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Questions and Answers
Which source is specifically associated with the Arabian influence on Sri Lanka?
Which source is specifically associated with the Arabian influence on Sri Lanka?
Which group of sources includes writings on metal plates and clay slabs?
Which group of sources includes writings on metal plates and clay slabs?
Which of the following sources did NOT come from Portuguese accounts regarding Sri Lanka?
Which of the following sources did NOT come from Portuguese accounts regarding Sri Lanka?
What were the oldest inscriptions in Sri Lanka known as?
What were the oldest inscriptions in Sri Lanka known as?
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Which foreign source details the experience of a Chinese traveler in Sri Lanka?
Which foreign source details the experience of a Chinese traveler in Sri Lanka?
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Which type of inscription is specifically written on rock surfaces?
Which type of inscription is specifically written on rock surfaces?
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What type of media is used for writings found in the Ambekke Devalaya?
What type of media is used for writings found in the Ambekke Devalaya?
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Which of the following options represents a type of inscription written on stone pillars?
Which of the following options represents a type of inscription written on stone pillars?
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Which ancient coin was specifically known to be one of the oldest found in Sri Lanka?
Which ancient coin was specifically known to be one of the oldest found in Sri Lanka?
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What is the significance of learning history regarding national identity?
What is the significance of learning history regarding national identity?
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Which aspect poses a significant risk for archaeological sources due to urban development?
Which aspect poses a significant risk for archaeological sources due to urban development?
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What does numismatics study in the context of archaeology?
What does numismatics study in the context of archaeology?
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Which of the following is not categorized as a medium of epigraphy?
Which of the following is not categorized as a medium of epigraphy?
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Which local literary source is considered reliable for studying early Sri Lankan history?
Which local literary source is considered reliable for studying early Sri Lankan history?
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What is one of the primary uses of literary sources in historical studies?
What is one of the primary uses of literary sources in historical studies?
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Which book provides information about the history of the Buddhist order?
Which book provides information about the history of the Buddhist order?
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What aspect must be considered when evaluating literary sources for their reliability?
What aspect must be considered when evaluating literary sources for their reliability?
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Which of the following is not a local literary source mentioned?
Which of the following is not a local literary source mentioned?
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What time period does the Rajawaliya cover?
What time period does the Rajawaliya cover?
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Which literary source is used to study the history between the Kotte and Kandy periods?
Which literary source is used to study the history between the Kotte and Kandy periods?
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What type of sources are considered archaeological sources?
What type of sources are considered archaeological sources?
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Study Notes
Sources of Studying History
- This document is for educational purposes only and is property of Mr. M F Sheriffdeen
- The document should not be reproduced without prior written permission from the author
Classification of Sources
- Literary sources (written)
- Archaeological sources
Literary Sources
- Can be further categorized as:
- Local literary sources
- Foreign literary sources
Local Literary Sources
-
Chronicles:
- Deepawamsa (first), Mahawamsa (credible)
- Mahawamsa teekawa (Wansattappakasini)
-
Annotations/ Interpretations:
- Mahawamsa teekawa (Wansattappakasini)
-
Sandesha Kavya:
- Mayura, Thisara, Selalihini
-
Prashasthi Kavya:
- Perakumba Siritha
-
Hatan Kavya:
- Seethawaka hatana, Constantinu Hatana, Ingrisi hatana
-
Buddhist religious texts:
- Bodhiwamsa, Thupawamsa, Dhathuwamsa, Poojawaliya, Saddharmalankaraya
Local Books and Their Importance
-
Bodhiwamsa, Thupawamsa, Dhathuwamsa, Poojawaliya, Saddharmalankaraya:
- Buddhist religious texts that are helpful in studying the Rajarata Civilization (Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa Kingdoms).
-
Nikaya Sangraha:
- Provides the history of the Buddhist order (Sasana).
-
Rajawaliya:
- Provides political information from the Gampola to Kotte period.
-
Sandesha, Prashasthi and Hatan Kavya:
- Helpful in studying the history between Kotte and Kandy.
Facts to Consider
- Time
- Author
- Author's objectives
- Method of obtaining facts
Uses of Literary Sources
- To create historical chronology
- To gain information about political, economic and social aspects of each era.
- To substantiate information from other sources
- To study international relations of a country
Foreign Sources (Who Came to Sri Lanka)
-
India:
- Seelappadikaram, Manimekalai, Padirupattu
-
China:
- Fa-Hsien Thero's Travelling accounts
-
Arabian:
- Ibn Batuta's Travelling accounts
-
Portugal:
- Ribeiro's book of Sri Lanka
-
Holland/Dutch:
- The book of Phillipus Baldaeus
-
England:
- Robert Knox's Historical Relation of Island Ceylon (Eda Heladiva)
Foreign Sources (by who DID NOT COME to Sri Lanka)
- Greek
- Roman
- Chinese
- Portugal
Archaeological Sources
- Epigraphy (Inscriptions and writing on metal, wood, clay)
- Coins
- Ruins
- Drawings, Sculpture and Antiquities
Epigraphy
- Epigraphy is the study of writings on stones, metal plates, clay, or wood
- Used to name or represent things
Inscriptions
- oldest inscriptions in Sri Lanka are Brahmi inscriptions
- categorized by shape and use:
- Rock inscriptions (Giri Lipi)
- Seat inscriptions (Asana Lipi)
- Pillar inscriptions (Tam lipi)
- Slab inscriptions (Puwaru Lipi)
- Cave inscriptions (Len lipi)
Media of Epigraphy
- Walls: King Nisshankamalla's Galpotha Inscription, Graffiti in Sigiriya
- Copper Plates: Panakaduwa Copper plate, Vallipuram Golden Plate
- Golden Plates: King Vijayabahu I
- Wood: Writings in Ambekke Devalaya
- Clay Slabs: Scripts on tiles and bricks
- Urns: Scripts on clay pots and begging bowls
Coins
- Oldest coins in Sri Lanka are Kahapana/Purana/ Dharana
- Examples include Swastika coins, Lakshmi coins, and golden coins
- Copper coins (Thamba Massa) were used in the Polonnaruwa Era
- Roman, Indian, and Chinese coins were also found
Ancient Ruins
- Ancient buildings, stupas, stone pillars, tanks, and ponds are examples
- They are in Sri Lanka
Drawings, Sculptures, and Antiquities
- Frescoes: Sigiriya
- Sculpture: Isurumuni Temple
- Antiquities: Objects used by people
Benefits of Learning History
- Understand society and the world
- Construct future by understanding the past
- Recognize national identity
- Respect other cultures and views (ethnic harmony and co-existence)
Importance of Protecting Archaeological Sources
- Speedy urbanization poses a risk to archaeological sources
- Rocks may be marked with symbols (Palm tree, bow and arrow, sun, moon, etc.) for communication and delimiting boundaries; should be protected at all costs
Practice Questions
- Briefly explain the importance of Mahawamsa and Deepawamsa
- Which is more credible, Mahawamsa or Deepawamsa, and why?
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Description
This quiz explores the various sources used in studying history, focusing on literary and archaeological categories. It includes detailed information about local literary sources such as historical chronicles and Buddhist religious texts. Test your knowledge on these important elements of historical research.
