texts into local languages (Sinhala and Tamil) to overcome language barriers.
  • Publications like Masika Thegga (1832) and Lanka Nidhanaya (1840) were published by missionary organizations.

Buddhist Renaissance

  • Buddhists responded to missionary criticism of traditional religious practices.
  • A need arose to elevate the education of native languages (Sinhala and Tamil), lacking government support.
  • Buddhist monks played a key role in establishing solutions to these educational issues, notably the Parama Dhamma Chethiya Pirivena.

Establishment of Publishers

  • Rev. Bulathgama Dhammalankara Siri Sumanathissa initiated the establishment of a printing press to address the publishing needs.
  • Support was sought from the King of Thailand to provide additional financial resources.
  • Other Buddhist publishers emerged, including Lankabinawa Vishratha printers, leading to the increased availability of magazines and newspapers.

Engagement in Public Debates

  • Buddhist monks actively participated in debates with missionary priests to defend Buddhist traditions.
  • Key figures like Migettuwaththe Gunananda thero, Hikkaduwe Sumangala thero, and other notable monks were instrumental in public discussions on religious traditions.
  • These debates, often referred to as the Five Great Debates, were important in shaping the perception of Buddhism and its place within Sri Lankan culture.

Establishment of Buddhist Schools

  • Buddhists faced challenges in establishing their own educational institutions against the well-established missionary schools.
  • Sir Henry Steel Olcott played a crucial role in supporting and establishing Buddhist schools in Sri Lanka.
  • He worked towards securing funds and organizational structure for the development of Buddhist schools.
  • Key figures involved in the establishment of schools include Sir Henry Steel Olcott, various monks like Hikkaduwe Sumangala thero and other notable individuals, including Mr. Don Karolis Hewawitharana

All the abovementioned Figures' Activities

  • The activities of the aforementioned philanthropists were focused on assisting in establishing schools for Buddhists throughout Sri Lanka.
  • Important Buddhist schools established include Ananda Vidyalaya, Dharmaraja Vidyalaya in Kandy and other important schools.
  • They established a press and published books and newspapers contributing to the development by encouraging education , nationalisam and protecting Buddhist sites.

Temperance Movement

  • Excessive alcohol consumption became a serious social issue during British rule.
  • Buddhist leaders like Anagarika Dharmapala strongly advocated against alcohol consumption, utilizing various methods such as speeches, newspapers, and religious texts.
  • This campaign aimed to address the negative effects of alcohol on individuals and society.

Hindu Religious Renaissance

  • Responding to missionary challenges, a Hindu religious renaissance occurred under the leadership of Arumuga Navalar.
  • Navalar utilized his understanding of missionary methods, gained through his primary education in a missionary school, to establish Hindu schools and printing presses.
  • He further supported educational initiatives for Hindu students, including translating and publishing religious texts and other educational materials.

Islamic Renaissance

  • Parallel to Buddhist and Hindu movements, there was an Islamic renaissance occurring in Sri Lanka.
  • Influential Muslims like M.C. Siddhi Lebbe were active in promoting Islamic religion, education, and culture.
  • They established resources such as schools and newspapers to encourage learning and preserve Islamic identity.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Quiz Team

Related Documents

National Renaissance in Sri Lanka PDF

Description

Explore the transformative period of Sri Lanka's national renaissance from 1850 to 1948. This quiz covers the cultural awakening, political agitation, and the impact of British rule on local traditions and religions. Test your knowledge on the key events and figures that shaped this significant time in Sri Lanka's history.

More Like This

Use Quizgecko on...
Browser
Open
Browser
Browser