Podcast
Questions and Answers
What characteristic defines traditional technologies in Sri Lanka?
What characteristic defines traditional technologies in Sri Lanka?
- They are technologies borrowed from other cultures.
- They are universal technologies used worldwide.
- They are modern technologies developed in recent years.
- They are unique technologies that evolved specifically in Sri Lanka. (correct)
What is the primary purpose of the ancient tanks and anicuts constructed in Sri Lanka?
What is the primary purpose of the ancient tanks and anicuts constructed in Sri Lanka?
- To facilitate transportation across regions.
- To provide fishery resources for trade.
- To obtain water for agricultural activities. (correct)
- To serve as public recreational areas.
What aspect of ancient Lankans' architectural creations showcases their cultural values?
What aspect of ancient Lankans' architectural creations showcases their cultural values?
- Their reliance on foreign architectural styles.
- Their preference for modern materials and techniques.
- Their adaptation to the local environment and culture. (correct)
- Their uniform design across all regions.
How long is the continuously recorded history of Sri Lanka?
How long is the continuously recorded history of Sri Lanka?
Which type of water management infrastructure was primarily built by ancient Sri Lankans?
Which type of water management infrastructure was primarily built by ancient Sri Lankans?
What findings can be made by studying the technologies of ancient Lankans?
What findings can be made by studying the technologies of ancient Lankans?
Ancient Lankans built various constructions that served what primary function?
Ancient Lankans built various constructions that served what primary function?
Where were the earliest tanks and anicuts primarily constructed?
Where were the earliest tanks and anicuts primarily constructed?
Why did people in ancient times begin constructing tanks, canals, and dams?
Why did people in ancient times begin constructing tanks, canals, and dams?
What characterized the land chosen by early settlers for establishing settlements?
What characterized the land chosen by early settlers for establishing settlements?
Which groups of people are mentioned as having arrived and settled in this country around the 6th century BC?
Which groups of people are mentioned as having arrived and settled in this country around the 6th century BC?
During which time period did the rapid construction of bigger tanks begin under royal patronage?
During which time period did the rapid construction of bigger tanks begin under royal patronage?
What is mentioned as a major historical source for information on tank construction during King Pandukabhaya's reign?
What is mentioned as a major historical source for information on tank construction during King Pandukabhaya's reign?
What type of technologies did ancient Lankans excel in according to the content?
What type of technologies did ancient Lankans excel in according to the content?
What geographic region of the country was preferred by early settlers for agricultural activities?
What geographic region of the country was preferred by early settlers for agricultural activities?
What primary need did the construction of tanks aim to address for ancient societies?
What primary need did the construction of tanks aim to address for ancient societies?
What is the primary purpose of the outer spill in the construction of a dam?
What is the primary purpose of the outer spill in the construction of a dam?
What distinguishes a makeshift dam from a permanent dam?
What distinguishes a makeshift dam from a permanent dam?
What is an anicut primarily used for?
What is an anicut primarily used for?
What materials were commonly used in constructing makeshift dams?
What materials were commonly used in constructing makeshift dams?
Why did makeshift dams frequently get destroyed?
Why did makeshift dams frequently get destroyed?
Which feature is common to both permanent and makeshift dams?
Which feature is common to both permanent and makeshift dams?
What is typically included in the design of a dam to manage excessive water levels?
What is typically included in the design of a dam to manage excessive water levels?
What is the main characteristic of a bund constructed across a stream or river?
What is the main characteristic of a bund constructed across a stream or river?
What was the primary purpose of constructing Kiribath?
What was the primary purpose of constructing Kiribath?
Which image houses are considered excellent works of the Gedige tradition?
Which image houses are considered excellent works of the Gedige tradition?
What distinguishes the Gedige tradition from the Gandhakuti tradition?
What distinguishes the Gedige tradition from the Gandhakuti tradition?
What was a significant feature of cave temples built during the Polonnaruwa period?
What was a significant feature of cave temples built during the Polonnaruwa period?
During which period did significant developments occur in the construction of image houses?
During which period did significant developments occur in the construction of image houses?
What role did Siva Devala I have during the Polonnaruwa Kingdom?
What role did Siva Devala I have during the Polonnaruwa Kingdom?
Which statement accurately describes the Gandhakuti tradition?
Which statement accurately describes the Gandhakuti tradition?
What was a notable element of temple monasteries during the Polonnaruwa period?
What was a notable element of temple monasteries during the Polonnaruwa period?
What motivated King Karalliyadde Bandara to befriend the Portuguese?
What motivated King Karalliyadde Bandara to befriend the Portuguese?
Who became king of the Kandyan kingdom in 1952 AD?
Who became king of the Kandyan kingdom in 1952 AD?
What was the response of King Rajasinghe I to Weerasundara Bandara's claim to the throne?
What was the response of King Rajasinghe I to Weerasundara Bandara's claim to the throne?
How did the elite in Kandy react to King Karalliyadde Bandara's alliance with the Portuguese?
How did the elite in Kandy react to King Karalliyadde Bandara's alliance with the Portuguese?
What significant action did Konappu Bandara take after fleeing to the Portuguese?
What significant action did Konappu Bandara take after fleeing to the Portuguese?
What change did King Wimaladharmasooriya I's rise to power bring about?
What change did King Wimaladharmasooriya I's rise to power bring about?
Which religious practice did Seethawaka Rajasinghe embrace during his reign?
Which religious practice did Seethawaka Rajasinghe embrace during his reign?
What event followed Weerasundara Bandara's death that changed leadership in the Kandyan kingdom?
What event followed Weerasundara Bandara's death that changed leadership in the Kandyan kingdom?
Study Notes
Capture of Coastal Areas of Sri Lanka by the Portuguese
- Portuguese attention on Sri Lanka began amid their expansion in the Indian Ocean.
- They aimed to establish trade monopolies and convert locals to Christianity.
Political, Economic and Cultural Activities of the Portuguese
- Established coastal colonies, leading to significant political influence over local kingdoms.
- Engaged in trade, importing spices and other goods, impacting local economies.
- Introduced Christian missionary activities, resulting in cultural exchanges and conflicts.
Traditional Technologies and Arts of Sri Lanka
- Sri Lanka has a recorded history of approximately 2,500 years, showcasing advancements in various technologies.
- Traditional technologies are unique to the region and informed by environmental and cultural contexts.
Water Technology
- Ancient Lankans developed vital water management systems, including tanks, canals, and anicuts.
- Initial tank constructions started before the Christ era, especially in the dry zone for agricultural needs.
- By the 3rd century BC, the construction of larger tanks gained momentum under royal patronage, enhancing irrigation capabilities.
Construction Techniques
- Anicuts were essential structures for managing water flow to agricultural land.
- Permanent dams were constructed to withstand seasonal changes, contrasting with temporary makeshift dams.
Architectural Developments
- Image house construction included several traditions, evolving from natural caves to sophisticated brick and stone structures.
- The Gandhakuti and Gedige traditions marked significant advancements in image house architecture.
Cave Temples and Temple Monasteries
- Natural caves were first used as Bhikkus' residences, leading to the construction of elaborate temple complexes.
- Cave temples featured reclining Buddha images and served spiritual and communal needs.
Political Dynamics of the Kandyan Kingdom
- King Jayaweera Bandara's connections with the Portuguese were short-lived, leading to shifts in power among local rulers.
- King Karalliyadde Bandara aligned with the Portuguese to combat local threats, causing discontent among the elite in Kandy.
Key Transition of Power
- King Rajasinghe I captured the Kandyan throne circa 1580 AD, leading to tensions with local factions and the Portuguese.
- Prince Konappu Bandara, baptized by the Portuguese, later opposed them, shifting loyalties often dictated by political necessity.
Notable Monarchs of the Kandyan Kingdom
- Wimaladharmasooriya I (1592-1604 AD) represented a turning point, deterring Portuguese influence and aiming for independence.
- He faced challenges from the Seethawaka kingdom, marked by cultural and religious tensions.
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Description
Explore the significant impact of the Portuguese on Sri Lanka's coastal areas, politics, economy, and culture. This quiz covers their trade monopolies, missionary activities, and advancements in local technologies. Test your knowledge on how these factors shaped the island's history.
