The Story Of The Land Of the Sinhalese (Helese)

The Story of the [and of the Sinhalese (tfeCese) Ariesen Ahubudu Translated in to E n g l i s h by Nuwansiri Jayakuru B.A (Hon.) cey A Stamford Lake Publication 2012 First Print 2012 8 Ariesen Ahubudu Translated in to English by Nuwansiri Jayakuru (B.A.Hon) cey. ISBN 978-955-658-313-7 Price: Rs. 350.00 Type Setting by Stamford lake Cover Design by Rex Hamilton Fernando Printed and Published by Stamford Lake (Pvt) Ltd. 366, High Level Road, Pannipitiya, Sri Lanka. Tele/Fax : 011-2846002, 011-4208134 E-mail: [email protected] Web purchasing: www.lakehousebookshop.com Hela Avurudu Vaga (the story of the Hela New Year). Our efforts have been directed at bringing out the real truth pertaining to the land of the Helese and its history without being biased on any such considerations. My intention is to divide it into a number of Volumes such as 'Hela Derana Vaga' (the story of the land of the Sinhalese-Helese). Therefore our efforts have been mainly directed towards bringing to light the ancient past which has been ignored by the authors of our chronicles and not towards the more recent times of the history of our land. The location of the land of the Sinhalese (Helese). Siruru Vaga (the story of the human body). . May those who read this book judge the success or otherwise of my efforts. the origin of civilization from this land to other lands are some of the subjects dealt with herein. Hela Bas Vaga (the story of the Hela Language). Rukliya Vaga (the story of the trees and creepers) Sat Vaga (the story of animals). Hela Dev Vaga (the story of the Hela Gods). Since it is bulky in terms of facts and size. Our objective in writing this book was to highlight the hidden truth about the island of the Helese and the Hela civilization. INTRODUCTION 'Hela Sada Peheliya' is a book that I began to write giving detailed meanings to Sinhala (Hela) words in the style of a dictionary. Do Satara Vaga (the story of Astrology) Keli Vaga (the story of our games) Na Siya Vaga (the story of relationships). Hela Gam Nam Vaga (the story of the village names of the Helese). its prosperity. Immense is the harm caused by those who distort history for reasons of pure racism and monetary gain. Hela Derana Vaga is the first in that series. I thought of having it published as a separate book. as the aforementioned 'Hela Sada Peheliya' contains more details thereof. We have merely shed a streak of light thereon . he would realize that every other land would lose to the Hela land in the end'. 3S)sa> ®atl». "a}©®) 6)©a> £ . I wish to express my grateful thanks to all of t h e m .I was motivated to highlight the hidden truth of the history of the Helese by reading certain compositions in 'Hela Miyasiya' (Book on Hela Music) written by Munidasa Cumaratunga. 'When one perceives the facts with wisdom. Many of the facts stated in this book have been substantiated by writings of previous scholars. Thus we were motivated to search for the hidden truth of the history of the Helese. Results of research carried out by me from my young days have been included herein. Therefore I hope this would also be useful as a compendium of facts to students of history. I have a t t e m p t e d to substantiate my new views too with material from previous writings. Subjects such as the colonization of other lands the world over by the Sinhalese (Helese) a n d the Sinhala village names have been dealt with in brief. This is a verse that raised enthusiasm in our young minds. Our research in the history of the Hela land will not stop with this effort. The speech delivered by a front line leader of the 'Hela Havula' (Hela Movement) Sri Charles Silva on the subject "Lanka was the cradle of civilization" and the research of the great poet and scholar Wellala Jayamaha served as a great impetus to our efforts. Mount Lavinia. If this serves as a stepping stone to future researchers.Gunatunga who was in charge of the publication of this book at Stamford Lake Press as well as Mr. Many are the facts that still remain to be revealed about our history. I wish to offer my sincere thanks and appreciation to Mr. .through this book. Srinath Ganewatte who helped me in various ways in compiling this book and also wrote a foreword thereto and Mr. D. Kalapura. Neil Karunaratne who meticulously fulfilled the tasks connected therewith. Ariesen Ahubudu 140/40. Templers Road.V. our aim would be achieved. . Iti +Iha is used to imply 'This is what happened in the past'. and ruins is known as the pre . 'Iha' means 'past period'. FOREWORD Etymologists have analysed the word 'Itihasa' as 'Iti' ' h a ' 'asa' (Meaning 'this happened thus').Ariesen Ahubudu. Even though these are the two main divisions. Information has to be gathered from archaeology or folk lore. . Sadeepa Publishers . *ItPgives the meaning 'thus'. Even though 'Itihasa' is considered to be the entire past there is a slight deviation here in this regard. The era which cannot be shown in the form of records and about which information has to be deduced from stones. there is another intermediary era called the Proto . 'Anita Niruta' Page 21. pottery.Borella.historic era. That is the pre . ' I t i ' + 'Ihat'> 'Itihat'> 'Itihas'( 'ta'becomes ' s a ' ) . but without the use of a script. historical stories and assumptions which are not so acceptable as historical documents. Scholars who analysed the past incidents of the human world saw two eras in history. History records the past.historic e r a .historic era and the historic era. This is considered to be the past era wherein people lived in permanent settlements with farming as the subsistence base. T h e word 'Itihas' too h a s the same meaning in S i n h a l a . bones. S o m e S i n h a l a Etymologists appear to give t h e meaning 'especially 1 connected with the past'. buildings. The historic era is considered to be the period in the past which has been recorded in writing. 1. ix The eras in countries may differ according to the historical documents and historical stories prevalent in each country. The commencement of the historical period was initially considered to be in the reign of Devanampiyatissa or Uttiya as the most ancient inscription found in this country was 2 the work of one of t h e m . Even though there are a few documents prepared through Archaeological research.Page 3 Publishers . The Pre-historic era is the period from over 125. Sinhala Shilalekana Sangrahaya .. 3. Siran Deraniyagala's Prehistory of SL 1979). Dr. 2. (ref. Thereafter is the Historic era.Nandasena Mudiyanse .Godage Bros. Historiography in Sri Lanka has been mainly based on the Mahavamsa. 2000 .000 years ago to the period of King Vijaya (5oo BC). T h e Mahavamsa is an incomparable resource available to L a n k a n H i s t o r i o g r a p h e r s .S. 2. Archaeological evidence however indicates that the period 600-500 BC coinciding with the arrival of Vijaya was the beginning of the Historic era. It is the Mahavamsa that is given pride of place even though some epigraphic sources are made use of to some extent to fill in the gaps. It can be said that no country possesses such a long. 1. This is the main source for the Sri Lankan Historiographer due to this powerful nature of the Mahavamsa. continuous and credible historical document. The history of Sri Lanka may be divided broadly into these eras in the following manner. A millennium between the two eras is the Proto-historic era. Colombo. But it is unfortunate that the result of such research has still not become a subject to the historiographers of our country.2. The lack of a long continuous and credible source such as the Mahavamsa has greatly contributed towards this. . Col .historic era of Sri Lanka seems to be spreading further and further with the research of Dr. T h e colonization of Sri Lanka is one such major theory. Ariesen Ahubudu's 'Hela Derana Vaga' (The story o f the land of the Helese . Siran Deraniyagala. : . Epics such as the "Mahabaratha" and "Ramayanaya" as well as ancient literature is made use of very much in 3 historiography in that country.Translation Educational Publication Dept. Historiography in our neighbouring country of India is strongly connected with the Proto-historic era. Though some refer to it. Research on the proto .1963 Pages 1. Many Lankan History books make only passing reference to the Proto-historic era. In fact certain theories about Sri Lankan history have to be changed in keeping with proto .i*. But he has made a comparative use of pre historic and historic factors where necessary. T h e proto .historic research. that too is shown as a 3 Cambridge Indiya Itihasaya .historic e r a . Many historiographers do not show that there were settlements in Lanka before the arrival of Vijaya due to their servility to the Mahavamsa.historic era is still in progress. Proto .history seems to have been entrusted entirely to Archaeologists.Sinhalese) seems to have been written mainly in relation to the Proto. Futhermore there are a number of places in this country where evidence of the existence of very early forms o f Homo sapiens. This can be divided into two categories.Nugegoda 1995.000 years ago. Colombo 1987. Amaradasa Liyanagamage. The dexterity with which Ariesen Ahubudu handles the subject of history. Asoka Aturugiriya. Siran Deraniyagala : 'Prag Aitihasika Janavasa. A p e Sanskrtika Urumaya' . 4. Excavation in the Bundala area has s confirmed t h i s .Sabaragamuwen matu vu prag aitihasika Balangoda manavayage sanskrutiya. Another outstanding feature of 'Hela Derana Vaga' is the use of views of foreign scholars as source material. National Library Services Board. Siran Deraniyagala . 'Batadombe lena' in 6 Kuruvita and 'Beli lena' in Kitulgala are a few such places.Sabaragamu Udanaya Independence Golden Jubilee Exhibition Commemoration Volume. The problem that confronts a historiographer is whether he should accept any further that Sri Lanka was colonized by foreigners in the light of new facts that have emerged in research of this nature. 5. 4 colonization by foreigners. .Vol. xi. 6. is evident from the new theories pertaining to history as well as independent views expressed by him. sapiens (Modern man) has been found.' . 'Pahian lena' near Bulathsinhala. viz:. 1998. But proto-historic research has revealed that there were inhabitants in Sri Lanka at least 125.views of ancient foreign travellers and those of modern foreign scholars.Ministry of Cultural Affairs and Central Cultural Fund . This serves as an example to other historiographers too.Ranaweera Gunawardena. 1 . for examples. See Sirimal Ranawella's article' Lankave Arya Janapada Pihituveema ' in the ' Anuradhapura Yugaya ' Ed. . m o d e r n h i s t o r i o l o g i s t s adopt t h e Rankian method w h i c h is p r e v a l e n t in t h e modern western system of historiology.Carr. •. Translation o f 'What is History' by E. Even though Sri Lanka possesses an ancient tradition of recording history. epigraphs etc. "The historian can collect material from records. S .H. xii ! • . 1973 . j _ _ Very often we see raw quotations of history from w o r k s written by such foreign travellers such as Ptolemy. Even though Ariesen A h u b u d u engages in an exploration of history on the basis of his special linguistic skills in many other instances. just as selecting fish from a fish vendor.H. 7. He takes t h e m home and serves them after cooking in a manner that he 7 likes.Charita Wijeratne.Carr on the subject of Historiology. But the Hela Derana V a g a ' includes the theories put forward by modern scholars s u c h as Alexander Condrotov and J ." We c a n approach another aspect in a similar m a n n e r regarding the various methods adopted in writing 'Hela Derana Vaga'.Page 3. popularized by the German historian Leopold V a n Rank is one which gives attention to facts alone. Gardner and references to Sinhala classical literature such as "Rajavaliya" a n d "Saddarmalankaraya" as well as Indian literature in a manner that would give consideration to divergent views in coming to a conclusion. In short. This utilization of source material reminds us of a v i e w expressed by E. . t h e historiologist becomes merely a person who presents facts. he h a s in this instance adopted a more balanced a p p r o a c h by intermingling it with other source material. International Publishers. I b n 1 Batuta and Fahien Thero. This methodology. "It reminds me of a statement by Houseman that accuracy is not a precept. In the introduction to this book Ariesen Ahubudu states thus. That is bringing out the hidden might of the island of the Sinhalese (Helese) and the Hela civilization and resurrecting the ancient glory of this land. . Whether it brings a n y benefit to society or not is not taken into consideration. It is a history written with a purpose. It is quite evident that the author has gone beyond the Rankian method in writing 'Hela Derana Vaga'. Therefore facts are presented in order to fulfill that objective. True facts alone are sufficient for the historian. A person reading this book will clearly see another objective. E.'J — — m&£21 Even though Marxist historiologists digressed from this 8 path. "our objective in writing this book was to highlight the hidden truth about the island of the Sinhalese (Helese) and the Hela civilization". It cannot be said that a laudable work of historiology has been produced by merely presenting the true facts. this is the methodology that is still accepted. The material and the meanings therein have been organized to strengthen that objective. >:. History that is written according to the Rankian system is for the purpose of history itself. Carr's view on this matter can be put forward thus. But works of historiology such as 'Hela Derana Vaga' is for society and for its up-liftment. It cannot still be said that they have received due recognition. Praising a historian for his accuracy is just 8. This book is not confined to a compilation of correct facts.'-i'&.-V. Those who hold theories such as post modernism do not use this method. H. Tangley Oaks Educational Centre. They migrated to this country from S.28 . " When taking these facts into consideration. Sir Louis Bernstein Namier states thus.g o v e r n i n g 11 area. It also happens w h e n historiology is based on distorted facts. The mansion is built according to the vision and aspirations of the historiologist." Thus true facts are merely a foundation of the mansion of historiology.like praising an architect for using cement that has been properly mixed or well seasoned wood for his construction 9 work. Sri Lanka : National Conflict and the Tamil Liberation Struggle. page 4 10. conditioned 10 by the interest and vision of the h i s t o r i a n .P H -171 11." This is an example of such distorted historiology because facts which have been well established through s o u r c e material have been distorted at will in this instance. . Satchi Ponnambalam. London. A n example for this type of historiology is as follows :- "The Sri Lankan Tamils of today are the descendants of the original inhabitants of the island. India in the pre-historic e r a . .H. The academic value of 'Hela Derana V a g a ' is e n h a n c e d by the effort made to substantiate facts through various previous sources or records. Carr's ' What is History'.f a c t s confirmed through source material. Zed Books 1983 p. "History is necessarily subjective and individual. history becomes distorted by the distortion of historical f a c t s . Translation o f E. T h e y maintained the Nagadeepa in the North as a s e l f . Illinois 1967 . 9. Lake Buff. Extract from the American Educater Encyclopaedia. . Everett Edgar . (It is well known that she possessed certain extra-sensory powers that enabled her to s e e what a n ordinary person could not.) The speciality in 'Hela Derana Vaga' is the effort made to establish that Lemuria is ancient Lanka. Theosophical University Press 1970 (Re-print) . But the narration here connecting as one 12. Helena Blavatsky. Some important facts that have been highlighted in 'He/a Derana V a g a ' merit special investigation. It was at the end of the 1 9 century that Helena Blavatsky stated that the ancient continent of Lemuria included . Efforts have been made to establish this fact by reference to ancient sources as well as by examining the views of modern scholars. It must be stated that this theory of a continent is proved by other sources not referred to th herein. (It is Haeckel's view that has formed the basis of the theory put forward by Alexander Kondrotov referred to as a source in 'Hela Derana Vaga'. The Secret Doctrine. Sri Lanka. The Island of Lanka was according to facts stated herein. and that parts of it were submerged by the ocean waters.) Scholars Ernest Heinrich Haeckel and Heinrich Schmidt th stated at the end of the 19 century that the origin of human civilization was not in America or Europe or Australia but in a submerged continent in the Indian Ocean though not specially naming it as Lanka. Africa etc. The foremost of them is the matter of the location of the island of Lanka. This is a highly debatable point. The inhabitants therein fled to the neighbouring countries. a continent comprising a number of countries and not just an island.India. According to her it was these people who gave rise to the modern Asia - European generation who were the pioneers in introducing 12 science and philosophy to the w o r l d . What is unfortunate is that t h e (Rankian) historians of Lanka have rejected such views without even examining them.thread the views expressed in ancient Eastern literature a s well as by ancient travellers such as Ptolemy and Fahien is noteworthy. . According to the most recent Archaeological research t h e 1 3 aborigines of Australia are relatives of the Balangoda m a n . Even though the statement that sun worship spread to the world from Lanka seems to be a highly debatable fact. Hence it could be presumed that at least Sri L a n k a .2005. T h e critical examination t h a t e m e r g e s therefrom sheds a new light not only o n Lankan history but also the history of the entire world. The sun worship referred to herein also merits s p e c i a l investigation. This is actually something that merits the attention of those w h o explore the history of the world. It is thus clear that the aborigines of Australia have similarities to those of Sri Lanka. irrespective of any other countries. Similar 13. Therefore it may have taken place by land. incontrovertible evidence of its existence in this country has been shown herein. May be they have migrated from this country. Lakbima-June 29. Archaeologists state that Microlithic tools of Australia and those of Sri Lanka are very much alike. was connected with Australia by a land mass. The reference to an ancient Sinhala (Hela) alphabet which existed before the use of the Brahmi Script t o o is a n important matter that merits special investigation. It has been established that the Balangoda Man is a local inhabitant. 1. In this situation. Facts such as ancient prosperity. no proper assessment thereof has yet been made. 'Rakus'.xxvi 16. of Archaeology. it should be stated that the critical analysis done. especially Archaeological research would help to identify the seeds of truth contained in the above .B. But a careful consideration of new research. Even though it has been said that there are certain similar symbols in inscriptions in the Indus valley. S. 15. No definite theory has been put forward regarding these symbols up 16 to this very d a y .LaFs article on Ancient India. The presentation of ideas through hieroglyph is a feature noticeable in certain very ancient languages. 'Yak' and W tribes have been analysed critically. comparing these symbols with those in 'Goratnaya' is something that merits further study. 14.Piyatissa Senanayaka.mentioned facts. . xvii graffiti have been found throughout peninsular South 14 India. 1970 p. Induvara . B. It is stated that many such symbols which are alien to the Brahmi Script 15 have been used in pre-Brahmi inscriptions. advanced arts and crafts and the high level of customs that existed in Lanka during the "Siv Heja Era" of 'Asura'. 'Hela Derana Vaga' contains mostly facts connected with the Proto-historic era. The credibility of this critical examination would have been enhanced if facts relating to the ancient nature of 'Goratnaya' were pursued further. This view which has been repeatedly expressed by Ariesen Ahubudu has been rejected with scorn by certain Academic historians. As stated earlier. Dept. Paranavitana: Inscriptions of Ceylon-Vol. Maharagama. Siran Deraniyagla : ' Sabaragamuwen matu vu Prag Aitihasika Balangoda Manavayage Sanskrtiya.N I E . Ariesen Ahubudu . Grains are said to have been found during A r c h a e o l o g i c a l excavation carried out in the Dorawaka Cave. Wearing ornaments is a sign of a n a d v a n c e d c u l t u r e and civilization. Therefore it is clear that an advanced society existed in Sri L a n k a a t t h a t time. " This is the Mesolithic age according to Archaeological interpretation. They are among the earliest specimens found in the entire world. it c a n be said that the facts pertaining to the 'Siv Hela' era presented in 17.'Ira HandaNangi R a t a ' . providing us with further evidence about the sophistication that existed in society at that time.1xviii \ Let us for example take the statement in 'Hela Derana V a g a ' to the effect that the Asuras engaged in paddy cultivation. It was the 'Asura Hela' era w h e n t h e M a n u dynasty ruled Sri Lanka according to Ariesen A h u b u d u ' s 18 interpretation. Furthermore the Microlithic tools discovered during excavations had been turned out with Geometric p r e c i s i o n . 'Era Chart' . It cannot be thought t h a t t h o s e w h o wore ornaments would have lived under trees c o v e r i n g themselves with leaves and branches.' 18.000 BC d u r i n g e x c a v a t i o n s in Batadomba cave. 1991. Irrespective of the interpretation it has been established that cultivation of grains existed in this country during this period. T h e s e grains are considered to belong to an era at least about 2500 years BC according to tests carried out to determine the t i m e . When taking these facts into consideration. Another example is the discovery of s a m p l e s o f b e a d s belonging to about 35. Our effort here is not to gauge the success or otherwise of his efforts but to show the importance thereof. especially of Western Scholars. This is a highly debatable fact. It means that history is being gauged in its entirety with the yardstick of that particular subject. Yet another may approach it through Sociology or Anthropology. These views that have been substantiated by facts and others that have not been so substantiated are said to have been proved by modern research. Ariesen Ahubudu has put forward such views in 'Hela Derana Vaga' as well as in other instances. As in many other disciplines the approach to exploration of history adopted by each person differs from one another. and India. W h e n one approaches through Archaeology. Nevertheless the historical factors and linguistic factors presented herein would arouse the curiosity of those engaged in a critical study. xix Hela Derana Vaga is a tasty fruit of history created by deep thought around a seed of truth. T h e reference to views of Rao Saheb and Ranganatha Punja too should be taken into special consideration. Another important fact stated herein is that the Sinhalese (Helese) migrated from this country to many other countries such as Egypt. Phoenicia. Ariesen Ahubudu sets out to explore history through the medium of language. Syria. T h e fact that Ariesen Ahubudu makes language the yardstick . That does not mean that history has to be approached only through that subject. Asyria. Africa. That is according to the expertise acquired by each person. Greece. another may do so through Geography. Therefore such views should be examined carefully with a critical mind. It may be presumed that he is the only and the first person who has ventured to explore history through language. There are those who do so in relation to History too. Ariesen Ahubudu's ' H e l a Derana Vaga' is a book that merits intense examination by historians not only in Sri Lanka but also the world over. Danube. No other examples are necessary to show the importance of making language a yardstick in historical exploration. When considering all these facts. "The names of rivers Don.XX for various academic studies has been treated with scorn by certain scholars. Certain views expressed by Alexander Kondrotov in his book 'Riddles of the three Oceans' which has served as the x main source of Hela Derana Vaga' is of great importance. Srinath Ganewatte . Dniester a n d Donets tell us that Scythians once lived o n the territory of Southern Europe and along the Black Sea as the Scythian word 'don' means 'water' or 'river'. particularly etymological evidence is of much value in this r e g a r d . Linguistic evidence. Dieper. But Ariesen Ahubudu or any other person making language a main criterion in exploring history cannot be rejected in any way. 5 Archaeological. T H E PROSPERITY OF THE LAND OF THE SINHALESE (HELESE) 11 2.1 Present location 1 1.4 Mica in 'Hela' Soil 14 4 2.1 Gems on Sri Lankan Soil 11 2. Geological and Linguistic evidence 6 1. T H E A N C I E N T CIVILIZATION OF THE LAND OF T H E SINHALESE (HELESE) 16 3.2 Pearls in the land of the Sinhalese (Helese) 13 x 2.1 Archaeological evidence that has come to light up to now confirms this view 16 3. T H E LOCATION OF THE LAND OF T H E SINHALESE (HELA DIVA) 1 1. CONTENT 1.3 Gold in Hela' Soil 13 2.2 Beliefs (Religions) that spread from the land of the Sinhalese (Helese) 18 .4 Evidence from the history of Sri Lanka 4 1.6 Parts that broke off for the second time 8 2.5 Spices grown on Hela' soil 14 3.2 Past location 1 1.3 Views of Western scholars 4 1. 2 Sinhalese .9 Trade and other connections of the land of the Sinhalese (Helese) 36 3.Roman relationship 45 4. Sumerian relationship 44 4.6 The place given to agriculture in the land of the Sinhalese (Helese) 31 3.3 Sinhalese .Egyptian relationship 42 4.Greek relationship 41 4. 3.3 The ancient language of the Sinhalese (Helese) 22 3. THE HUMAN RACE THAT SPREAD F R O M T H E LAND OF THE SINHALESE (HELESE) 40 4. Phoenician relationship 42 4.African relationship 43 4.Indian relationship 45 NAMES USED FOR THE LAND OF T H E S I N H A L E S E 49 MAPS & DIAGRAMS 64 REFERENCES 73 .5 Sinhalese .6 Sinhalese .Asyrian.5 Arts and Crafts that spread to the W o r l d from the Land of the Sinhalese (Helese) 29 3.10 The Scientific and Medical knowledge given to the world by the Sinhalese (Helese) 37 4.4 The Sinhalese . 26 3.Syrian.7 The place given to the metal industry in the land of the Sinhalese (Helese) 35 3.7 Sinhalese .1 The Sinhalese .8 The weaving skills of the Sihalese (Helese) 36 3.4 Ancient Sinhala (Hela) customs etc. 5 and 9. Therefore this island is said to be situated in the Northern hemisphere.2 Past location History shows that the location of Sri Lanka was different from the present. ie. The small strip of sea between India and Sri Lanka (as it is known today) is called Palk Strait.42 and 81. ie from Sangamankada to Colombo. The island of the Sinhalese (Hela Diva) is considered to be an island situated in the Indian Ocean just below South India. The island is 25. THE STORY OF THE LAND OF THE SINHALESE (HELESE) 1 THE LOCATION OF THE LAND OF THE SINHALESE (HELA DIVA) 1. According to the oldest available map of . (432 km).45 East Longitude. It is 22 mis. 1. The maximum distance from the East to the West of the island.1 Present /ocation The Geographical location of the island of the Sinhalese (Hela Diva) is between 5.332 Sq mis. (35 km) in width.610 km ) in area. Sri Lanka is situated in close proximity to the equator and just above it. From Point Pedro to Devundara (Dondra). is 140 miles (224 2 km). The maximum distance from the North to the South of the island.51 North Latitude and between 79. (65. is 270 miles. (This is Pana Ban Vatiya or Pnmban Vatiya - Bridge made of stone). : 2 ^riesen flhubuSu *-KX"-~!*!i<v\ . the island o f Sri Lanka was situated between 2 South Latitude and 12 North Latitude and also between 121° a n d 133° East 21 Longitude. Tennant page 524 20. Videshin Dutu Purana Lankava . villages and lands were submerged by the ocean waters during the reign of King Kelanitissa. referred to in this book later o n . nine Islands surrounding Sri Lanka and about 554. According to the author of Saddarmalankaraya. Hiparcus lived in the 2 century B C 2 0 Therefore there is no doubt that information k n o w n to him about the size of the island of Sri Lanka f o r m e d the basis of Ptolemy's map. the island has been considerably larger t h a n its present size. J.page 49." 19.000 ports. He w o u l d have definitely known the largeness of its size. Historians state that this map has been drawn d e p e n d i n g largely on information and facts recorded by H i p a r c u s . it is clear that he had lived before parts of the island were submerged by the ocean waters during the reign of King Kelanitissa. According to Ptolemy's map however. an Egyptian w h o lived in the first or second century A D is considered to be the author of this map. .E. Irrespective of the century in w h i c h he may have lived. Sri Lanka. a Greek national and not on the basis of information gathered 19 n d by Ptolemy himself. Claudius Ptolemy or Ptolemy. Ceylon. Another matter that should be c o n s i d e r e d is w h e t h e r Hiparcus himself knew the correct facts. Ibid 21. E. 22. The Story of the (and of the Sinhalese (Kckse) 3 "At t h a t t i m e t h e s e a was 7 leagues ( Gauvas) away from Kelaniya and the ocean waters began to 2 2 submerge everything within one league — " 23 Rajavaliya too relates this incident in a similar manner. a contemporary of Ptolemy too states that this 26 was the world's largest I s l a n d . Saddhrmalankaraya . J.Tennant. Agathimirus.Tennant.page 409 23. Ceylon. page 538 . Videshin dutu purana Lankava . Pompenius Mela who lived in the first century A .page 49. Sri Lanka earned the name "Taprabani " through the world renowned glory of King Ravana and later came to be referred to as Taprobane (see the list of names of Sri Lanka) which Hiparcus mentions as only a part of a continent 24 situated in the South . page 524. 25. There is incontrovertible historical evidence to show that the island of Sri Lanka ("Hela Diva") was a continent during the past. Thus "Hela Diva " (Island of the Sinhalese) was without doubt a very broad extent of land many times its present size before being submerged by the ocean waters during the reign of King Kelanitissa (145 BC). Rajavaliya-page 13 24. J. Ceylon.E. 26.E a s t . D confirms this when he says that Taprobane was not an island but the Northern strip of the part of the world where people of 25 opposite direction (East) live. leaving only a few islands such as Madagascar. Gardner. 1. Sri Lankave Urumaya. page 11 . 28. Local scholars too who have duly taken these views into consideration.4 Evidence from the history of Sri Lanka It was stated earlier that it is the view of scholars that Sri Lanka which was the land of the Sinhalese (Helese) 27. submerging the rest in the o c e a n 27 waters. warmth a n d currents a s well as other factors have left to us only the strips of land that could be seen today. pages 122-123 29. Rains. "The Riddles of T h r e e O c e a n s " this island (which he refers to as Lemuria) w a s a continent during ancient times. The Riddles o f Three Oceans.4 JiriesenJlfiuButfu 1. confirm that during very ancient times there was a large land mass covering the area from Madagascar 29 and Sri Lanka to Australia. Other parts of the continent had been submerged by ocean waters from time to time. Seychelles 28 and C o c o s . Sri Lanka has been t h e hill country of a continent that spread up to Madagascar along with the Maldive islands. Fauna and Geography o f Maldives and Laccadive Archipelago". t h e a u t h o r o f a n important research work. S . Comoros. According to A l e x a n d e r K o n d r a t o v .3 Views of Western scholars Western scholars such as geologists w h o have m a d e a critical study of the geology of the ancient w o r l d have expressed similar views. According to J . page 172. T h e last of them was the subsidence of land during the reign of King Kelanitissa referred to earlier. 33. Saraya Introduction pages 11. Kada Im Poth Vimarshanaya. During this subsidence of land. P. about half of Sri Lanka is said to have 30 been submerged by the ocean waters. 32. It should be particularly noted that the most developed area at that time was submerged 31 by the ocean w a t e r s .12 (this is referred to in the Bible as Noah's floods. Ibid. . According to the authors of the * Kada Im " (Boundaries) book. Ravana Kotte and twenty five palaces as well as four hundred thousand 32 streets were submerged by the ocean waters. The first was in 10830 BC. 133. ocean waters flowed into the land to a breadth of 58 33 leagues. 30. page 13.) 31. Tfie Story ofthe landoftfie Sinhalese (Hekse) '$. Two other instances of land subsidence are mentioned in history. page 14. fragmented due to land subsidence and other reasons. Rajavaliya. Evidence c a n be shown from Sri Lankan history too to support this view. According to the author of the Rajavaliya. The second was during the reign of the Great Sinhala (Hela) King Ravana (2554-2537 BC). a little later than the death of the Hela King Taru (Taraka) (10903 BC). O n e such example is the hippopotamus. This word Madagascar itself is derived a s follows :- "MSda gas kara " (The land with trees in the middle). Deraniyagala. pp. Even t h o u g h t h e s e animals are not found in Sri Lanka today fossils o f parts of their bodies have been found during gem mining operations 34 in the Ratnapura r e g i o n . Mica is a word which some lexicographers say has been derived from that language . P. But this w o r d c a n be analysed according to the rules of Sinhala etymology.P. Furthermore fossils of animals such as lions and gavara (species of buffalo) not f o u n d in this country at present have been found during excavations. M a d a g a s c a r is a good example. Balangoda man. T h e similarities between the elephants of Madagascar a n d Sri Lanka are aplenty whilst it is not so with elephants of Africa w h i c h is in close proximity to Madagascar.S Archaeological. Similarities in the languages too show that this belonged to a single land mass during ancient times.6 ' Ariescnflfw6udu l. Geological and Linguistic evidence There is incontrovertible evidence to show that Sri L a n k a was a large continent before land subsidence took place from time to time. Similarities of this nature have been noticed in animals living in these fragmented parts today.E. C e r t a i n S i n h a l a w o r d s a r e f o u n d in t h e l a n g u a g e o f Madagascar. 20-25. T h e most important o f these is t h e similarity in fossils of animals found a n d t h e fossils of animals not found in some of the fragmented lands today being found here during archaeological excavation. 34. . ' M a h i ' a n d ' K a ' have been used in this sense in many other 35 instances in the Sinhala l a n g u a g e . T h e r e is also a similarity between the ancient Madagascar script a n d t h e a n c i e n t S i n h a l a script in c h a r m s a n d incantations ('Yantra' and 'Mantra'). This has been revealed by scholars such as Wayland and Deraniyagala through research carried out in the coastal areas of Sri Lanka. Since this is obtained from the earth in the form of a crust the word given in Sinhala is most appropriate and meaningful. TTie Story of tfw [andof tfie Sinfiafcse (HcCese) ' M a h i ' (earth) + 'ka' (crust) > Mahika > Mica This gives the meaning crust of the earth. T h a t too shows that the meaning given thereto 36 through an etymological analysis of the word suits it w e l l . Such features are visible in plenty even today. "Mahi' is a well known word used to mean earth. Foreward to " Saraya' by Wellala Jayamaha . ' M i c a ' is a name used for a silicate mineral. 35. T h e Sinhala name given to Madagascar (land with trees in the middle) implies that there are desert features on either side of the country.10 . But this cannot be meaningful by analysed in this manner according to the language of Madagascar. •Ka' (crust) + 'rudu' (hard) > 'karudu"> 'kurudu'> 'kurundu' 'ka' (crust) + 'bolu' (coarse) > 'kabolu' > 'kabalu' 'ka' has been used here to mean crust or covering. Present archaeological research too confirms that the island has been submerged by ocean waters from time to time. Foreward to 'Utura Nagcnahira Pedeshi Heia Urumaya ' .Ariesen Ahubudu . 36.pages 9. Archaeological and Linguistic research as well as proto historic evidence indicate that Sri Lanka w a s a large continent in the Southern region of the w o r l d a n d not an island as it is today after many s u b m e r s i o n s . vol. above sea level and the third 6 0 0 0 37 ft. Maldive Islands in the Indian O c e a n .Balangoda Era . It may be presumed that this w a s the effect of a few submersions of great magnitude. T h e notes made by travellers and explorers from the W e s t t o o confirm this.P. Deraniyagala. 8 JZriesenMu6utfu immm T h e topography of Sri Lanka too can be taken as a factor to prove that it has broken away from a continent. Archaeological research indicates that s t o n e tools with holes used by Balangoda man w h o lived in Sri Lanka during prehistoric times as a h a m m e r w a s u s e d by 3 8 the ancient inhabitants of Australia and N e w G u i n e a . 37.6 Parts that broke off for the second time After the present Sri Lanka broke off from the s u b m e r g e d large continent of Lanka. Lacadiv above it and Minico.page 80. Spolia Zeylanica . there were other parts t o o t h a t broke off from it. The second is 1600ft. T h e first is about 100ft. T h e land in Sri Lanka can be divided into three categories a c c o r d i n g to its elevation. Balangoda man . above sea l e v e l . .P. 1. above s e a level. 38.E. Thus Geological.5 1908 . the island belonging to India situated between Lacadiv and the Maldives are s u c h parts that separated from Sri Lanka. There is further evidence to show that countries s u c h as Australia and New Guinea too belonged to the c o n t i n e n t of Sri Lanka. Apa ). 'ko' is a Sinhala word that means 'land'. 'ra' is a suffix meaning 'having'. It may be presumed as having been given the same name as it had broken off from the island of Lanka. 'Lacadiv' is the same as 'Hellakadiv!'. 'Minico' is the land of gems. ' M i n i ' means g e m s . 'maha' + 'ara' > 'mahara' > 'mara'. The Sinhala numerical names are still in use in the Maldives. This is a sinhala word meaning (he sea. ' A p ' means water (Skt. This word is used even now in Sinhala to mean 'that time'. many words in the language of that land are similar to Sinhala words. This can be analised further. T h e connection between these islands and Sri Lanka is proved by various factors other than names. T h e language of the Maldives too is seen to have been derived from the Sinhala language. It is this word 'mara' that has been the origin of the Latin noun 'marc' . 'Ap' + 'ra' > 'Apra' > ' A r a ' . T h e r e is a n o t h e r m a t t e r that s h o u l d be t a k e n into consideration in this r e g a r d . The ancient script of that language is called 'e vela'. Male (Male) 39 is the same as the Sinhala word ' M a r e ' 'Malediv' means sea island. Further. Folk tales that s h o w a close affinity between Sri Lanka and the Maldives are quite popular in that country. Alexander Kondratov t o o refers to Arab Geographers who have stated that there were 1370 islands in the Indian Ocean and that Serendib as they called Taprobane was surrounded by 59 inhabited 39. The Story of tfic had of the Sinhalese (Jfckse) 9 These parts are considered to have broken off during the submersion in the reign of King Kelanitissa T h e n a m e s g i v e n to these countries too indicate the connection between these lands and Sri Lanka. 'Ara' too is a word that can be analysed. a b o o k c o n s i d e r e d to h a v e b e e n th written in the 5 century A D states that there were about one thousand islands o n the sea surrounding Sri L a n k a (Tapbrobane). 10 ftriesen Jlfiu6u<fu 40 islands. It was in one of those islands ' M a n i o l a i ' that there is said to have been a magnetic stone w h i c h had the 42 power to draw ships containing iron nails towards i t . 43. 40. Page 258. Ancient India as described by Ptolemy . Ptolemy too states that the number of islands in front of Taprobane was 1378. Ancient India as described by Ptolemy. Fahienge Deshatana Varthava . Taking all these facts into consideration. there w e r e about 100 small islands beyond the coast of Sri L a n k a . 41. It can also be presumed that islands inhabited by people are those that had broken off f r o m Sri L a n k a in more recent time. W e should examine whether this ' M a n i o l a i ' itself is a n a m e coined by transformation of the word 'Minico' (land of g e m s ) . According to Bhikku Fahien who visited Sri Lanka in 411 AD and remained here for two years. 42. The Riddles of Three Oceans-page 171." ' S u d o C a l i s t h e n e s ' . it can be p r e s u m e d that all these were islands that had broken off from Sri Lanka.page 92 . All these 43 belonged tc the large island of L a n k a .page 258. Part 4. (Nana ratnakaran'sainyaih arurohatha 47 rohanaiii). Sinhala Mahiniaya . written in Sanskrit. Sinhala Mahiniaya -page42. 'Sinhafe' is referred to as a gem mine in the book 'Agasti Mataya'. 2 THE PROSPERITY OF THE LAND OF THE SINHALESE (HELESE) The prosperity of Sri Lanka was well-known the world over. from pre-historic times. The author of the Balaramayana toe states that there wasn't any other island like 'Sinhale' with its g e m 44.'Sundara Kanda' . Ibid 47.pas>e 23 46. 45. The Ramayana itself has described the pomp and revelry that was found in Sri Lanka during 44 the reign of King R a v a n a . Ramayana . The Sanskrit book 'Navaratne Pariksha' too speaks very highly of the 'Maha Mini' (Mara Mani) and 46 Sapphires (Indranila Mani) found in Sri L a n k a . T h e R u h u n a (South) was the great ' g e m mine' o f Sri Lanka. The Gem lands of the South are described in the 'Rajatarangani' too.1 Gems on Sri Lankan Soil The value of gems mined from the Sri Lankan soil brought prosperity to the country in ancient times. 2. Rubies (Rakta Manikya) of 'Sinhale' are considered to be in the category of the most valuable 45 stones in the world. . Videshin dutu purana Lankava . T h e rubies of Taprobane are also referred to in the book 'Christian t h Topography' considered to have been written in t h e 6 century AD.p a g e 72. 51. It is doubtless that the reference was to the South (Ruhuna). Hyung Tsang. In a Tamil Maha Kavya .'Manimekalai' . The value of Sri Lankan gems came to be known not only in the East but also in the West. . a Chinese monk w h o toured the countries of the East had referred to the island of t h e Sinhalese as 'Hao . Early ' S i n h a l e ' c a m e to be k n o w n a s ' R u w a n d i v ' o r 'Ratnadipa' as it was thus a large mine of gems . to refer to t h e island of Sinhalese. 12 JHriesenJlfiu6udu producing Ruhunu region.Chu' which is a translation of the w o r d 50 'Ratnadipa'. Sinhala Mahimaya .t h e island of the Sinhalese is referred to as 'Irattina T i v u ' (the island of gems). Ibid. (See under 'Ruwandiv' and 'Ratnadipa' in the list of names for the island of the Helese).page 44 49. It was this same name that was k n o w n in t h e si ancient kingdom of P e r s i a . 'Periples' a book considered to have been written in the first century A D makes special 48 mention of the gems of Sri Lanka or T a p r o b a n e . 50. T h e Arabs translated it to Arabic as 'Jasirat A l Yakut' with the same meaning.page 41. It has also been said that a big red ruby. Special places where rubies could be found are 49 also mentioned therein. Bhikku Fahien too who visited th the Island in the 5 century AD says that gems were found in the island of Sinhale. 48. I b i d . famous the world over is said to be found in o n e of the temples there. The 'Balaramayana' referred to earlier. Not only that. reference is made 55 to the pearls of T a p r o b a n e .2 Pearls in the land of the Sinhalese (Helese) The pearls of Sri Lanka too were world famous just as her gems. Ibid. The book by the name of'Navaratna 52 Pariksha' mentions 'Sinhale' as the first of 8 pearl s i t e s . Videshin Dutu Purana Lankava . 'Agasti Mataya' referred to earlier also takes Sinhale as the first in a list of 4 pearl sites. Megasthenes. who was the Greek ambassador in the Asokan Kingdom of India states that the pearls of 54 Taprobane were larger in size than those of India.page 44 56. ('Susinigdam madhuvarnanca 53 succhayan Sinhalakare) .page 23. . it refers to honey coloured well polished pearls. T h e Sanskrit book by the name o f ' R a t n a Pariksha' mentions 8 pearl sites. Megasthenes has stated that there 52. Bhikku Fahien also refers to a large sized pearl called ' M a n i ' found in an island 56 belonging to Sri L a n k a . Even later the pearl reef industry was a major source of income. Fahienge Deshatana Vartava . In the aforementioned book 'Periples'. Our chronicljes state that 8 kinds of pearls appeared due to the power of the merits of King Devanampiyatissa.3 Gold in 'Hela' Soil Not only pearls but also gold is said to have been found in the land of the Sinhalese. I b i d . TTie Story of tfic fancfof the Sinhalese ftCekse) \3 2. 2. mentions pearls that are found in the ocean close to 'Sinhale' (Muktha satishca Sagarah).p a g e 107 54. Sinhala Mahimaya .page 92. 55. 53. 4 Mica in 'Hela'Soil The aforementioned book Periples states that m i c a w a s 58 found in plenty in Taprobane. Madagascar too has mica in abundance. This is referred to as ' S i n h a l a ' in S a n s k r i t perhaps due to it growing in a b u n d a n c e in S r i L a n k a o r its origin in Sri Lanka. 58. This confirms the connection between Madagascar and Sri Lanka. 2. A kind of pepper said to have been found in ' S i n h a l e ' 60 alone is referred to as 'Sainhali' or 'Sinhali' in S a n s k r i t .Sinhala' theory. pearls. 57. See the foreward to 'Ira Handa Nangi Rata' for further details on the 'Cinnamon . 2. gold.page 31 . T h e first were crops that produced spices. The word 'mica' used for it in English is considered to have its origins in the language of Madagacar. The fact that mica was found in ancient Sri Lanka goes to confirm that this word which can be etymologically analysed meaningfully in the Sinhala language is o n e that h a s its origin in the Sinhala language. 14 Jlricsenjlfiu6uifu was more gold in Sri Lanka than in India.page 165. Thupavamsa .5 Spices grown on 'Hela'soil Not only gems. Videshin Dutu Purana Lankava . Sinhala Mahimaya . Gold is said to have been exported to Egypt from Sri L a n k a . The T h u p a v a m s a states that gold sufficient for construction work at t h e 57 Ruwanvalisaya of King Dutugamunu was found h e r e . Certain scholars who did not go d e e p into its origin were misled enough to state that the c o u n t r y came to be called 'Sinhala' due to c i n n a m o n being f o u n d 59 h e r e . Cinnamon w a s o f s p e c i a l importance.page 44 59. 60. and mica but also certain herbs and plants too added to the prosperity o f ' S i n h a l e ' . The Story of tfie (and of the Sinhalese (Helese) Taking these facts into consideration it could be stated that without doubt the island of Sri Lanka was full of prosperity in ancient times and that it was the prosperity especially in its soil that w a s well known the world over. . T h a t was the stone age. Civilization d o e s not just emerge in a land. It follows that such a land should have an ancient civilization. Huxley. The Russian Scholar Alexander Kondratov states that this continent Limuria (in our view Lanka) which w a s the land of origin of humanity may well be the cradle of h u m a n 62 civilization. a major part of which has been s u b m e r g e d by 61 the ocean waters. was the land of origin of h u m a n i t y .page 128. agrees with a similar view expressed by Philip Sklater in implying that Limuria (or Lanka). 3. 61. Many such tools have b e e n f o u n d during excavations carried out in Africa and Asia. Civilization develops in a h u m a n race. Ibid-page 131 . The Riddles of the Three Oceans . human civilization originated with the era when man produced tools out of stones. 62. having critically examined the theories on evolution put forward by Darwin and Engels. 3 THE ANCIENT CIVILIZATION OF THE LAND OF THE SINHALESE (HELESE) The ancient nature of the land of the Sinhalese has been described in the foregoing chapters.1 Archaeological evidence that has come to light up to now confirms this view According to Archaeologists. Hence it can be concluded that Sri Lanka has the oldest pre-historic civilization. Sirisoma .E. is thus clear to u s .000 years ago have been found in Sri Lanka. The independent nature of the civilization given to the world by this Stone Age Man 64 who later came to be called Sinhala. TTie Story of the [and of the Sinhalese (Jfcfese) 17 Much information about the Stone age man in Sri Lanka has been revealed during Archaeological excavations carried out in the East. The advancement of civilization in the Mesolithic period can be gauged by the manufacture of Geometric microliths. The national characteristics in these stone tools are another feature that should be noted. These may be the oldest stone artefacts in the world. It was only 12.pages 14 and 15 . the Hill country and Coastal areas. North West. This confirms the fact that Stone Age Man of Sri Lanka was a person born and bred in this land and was no outsider.P Deraiyagala Commemoration Volume _ pages 153-181 64. Even t h o u g h s u c h tools found in the Aricamadu areas in India were considered the oldest. the ones found in Batadombalena in Sri Lanka are older. Uturu Naganahira Pedesebi Hela Uramaya . In every such place Microlithic tools have been found confirming the conclusion that there was a common 63 civilization throughout L a n k a . But stone tools determined to have been made at least 26.M. 63.000 years ago that such tools were produced in European countries. T h u s the oldest stone tools have been found in Sri Lanka. H.Siran Deraniyagala : P. 66. T i r u k e t e e s w a r a m ' e t c . used in Sinhala to m e a n S u n ' reveal ancient Sun worship. was considered by the S i n h a l e s e as the son of the S u n . are Tamil versions of'Hirugaoaisuru' and 'Hirudevisuru'. m Jlriesen£fiu6udu 3. unsystematic civilization s p r e a d t h r o u g h o u t the world during the Stone A g e from the land of the S i n h a l e s e and it would not be incorrect to s a y t h a t s y s t e m a t i c civilization too had its origins in Sri L a n k a . A s m e n t i o n e d earlier. 65. Sun worship is one of the oldest forms of belief in t h e w o r l d . This means the area ruled by Manu. Aruta Niruta . T h e first S i n h a l a (Hela) King Mahasammatha Manu (28200 . Tirukoneswaran'.page 10 . There is incontrovertible evidence to s h o w that the a n c i e n t Sinhalese gave sun worship to the w o r l d .Wellala Jayamaha..2 8 1 4 6 BC) w h o 65 had Mannar as his capital. A civilized race would have its origins in beliefs. Foreward to 'Saraya' .2 Beliefs (Religions) that spread from the land of the Sinhalese (Helese) Beliefs form the foundation of a s y s t e m a t i c c i v i l i z a t i o n . Ro (Sun) + ' S o n ' (©csas*) (son) > Roson > R o h o n > R u h u n a x Words such as ' R a ' . 'Manu' + na + ara+ ma+ > Manunarama > Mannarama. the leader. 67. Hence his land of birth w a s n a m e d 66 as 'Ruhuna'. 'Araha' > 'Raha' > ' R a ' x 'Araha' > 'Raha' > 'Roho' > R o ' 6 7 'Araha" means fit to be worshipped or venerated These words themselves are evidence to s h o w t h a t t h e r e was sun worship. W etc. There is also evidence of the existence of ancient t e m p l e s of the Sun. Vishnu and S i v a . This confirms the existence of 'Hiru Vedaya" from which the Rigveda of India originated. T h e word 'Raja' used for 'Manu'. The Story of the (andof the Sinhalese (JCekse) . f9 There was an ancient Temple of the Sun at Koggala too. Furthermore names of ancient Sinhala kings Roja. " R o ma rami ravi rana ravana rana na Re ma rakT ravinda rada dT Rah he roma raja raparaya ra ra re na ravana Ravura Rama ravih raga rupa ra do sada set sada" is such an incantation. T h e Sinhala New Year which dates back to the time of the first Hela (Sinhala) king known as T h e son of the sun' confirms h o w ancient sun worship is. the son of the sun is also a word used on account of the sun. 68. visnu. L 6 pavata balam. Ravura and Ravana too imply sun worship. The temple at Devundara is to this day known as 'Irugaltilaka'. This means born out of the Sun. Tsvar balam " . iti yu bambu. 69. These ancient "Surya Mantras" (incantations) reveal the powers of creation. " L o araba balam. tri balam. the capital x of King Manu and commences a new round from the Helu Rasi' with the 'Asvida Nekata' is the New Years Day of the Sinhala people. maha balam. The more x ancient form of Irugal' is 'Hirugal'. To this day. T h e place presently known as Devundara (Dondra) was known as f r u g a l Nuwara' in ancient times. those who chant incantation use the 'Hiru Matura' (Surya Mantra) and 'Hiru Tohu' (Surya Stotra) 68 confirming Sun worship amongst ancient Sinhalese. Ra + j a > Raja > Raja. L o vinas balam. protection and destruction of the Sun God which later came to be known 69 as Brahma. The special day on which the sun which is overhead at Mannarama. Later it was used to mean other rays too.) An 'Asura' king by the name of Siva w h o w a s born in t h e island of the Sinhalese in 11003 BC was deified after his death. 73. 70. See page 65 of this book. R o (Sun) + da (Race) > R o d a . Ravana who went to bring back the Siva God (apparently 'Siva Linga') which was taken away by Kuvera and installed at 'Kailasa mountain'. . Originally 'Ras' was used to mean the Sun's rays. The word 'Hindu' itself shows that it went to India from the island of the Sinhalese. 71.I 20) j Jlriesen flfiu6iufu The ancient Sinhala people spread this Sun worship not only in their own land but also in other countries colonized by 70 them. The illness that occur in the body due to the effects of the sun. 'Ra' (sun) + 'ak' (sign ) + 'u' + 'as' > 'Rakus'. The name 'Pharaoh' in Egypt confirms t h i s . Hence Siva worship originated in this country. is said to have shaken the 'Kailasa mountain'. Examine "roda roda malvala" 74. T h e Ramayana itself contains evidence to show that Siva worship went to India with Kuvera who fled to North India in fear of Ravana. Means bearing the Sun symbol 72. There is evidence to show that Siva worship (Hindu religion) too spread from the island of the Sinhalese subsequent to Sun Worship. This is none other than the story of Siva Worship being taken to North India during the Ravana e r a . 'Ra' (sun) + 'as' (particle) > Ras > Ras. R o (Sun) + ga (journey). R o d a and 74 'Roga' too confirm this connection between sun worship and the Sinhala civilization. 71 72 73 The etymology of words such as 'Rakus'. (See under ' S i n d u ' in the list of the names for the island of the Sinhalese. 'Ras'. The Story of the (andof the Sinhalese (HeCese) 21 Names in Sri Lanka go to prove the existence of Siva worship in this country. T h e Maha Siva Devala in Sri Lanka was situated o n the mountain which is today called 'Samanola'. This mountain came to be called 'Samonala' because the 75 Siva Devala was situated there o n . ' K o t m a l ' (Mountain like a pinnacle) too is a name that originated from the shape 76 of a v o l c a n o . Sigiriya ('Siva' + 'giri' > Sivagiri > Sigiri) is also an example for the existence of Siva worship in Sri Lanka. God Siva's wife Uma too got her name because she was considered to be a Noble Mother (Utum Mava) being the mother of God Skanda and God Ganesha. U + ma > Uma This meaning is not conveyed in Sanskrit. Therefore this is a Sinhala w o r d . All words used for God Kataragama, the son of Siva, such as 'Mahasen', 'Kanda Devi', 'Senkanda', 'Henna' have been derived from Sinhala roots. Therefore there is no doubt that Siva worship and the Siva dynasty originated in Sri Lanka. T h u s it is clear that S u n worship as well as Siva worship spread to the world from Sri Lanka. 75. 'Sivan' + 'ola' (house) > 'Sivanola' > 'Savanola' > Samanola . 4 'ma' being substituted for v a ' 76. It was on the invitation o f King Sumana o f the hill country that the Buddha placed his Sacred foot on this volcano called Kotmal due to its resemblance o f a pinnacle. ' 22 Ariesen JlRuSudu 3.3 The ancient language of the Sinhalese (Helese) Another important feature o f a civilization is t h a t t h e people disciplined by any civilization are unified t h r o u g h a common language. A group of people w h o d o not s p e a k a developed language cannot be considered to be a civilized race. Evidence that could be seen to this day s h o w that t h e ancient Sinhalese had a developed language. Letters are the origin of a language. Certain d e v e l o p e d languages do not still have a set of letters (an alphabet) of their own. But the view has been expressed that t h e first alphabet in the world belonged to the Sinhalese. T h e A s u r a Hela tribe who invented this alphabet wrote b o o k s a n d 77 inscriptions using i t . That ancient language a n d certain letters thereof remained indelible in certain places. The present Sinhala letters are considered to have been 78 evolved from the Brahmi script itself. It is said that the influence of the ' G r a n t h a ' letters o f t h e Pallavas w e r e brought to bear on the letters in transformations of t h e t h Brahmi Script to the present day Sinhala script in t h e 7 th 7 9 and 8 centuries A D . The letters in the inscriptions show that the Brahmi Script in the island of the Sinhalese did not undergo m u c h c h a n g e r d st from 3 century BC to the 1 century A D . This script w h i c h st t h underwent certain changes between the 1 and 7 centuries AD became transformed to the present letters very quickly as indicated by inscriptions written during that t i m e . 77. Foreward to Saraya - Wellala Jayamaha, pages 18,19 78. Sinhala Lekhana Sangrahaya - Nandasena Mudiyanse - page 1 79. Bhasha Sahityaya - Hemapala Wijayawardena (Anuradhapura Era), Page 189. The Story of the (and of the Sinhalese (TfeCese) The evolution of the letter W is a classic example of this random change This letter ' a ' seems to have suddenly taken a form similar to the present Sinhala '«s>' during the th 8 century. Eventhough it has been said that the Sinhala V under went this change due to Pallava influence, this is not s o . This happened due to the emergence of a letter's' which existed in the form of letters used in incantations and belonging to a language that was in use. This too is evidence to show that the Sinhalese had an ancient alphabet of their own. There are certain symbols in certain Brahmi inscriptions that d o n o t b e l o n g to that alphabet. T h e s e symbols are in particular seen in inscriptions such as those at Kottadamohela, Henannigala, Bowattegala caused to be erected by the kings of the Kataragama dynasty which may be considered to be distinct from the Anuradhapura 80 d y n a s t y . This should be considered to be the remnants of an ancient Hela (Sinhala) alphabet or symbols used by ancient Sinhalese to express some idea. The symbols in the inscriptions at Wewaltanna and Tisawawa are all the more important due to their affinity to some 81 symbols in inscriptions of the Indus Valley. It can be presumed that these symbols which were taken there by the ancient Sinhalese (Helese) who colonized the Indus valley, had been preserved whilst those in Sri Lanka faded 82 a w a y . Another special fact is that these symbols which 80. Inscriptions o f Ceylon, vol. 1, p.xxv 81. I b i d - p a g e 21 82. See page 52 hereof Certain s y m b o l s therein 83 can be identified as letters t o o .Siva era (circa 11. See foreward to 'Ira Handa Nangi Rata' 84. S o m e o f those letters are similar to those written in charms and incantations ('Yantra' and 'Mantra'). Journal xxx ii 1930 . 86 The Balangoda inscription could be considered to have been written with letters that existed before the Taru .000 BC). Even today symbols are used in certain languages o f t h e world instead of words. The Taru . Another characteristic in the 'Goratnaya' is t h e u s e of a symbol to express the idea conveyed by a w o r d o r a f e w 84 w o r d s . The remaining Sinhala compositions s h o w that n o t only the alphabet but also the Sinhala language w a s q u i t e 83. The inscription at an ancient temple of t h e S u n G o d at Koggala Hiriyala. 24 JlriesenAfiuSiufu appear to be alike in inscriptions of the Indus valley a n d Sinhala inscriptions are shown in t h e book ' G o r a t n a y a ' a s being suitable for branding cattle.S. This too indicates how ancient t h e language is.A. the Kokaketugala inscription in the Koggala lagoon and the inscription at Harakadiketugala s h o w that there was an ancient Sinhala (Hela) alphabet w h i c h s h o w s greater affinity to the present Sinhala alphabet than t o t h e 85 Brahmi script. R. Ibid 86.Siva era is considered to be the period during which the Sinhala alphabet b e c a m e complete. Ibid 85. 1965 92. Another important characteristic in the language is that many words classified as Tadbhava' (Derivatives) by the author of Sidat Sangarawa and shown as borrowed from 87.la nipan nam 'Cojomba ' k a r a e u ' T gi" . The words herein have been distorted and are sung by children to the present day. 'Kisi an basin numusu . The Story of the fatufof the Sinhalese (tfekse) 87 88 developed. The ancient Sinhala language is complete in this respect. 'Sa dik angan son denta Sa avyen ras sa he I la Dahiren bellen rankir pavu Na tan sandah calvavu u' is a war song. Ancient songs sung at games. Rods Roda' mal waja Tirmannei Cajo Cajo is an ancient song sung at games.Heja diva pa. 90. 88.Sidat Sangarawa.Ediya. The fact that Sinhala was one o f the languages in which notes were sent to the moon shows universal acceptance o f Sinhala as an ancient language.'Nipan Piyeviya' . 89. The brevity and simplicity of words and the brevity of sentences and clarity of meanings are other special features thereof. . incantations and 89 war s o n g s are evidence of the advanced language spoken by the Sinhalese. Ariesen Ahubudu . A noteworthy characteristic thereof is that some of these words classified a s ' n i p a n ' (original) could be 91 analyzed further to give a m e a n i n g . This characteristic of giving a meaning when analysed further is one that shows 92 well the ancient nature of a language. T h e class o f w o r d s identified by the author of Sidat Sangarawa as 'nipan' (original) could be considered to be w o r d s remaining f r o m this ancient Sinhala (Hela) 90 l a n g u a g e . See footnote 70. San adiyara 91. The Sanskrit Language.T. T h i s shows that Sinhala is a more ancient language than Sanskrit and that it was an advanced language that had s p r e a d even in India. It also goes to prove t h a t t h e v i e w 94 that Sinhala has been derived from Sankrit and P a l i is a falsehood.Burrows. there is e v i d e n c e to show that the language too spread with the migration of 9 7 the Sinhala people to other countries of the w o r l d . T h e r e are some facts that come to light thereby. History proves that the 93. A Grammar of the Sinhalese Language.Geiger.3 96. 3. p. When considering in terms of etymology it is quite evident 9 6 that there are Sinhala (Hela) words a m o n g s t t h e m . 94. There are thousands of such w o r d s . Scholars point out that words have been b o r r o w e d f r o m 95 outside by the 'Lay' Sanskrit and the older Vedic S a n s k r i t . See pages 64-65 hereof . Customs of a race are a special feature of its civilization j u s t as much as religion and language. O n e is that t h e Sinhala language is older than languages such as Sanskrit and Pali and that the words in those languages have been derived from Sinhala. A s will be s h o w n later. Thus if we consider the criterion of language in a s s e s s i n g civilization. W. ancient Sinhala civilization c o u l d u n d o u b t e d l y be proved to be one which was well d e v e l o p e d . See 'Aruta Nituta' for many such words. Ibid 97. JlriesenflfiuOudu Sanskrit and Pali can be analysed f u r t h e r to s h o w a n etymology of the Sinhala Language itself to give a proper 93 m e a n i n g . 13-91 95.4 Ancient Sinhala (Hela) customs etc. 1937 pp. page S 99. Jbid . It was these Asuras who first achieved a civilized state not only amongst the Sinhalese (Helese) but also in the entire w o r l d . 'Helavulu' shows how pious their lives were. Iht Story of tfie [and of the Sinhalese (Jfcfese) 2 7 ancient Sinhalese were of a very high standard with regard to their customs too. The era of the Raksha King Ravana is famous as an era in which the glory of the island of the Sinhalese spread throughout the world as the country that ruled 10 nations.God Kataragama .who lived as an Asura Hela and w a s deified after his death . The Asura Helese who could be considered to be the most ancient of the Sinhala (Hela) tribes led a pious life. They ate only 'Helavulu' -'Elavulu' (vegetables).Sarakinuye) or'Harak'. Only their enemies were slain by the pious Asura Hela Tribe 98 and that too only during a war. The fact that custodians (Kapu Mahatmayas) of the Kataragama Devala and devotees who go to worship the Asursa Hela God Kanda . Wellala Jayamaha. " This culture is amply demonstrated by the way in which they treated the animals that helped them in their means of livelihood.cleanse themselves by refraining from eating meat or fish. confirms this position. T h e life of Ravana too shows that the Sinhalese respected 98. Forcward to Saraya . T h e animal that helped them in their cultivation was considered to be an inmate of the house and a member of the family and was called 'Geri' which means living in the house (Gara + I > Geri). Since they provided their means of livelihood this animal was also called 'Sarak' (The one w h o provides special protection . They did not eat fish or meat. no other e v i d e n c e is required to show how ancient a civilization is. T h e a n c i e n t Sinhlese possessed such a c o m p e n d i u m . w h o w a s a pure vegetarian. As the Indians themselves state in the R a m a y a n a . T h a t is t h e ' L a w 1 of M a n u prepared during the reign o f King Vara M a n d a t u .• 2.Ravana w a r amply illustrates that non-violence received a high place in the culture o f the ancient Sinhalese. which was under his sway. Ravana who had an Asura Queen as his consort. traditions a n d l a w s a r e the essence of a civilization. It is a habit of a civilized race to treat w o m e n with respect. The protection she received and her chastity that remained unblemished is ample proof to illustrate this point. Sita was abducted as a strategy to bring Rama to Sri Lanka to apologize for t h e insult c a u s e d to Ravana's sister Supanika (Suparnaka). This order w h i c h w a s a n indirect cause for the Rama . These facts come to light on a close examination o f t h e Ramayana itself which was written by the Indians to tarnish the image of Ravana. He. rejected killing another just as the Asura Helese. Ravana w h o w a s a pious king had no intention at all of abducting t h e c o n s o r t of another king. If such information is collected and preserved in the form of a book. T h e afore-mentioned c u s t o m s . ordered the release of all animals t e t h e r e d for slaughter in sacrifices (Yagas) conducted in a b u n d a n c e in India. Sita proved her unblemished chastity by the fire c l e a n s i n g (Agni Parishuddhiya ) in the presence of R a m a . That is the force that helps civilizations to forge forward.8' . : AriesenAdu6udu noble traditions and customs and lived according to t h e m . The manner in which Sita was treated with respect in t h e kingdom of Ravana shows how well this custom was observed by the ancient Sinhalese. musicetc. could be considered to be the beginnings of arts. lOl.28027 ) B C . Kal + a > kala. A n c i e n t m a n w h o was intent on quenching his most basic desires for food.compare with 'kal' meaning woman) 'a' is a suffix. That means possession of. Just as the Scripture pertaining to Siva worship or the Hindu religion were later translated from Sinhala to Sanskrit the 'Law of Manu' too was translated 4 into Sanskrit by Indian scholars who called i t Manusmrti' . The progress shown by him in the fields of dancing.Ahara nidra bhaya maithunanca . Thus kala means that which attracts. 'kal' means 'attractive' (Manakal . protection 101 and sexual intercourse were no different from animals.Vyasakaraya . 100.'kala' is a word that cannot be analysed further in Sanskrit. But it can be analysed meaningfully in the Sinhala language. Man began to accustom himself gradually to arts as he began to realize that mental satisfaction too is required as much as physical satisfaction.5 Arts and Crafts that spread to the World from the Land of the Sinhalese (Helese) Arts of a civilization can be considered to be the foremost 100 outcome thereof. (See the pedigree of the dynasty of Manu.) 3. art. were considered to be criteria to assess the advancement of his civilization. sleep. Their attempt to draw pictures of what they saw and imitate sounds they heard. Thus the connection that ancient Sinhalese had with Arts proves that they were at the highest levels of civilization. 7Tie Story of the land of tfie Sinfiafese (tfeCese) 29 (28057 . A s the name itself implies the Manu dynasty as well as their laws belong to the island of the Sinhalese (Helese). parani + a > paraniya.etad Samano pashuhihnaranya . So also haki + a > hakiya. T h e Indians transformed h i m into a n Indian God whilst the Tamil called 'Nataraja' as ' N a t a r a s a ' in their own language. Ravana excelled in the Arts just as much a s in other skills. History proves that she w a s a Sinhala princess who was later deified. That is why he w a s given the honorific title of 'Nataraja'. . 103. That is knowledge. Ibid. The ' U d a k k i ' or ' D a m a r u w a ' u s e d very 1 0 4 often in Kandyan dancing is also an invention of G o d S i v a .'Sarasvati' is a word coined by translating the word Sarasavi itself. 103 word power and aesthetic s k i l l . Dancing is an art given to the world by the ancient Sinhalese.See under 'Sarasaviya' in the foreward to 'Ira Handa N a n g i Rata' 104. It means she who has lotuses. Indian scholars refer to the services rendered by h i m t o !02. Satara (four) + Savi (strengths) > Satarasavi > Sarasavi 102 > Sarasavi This refers to the four strengths (Savi) depicted by the four hands of the Goddess 'Sarasavi'. see under the family o f god King Siva. T h e Brahmins of India transformed this Sinhala (Hela) G o d d e s s into one of their own goddesses just as they did in t h e c a s e of others. memory. It is the Sinhala king Siva who is the highest personification of the skill in dancing. 30 Jlriescn fMu6u(fu The Goddess Sarasvi is venerated not only in Sri L a n k a b u t also in India as the Goddess of Learning and the A r t s . There is no connection between her skills in art and the meaning o f this word. Even 105.Renowned Musician Jayantha Aravinda states ( i n ' Visidunu Vimasuma. All these facts go to prove the high place given to the arts in the ancient Hela (Sinhala) civilization. T h e 'Siva Stotra' produced by him shows the marvellous 106 literary skills of R a v a n a . 107. O n t h e d a y K u v e n i enticed Vijaya to kill t h e Yakkas who were at a wedding. 106. 3.Chapter 7 . The Story of the Handof the Sinhalese (Jfe&se) 31 music by producing a raga called Ravana raga and a Veena 105 (similar to the Sitar) called 'Ravana Hasta'. Thus w e may say that Ravana's service to music could be seen to this very day. He says that 'Ravanhato' as it is called may be some modification o f 'Ravana Hasta'. they were engaged in a joyous festival complete with dancing and music according to the 107 M a h a v a m s a . It was about 18 inches long and he was pressing it against the upper part o f his left arm and holding it with his fingers whilst playing it with a bow in his right hand.Mahavamsa . This establishes well that the Arts of dancing and music prevailed amongst the 'Yak Helese'. the services rendered by the Sinhalese towards the Arts by introducing it to the world and that they were the first to introduce these Arts to the world. Cumaratunga Munidasa and Sinhala Sangeetaya') that in walking across Rajastan in India he saw a boy having an instrument with strings for sale.6 T h e place given to agriculture in the land of the Sinhalese (Helese) The means of livelihood of the people seems to have been the criterion used to divide human civilization into eras. What is available today is the 'Siva Tandava Stotra' and not the 'Siva Tohuwa' composed by Ravana. It can be presumed that the Sinhalese entered the A g r a r i a n Age which is considered to be the most civilized e r a d u r i n g the Manu (Asura) era to which the King M a h a S a m m a t a Manu belonged. It may be presumed that the A s u r a H e l e s e who ate neither fish nor meat. These were the most ancient letters used in Sri Lanka before the introduction of the Brahmi Script.000 years a g o . T h e 'Tisula' etc. See Foreword o f 'Ira Handa Nangi Rata' . Ariesen AhuSudu though there is evidence to show that the means of livelihood of the people of Sri Lanka during the Stone A g e w a s h u n t i n g . 'Geri' meaning the 'one who lives in the h o u s e ' a n d 1 0 9 'Sarak' which means the 'one who gives p r o t e c t i o n ' s h o w the manner in which the Sinhalese made N o m a d i s m their means of livelihood. which are shown as symbols for branding cattle 110 could be identified as ancient Sinhala l e t t e r s . 108. See pages 22 to 26 hereof 109. T h e most important fact that comes to light thereby is that rearing cattle w a s a n occupation of the Sinhalese during the most ancient t i m e s . T h e name ' A s u r a ' itself s h o w s t h a t they were engaged in agriculture. were e n g a g e d in agriculture because they were vegetarians and ate mainly v e g e t a b l e s ("Helavulu. There is a book called 'Goratnaya' which gives the r e m e d i e s to ailments of cattle and symbols for branding cattle. Elavulu).See Preface o f 'Aruta Niruta' 110. T h e Nomadic A g e of the land of the Sinhalese c o m e s t o light when analyzing the meanings of the w o r d s ' G e r i ' a n d 'Sarak'. history shows us that their means of livelihood c h a n g e d at 1 0 8 least 30. 'Ka' + ' a s i ' > Kasi > Kasi > Kahi > Kahi >Kohi > Goi > GOVI "Ka' means land. 'Kumbura' is where cultivation is done. The word 'Govi' itself is such a n example. T h e Sinhala words connected with agriculture shows how ancient the Sinhala agricultural tradition is.000 years old. As the meaning of the word itself implies. The place where the task of the farmer which commenced from the paddy field c o m e s to an e n d . It could be presumed that cultivation was their foremost occupation. The one who produces the yield. . So is ' k a m a t a ' ('kam' + 'ata'). 'Govi' is the person who tills the land and cultivates. The Carbon fourteen scientific test has proved that the ancient sluice which has been found during excavations carried out for the construction of the Maduru Oya reservoir is at least 6. ' K a m ' + ' p u r u ' > ' K a m p u r u ' > 'Kumpuru" > Kumburu > kumburu The place where work commences. The tank is considered to be the greatest creation of the ancient Sinhalese (Helese). The advanced stage which the Sinhalese had reached in terms of agriculture is quite evident from their ability to build such a sluice. That is the place where the great task (kama) comes to an end. The Story of the [and of the SinhaCese (Tfekse) 33 ' A s ' + ' k u r u ' >Asuru > Asura 'As' means yield or harvest ' k u r u ' means the doer. it is something constructed to store water. A r c h a e o l o g i c a l r e s e a r c h too has s h o w n how ancient agriculture has been in Sri Lanka. ' A s i ' means tilling . 114. in 112 those l a n g u a g e s . 113. 73. 87. 100. Those w h o say that all Sinhala w o r d s have been derived from Pali or Sanskrit have been unable to find words akin to 'sorovu'. 89. the likes of which are f o u n d nowhere in India. ' a p ' means water. 113. ' a m u n a ' e t c . This shows the engineering p r o w e s s 111 of the ancient S i n h a l e s e . We have come to know that the British Engineer Henry Parker had taken away to England the Ola leaf book 'Idikuru Nidahana' showing the Engieering prowess o f the ancient Sinhalese together with t w o other books (Ravana Rajavaliya. 'va' means hold. Ancient Ceylon .Henry Parker. y e t to be published and pages 67. 'biso kotuwa'. Kashmira Raja Tarangani .75. 92. is the reference in 'Kashmira Raja Tarangani' which states that a h u g e t a n k and fortress was built in the kingdom of King J a y a p e e d a of Jaipur in India with the expertise of t h e ' R a k u s ' people 114 of Sri L a n k a . It 111. and 'Bandum nangu G u r u v a ' ) that w e r e in the library o f the Ridi vihara. and 27 o f 'Aruta Niruta' i .4* Taranga 115. T h e British Engineer Parker states that it was the Sinhalese who erected the ' b i s o k o t u w a ' to release 113 water from the tanks to the paddy f i e l d s . Jlriesenjlfiu6udu V a ' + ' a p ' > vap >vap > vav.page 379.See the 'Etymology o f the year' o f Hela Sada Peheliya. 112. The name 'vav' w a s given because it holds water. Even those w h o say that w e have got everything f r o m India. 23.20.See page 93 and preface to 'Aruta Niruta'. Another definite proof of the knowledge of c o n s t r u c t i o n of tanks possessed by the Sinhalese. are silent about tanks. The manner in which the ancient Sinhalese n a m e d t h e twelve months o f t h e y e a r t o o s h o w t h a t t h e a n c i e n t 115 civilization of Sri Lanka is connected with a g r i c u l t u r e . One era in history is called the Iron Age because the skill in the metal industry was considered to be an advancement in the level of civilization. Yakanuye . One of the four clans of Sinhalese or the four Sinhalese (Helese) (Siv Hela) as they were called. T h e places where iron ore is found in Sri Lanka such as 'Yakkala'.ya (yakada .iron) 'Akanuye' (makanuye) > 'yaku'. after examining 116. The name 'Yak' itself denotes this skill. Sinhala M a h i m a y a . The ruins found during Archaeological excavations in the Samanalawewa area close to Belihuloya amply display the magnificent skills in metal work possessed by the ancient Sinhalese. 'Yakkaduwa' are known by names that show a connection between the 'Yak' clan and the 117 metal i n d u s t r y .7 The place given to the metal industry in the land of the Sinhalese (Helese) Black smithery or the metal industry is another area that the ancient Sinhalese showed special skills.pages 85 and 86 117.Sinhala Mahimaya . TTie Story of tfie (andof tfte Sinfiafese (tfeksc) 35 was this Sinhala agricultural skill that reached the zenith during the time of King Parakramabahu the Great. 3. the 'Yak' clan s h o w e d special skills in the metal industry or the iron industry in particular. This word 'yaku' itself becomes 'yak'. ' Yakupitiya'. A British Archaeologist Gill Juleff.page 86 . Folk tales that speak of this skill of the 'yak' clan are well known amongst 116 villagers. it d e v e l o p s trade a n d other relationships with other c o u n t r i e s . 3.January 1996. Even though this conclusion has been arrived at after examining the Samanalawewa f i n d i n g s . according to the 'Kashmira Raja Tharangani'. T h i s t o o s h o w s t h e great skills possessed by the Sinhalese in arts o f a m o r e refined nature.9 Trade and other connections of the land of the Sinhalese (Helese) As a country achieves progress in civilization.page 32 .. I. Nature . Our chronicles state that Kuvini 119 (Kuveni) was spinning when Vijaya a r r i v e d . the ancient S i n h a l e s e were also advanced in skills and industries of a softer nature. 119. Furthermore. Mahavamsa . Satin j a c k e t s embroidered with thread manufactured in Sri L a n k a h a d been sent to the Queens of Kashmir. T h e D a m a s c u s Swords which were considered the best in t h e w o r l d w e r e produced out of this steel. Ancient Iron and Steel Production at Samanalawewa V o l . T h e r e 118. Weaving is one such field.8 The weaving skills of the Sihalese (Helese) Just in the same manner as in industries of a r o u g h nature such as cultivation. 3.Chapter 5 . it m a y be assumed that the Sinhalese knew the t e c h n o l o g y of converting iron ore into steel long before that date. 36 1 Jlriesen JlfiuCutfu these ruins stated that the Sinhalese had known the m e t h o d of converting iron ore into steel from as far back as t h e th 4 century BC and that steel produced by t h e m h a d b e e n exported. S h e also states that there was a large scale industry that c o n v e r t e d the iron ore into high quality steel and the steel t o the entire 1 1 8 Muslim world was supplied by Sri L a n k a .Gill Juleff. metal work etc. 10 The Scientific and Medical knowledge given to the world by the Sinhalese (Helese) There is evidence to show that Scientific and Medical knowledge occupied an important place in the Sinhalese culture. The zenith of such knowledge is seen in the 'Dafidu Monara' of King Ravana. This aeroplane which is referred to as ' P u s h p a k a ' in the Ramayana is the first of its kind in the whole world. The Story of the (and of the Sinhalese (Tfefcse) • 37 is evidence to show that relationships existed between the land of the Sinhalese and other countries from very ancient times. 3. Asura' and 'Rakus' clans of the Sinhalese went on such expeditions with the help of'Nagas' who were navigators. This was by sea. It may be presumed that it was the Sinhalese who gave medical knowledge to the world. "Lakshmls kaustubha parijataka sura danvantarlshcandrima gavah kamadugah sureshvara gajo rambhadi divyangana" . The founder of Ayurvedic m e d i c i n e . This plane which was driven by air pressure cannot be a mere assumption as seen from more recent vehicles driven by air pressure. This was maintained through navigation. It can be assumed 4 that the 'Yak'. ' D a n v a n t a r i ' is considered to be one of the treasures that emerged from the churning of the milky 120 ocean during the War between the 'Suras' and ' A s u r a s ' . the ancient Sinhalese went out to explore other lands. As the very name denotes the Naga clan of the Sinhalese (Helese) was engaged in navigation. 'Nav' + ' g a ' > Navga> Navga >IMaga means those who sail (go by ship) As will be discussed later. 120. I ' issue. Thus the origin of Ayurveda too was in Sri L a n k a . T h e c h u r n i n g of the milky ocean is the sea battle that took place before the Suras set foot on the Asura land of t h e S i n h a l e s e . 122. Accordingly Danvantari could be c o n s i d e r e d t o b e t h e knowledgeable Rishi by the name of ' D a n u m a t i T a r u ' w h o was taken from Sri Lanka to India. 'Arka Prakasha'. 121. 'Aham hi Danvantarirad devo Jara ruja mrtyuharo maranam Shalyahgaman gairparairupetam 122 Praptosmi gam bhuya i t o p a d e s h f u m . Vol . . 'Kumara Tantra' and 'Vatika Prakarna'. 38 Jlriesen Jlfiu6udii T h e true story of this which has been t u r n e d into a story of gods' is that this was a war between the S u r a s o f India 121 and the Asuras of the land of the S i n h a l e s e . 'Rasaratnakara'. s Aurveda Sameekshava. L a t e r t h e y were translated into Sanskrit a n d c a m e t o be k n o w n by those names. T h e r e is a S l o k a in t h e "Susrutaya' which states that he had c o m e to India f r o m outside. ' O d i s s a Cikitsa'. King Ravana was a world famous physician.'Danvantari mama vem adi dev vu Jara mara dos nasuvem devan ge Satkam uganvannafa mi sapatmi Tama hafldunva rusiyS ebas ki .1 . H e w h o s h o w e d a high degree of c o m p a s s i o n bringing b a c k t o life h i s opponent Rama and Laksumana (Lakshman) ( w h o w e r e believed to be dead) by administering medicine with his o w n hands.See Foreword to 'Ira Handa Nangi Rata' for kings w h o have been deified and stories relating to kings that have been transformed into stories relating to gods.Danvantari Puranya. wrote books o n Medicine s u c h as ' N a d i P a r i k s h a ' . *Uddissa Cikitsa'. It w a s stated earlier that scholars are of the opinion that it is the most ancient civilization in the world on a proper determination of time. The Story of the land of the Sinhalese (Helese) J |f9.> This clearly shows the advanced culture that existed in Sri Lanka and its fullness in branching out to all important s p h e r e s . the well known poet and scholar who toured Sri Lanka has stated that he feels that the origin of man a n d the origin of civilization have both been in Lanka. Egyptian. George Bernard Shaw.Babylonian and Greek spread from the island of the Sinhalese would illustrate the truth of the statements made by such scholars. L .Harappa . T h e manner in which civilizations that are considered to be the most ancient such as Mohenjodaro . 000 years o l d . t o w a r d s the South East to other parts of Asia and towards the W e s t to 123 A f r i c a . The Riddles o f the Three Oceans. 4 THE HUMAN RACE THAT SPREAD FROM THE LAND OF THE SINHALESE (HELESE) It was stated earlier that Huxley w h o had c o m p a r e d the views of other scholars had stated that the origin of m a n was Limuria (or Lanka) a major part of which is now hidden in the depths of the Indian Ocean. Wellala Jayamaha . But a closer examination of evidence w o u l d s h o w that the people of the large Island of Lanka s p r e a d b e y o n d even those limits. Foreward to ' Saraya' . went in s e a r c h of other lands becoming the first explorers in the w o r l d . is that the Sinhalese w e r e the first to start exploring other lands during the ' A s u r a 1 2 4 Hela' e r a . T h e l i n g u i s t i c a n d c u l t u r a l e v i d e n c e is i n v a l u a b l e in identifying the lands to which the Sinhalese s p r e a d . The view of scholars. T h i s 123. the A s u r a Helese w h o possessed a civilization of a higher order. " A d a m ' was in this large island a n d that it spread towards the North West to India. who have examined the ancient history of this land of the Sinhalese. During this era which c a n be determined to be as being at least 30. 124.pages 3-8 . Ernest Haeckel who takes this theory further states that the first in the human chain. Both Eastern and Western scholars accept Greek civilization as one of the most ancient civilizations in the world. The words Hellenism and Hellenistic used to denote Greek culture too confirms this further.Greek relationship There is evidence to show that the Greek civilization too was set up by the Sinhalese. Historical and Archaeological evidence too can be made use of to support these views.1 The Sinhalese . The Story of the [and of the Sinhalese (Melese) 41 can be done by studying the etymology of words in use there even at present and by identifying ancient Sinhalese customs amongst them. 'Gara' + Siya > 'Garasiya' > Garisiya' > Girisiya. This word 'Hela' which went to the Greek language from the Sinhalese language has been the origin of other English words such as 'helio centre' 'heliograph' and ' h e l i u m ' . 4. T h e meaning of the name Greece itself shows that it is a name given by the Sinhalese. The word 'Helio' used for sun in t h e Greek language shows the Sinhalese . T h e word 'Hellene' used in English to indicate a Greek would itself show that the Greeks are Sinhalese (Helese) . The word 'Helenic' by which this is known would itself show that it w a s given by the Sinhalese. The 125 original form of this name is 'Gara S i v a ' It means the relations of the home (family). It becomes Garasiya by the second vowel in 'ra' equalizing with the succeeding vowel. It can be presumed that the name 'Garasiya' itself which was given by the Sinhalese to identify the land to which their relations went became the name of that country. . It becomes Girisiya in the same manner. 125.Greek relationship. Syrian. 4. . w e have reason to think that they t o o might have gone to Syria from C e y l o n . According to Phoenician tradition.3 Sinhalese . pagesl2-13. Wellala jayamaha. T h e word 'misara' used for Egypt itself shows that it h a d b e e n given by the Sinhalese. 126.R. Ranganatha Punja. 127. 'India's Legacy. By some scholars.2 Sinhalese . T h e World's heritage-vol. they left their original home after a n earth quake. 4. jlriesenMu6iufu A n ancient folk tale states that a civilized set of people h a d come suddenly to Greece and had taken up residence there 1 2 6 chasing away the uncivilized people occupying that l a n d . T h e etymology of the names of gods worshipped by t h e m s h o w that origin of those gods too had been in L a n k a . Rao Saheb. Foreward to 'Saraya'. This too can be considered to be a fact that confirms the story of the Sinhalese bringing their civilization to G r e e c e . Phoenician relationship There are similar folk tales in Syria a n d Phoenicia t o o . in which case they t o o must have left Ceylon which w e have presumed might have 127 been the land of P u n t . at a time w h e n Ceylon was separated from the mainland of India.Egyptian relationship There is a similar folk tale in Egypt too. " This shows that the people of Syria and Phoenicia h a d b e e n those w h o had gone from the island of the Sinhalese. P. A s stated by an eminent scholar" while considering t h e origin of the Phoenicians. first Egyptians are believed to be a branch of the Phoenicians.1 page 326. There is a story of the city of T e e s ' a n d King 'Mena' mentioned t h e r e i n . Sun worship as well as other customs that originated in the island of the Sinhalese could be seen in the Egyptian civilization. This too is valuable evidence to show that the Egyptians too are of Sinhala origin.sun race established by a Sinhalese by the name of 'Namar' in the river basin of the Blue River (Nile) which was known by the Hela (Sinhalese) name o f ' N i l . The dynasty of kings set up by a Sinhalese himself is 'Pharaoh' (ParaVo). But the ancient Egyptians followed this custom 128 just in the same manner as the ancient Sinhalese.pages 68. 'Ka' means h e a d . who engaged in the exploration of other lands.African relationship It was the ancient Sinhalese. in spite of their close proximity to the land of the Sinhalese. 'Apiri' means incomplete. It was a custom of the ancient Sinhalese to place the head of a corpse towards the West and light a lamp continuously on that side. that named the large continent called Africa 129 and its people by the name of'Aprica'. The Sahara desert which is situated close to Egypt too got its name from the Sinhalese. Saraya .sun race.4 The Sinhalese .n a . 69 129. Neither the peoole of North India nor South India have this custom. That is the dynasty of kings of the sub . This is a meaningful and most appropriate name for such a desert area. That becomes 'Apirika'. 'Apirika' means the land of those with a head lacking in completeness (incomplete). 128. Sinhala Mahimaya . It's a name given by the Sinhalese to Negros by looking at their heads. The area with the Sun (Hiru saha) is ('Saha' + ra').har' during the era of the original Sun race in Lanka. verse I .This too means the sub . 4. TTic Story of tfie (and of the Sinhalese (JCcCesc) 43 'Mini' + 'sar' > 'Mihisar' > 'Misar' > 'Misara' means the fertile part of the earth. ' R a s ' which is a part of the n a m e of s o m e Abysinians too has originated from the Hela w o r d ' R a k u s ' . it is revealed by implication that the E g y p t i a n s a n d the inhabitants of Greece. Weffafa Jayamaha . ' K i ' m e a n s land. 4. Asyria and Phoenecia w e r e the real 1 3 0 relations of the Sinhalese and also had ties w i t h t h e m . 'Ni + gard' means those w h o do not belong to the family. This reveals another peculiar s e c r e t . It could be presumed that this land w a s ruled by a S i n h a l e s e General by the name o f " A b y s e n ' . ' A m ' in the Sinhalese language means water. 'Gars' means those w h o belong to the family. A b y s s i n i a (now Ethiopia) w h i c h b e l o n g s t o t h e A f r i c a n continent too is a land that was inhabited by the S i n h a l e s e . There is an ancient tale amongst the Sumerians that people from an island in the southern part of the Indian O c e a n took up abode there.Forewojd to 'Saraya'. The etymology of ' A m k i ' the G o d d e s s of the land and the sea who is worshipped by t h e m m a k e s it possible to presume that those people may have b e e n the Sinhalese themselves. This view is further established by the fact that Kusistan 130. This w a s the capital (Kaldiya) of Babylonia. Sumerian relationship Asyria is a land that got its name on account of being ruled by the 'Asura Hela' clan.5 Sinhalese . Non relatives. ' H e P ( a n c i e n t ' H e T ) w h e r e the kings of that land lived seems to have b e e n derived from 'Hela' itself. When Negros were excluded in this manner as non-relatives. 44 jlriesen y\f\u6udu The name Negro too appears to be a n a m e g i v e n by the Sinhalese themselves. page 12 .Asyrian. R o ' means Sun. (See under 'Eelam' in the list of names for the island of the Sinhalese). . There is a similar story in Rome which says that Rome was built by two brothers who grew up on the milk of a she- wolf. Scholars point out that both Rome 132 and Lanka had similar ancient customs. Sinhala Mahimaya. 'Dambadiva' itself is a name given by 133 the Sinhalese. This confirms the relationship between the ancient island of the Sinhalese and Rome even though all their views may not be accepted. Ro' itself becomes ' R o m a ' just as 'Kula' becomes 'Kulama' and 'vas' becomes 'vasama'.6 Sinhalese . 4. That which is seen above the water is 'Dis* + ap'> Disip > Dihip> Dip > 'Div' meaning the land visible above the waters.Indian relationship There is evidence to show that the Sinhalese spread over various parts of India.page 78 132. 4. 'Mangara Sahalla' which is an ancient story coming down from generation to generation refers to the God Mangara and his friend sucking milk from the udder of the same cow. Sinhala Mahimaya . It may be presumed that this story went to Rome with 131 the ancient S i n h a l e s e . 'Ap'means water. There is no doubt that this name originated from the island of the Sinhalese where Sun worship existed.page 80 - 133.7 Sinhalese . The Story of tfie land of the Sinhalese (Helese) 45 situated between Sumeria and Iran was a land inhabited by the Sinhalese.Roman relationship There is evidence to show that Rome too was inhabited by x v the ancient Sinhalese. 'Div' means island. T h e fact that it is known by the name o f ' E e l a m ' meaning the land of the Sinhalese established this further. But'Dambadiva' is not 131. Sanskrit . ' Koraka' is 'Gora' (white) + 'ka' (skin. T h e Indians translated it in the same form into Sanskrit a s ' J a m b u d v i p a ' and concocted a story of a big ' J a m b u ' tree a s t h e y c o u l d 134 not show its e t y m o l o g y . n a m e l y ' G o n d a s ' a n d 'Korakas' show that they had gone there f r o m t h e island 136 of the S i n h a l e s e . Not only that. 46 : Jlriesen jlfiu6udu an island but a peninsula. This name has been given as the people who went from Lanka had long hair. An Indian Archaeologist Sankaliya states that there w a s a Ravana Lanka. covering) combined to mean people with white skin. 'Gonda' may have been derived from 'Konda'. T h e r e f o r e the inhabitants of the island of the Sinhalese w h o g o there think that India too is a n island. . T h e names given to the p e o p l e . It appears to be a n island to t h o s e who go there by sea from the island of t h e S i n h a l e s e . . A person sees the s e a a s s p r e a d i n g to the North from both the East and the West.M .p a g e s 19 and 20 Some facts therein relating to Rawana and the' Rakus' people are unacceptable. Therefore it is quite clear that the name ' D a m b a d i v a ' w a s given to India by the Sinhalese t h e m s e l v e s . He considers the worship of Ravana as a G o d by t h e 'Gondas' and 'Korakas' living there to be a fact that s u b s t a n t i a t e s 135 his v i e w . Page 412 135.English Dictionary . T h e E a s t e r n Ghats and Western Ghats w h i c h are r a n g e s s p r e a d i n g towards the North are visible to them f r o m t h e far off s e a . See 'Search for Lanka' for further details. Sylvan Levy states that there w a s a n island by the name of Lanka at the point where the Godavari 134. T h e sea is visible to the South and the East of point ' K o m a r i n ' (Kumari Tuduwa). 136. Monier Williams. This quotation is from Sinhala Mahimaya - page 45. 137. 138. On that coast and to the South of this island the Southern bay of the island where Bombay is situated is to this very day known as 'Kolomba'. Journal Asiatic 1923 . All these facts show that the Sinhalese gave the name of their land to whatever places inhabited by them in India. Kalidasa. Words such as 'Nil Sat' and 'Na' are those found in the Sinhalese language. 'Sakpura'. JournalAsiastic. Certain village names in India such as 'Nilgiri'. 1 8 5 7 . a renowned poet of India himself states that 'Ravana went to subdue a place in Southern India called 'Janastan' in ancient times and now known as 'Deccan'. 'Girinar' show that these names had been given by people who spoke the Sinhala language. The Story of the (and of the Sinhalese (Kedese) .I b i d . . 137 River enters the Sea on the Western coast of I n d i a . It takes the form 'Neela' 'Sattva' and 'Nayaka' in the languages of India. This is a Sinhalese word which means port or harbour. There is literary evidence as well as historical evidence to show that people went to India from the Island of the Sinhalese during ancient times. T h e Sinhala outlook too of the many village names in India is indelible. Eugene Bernor. Ptolemy's map shows that there were ports bearing the name Lanka. a French scholar who had engaged in an intensive study of the Sri Lankan land has mentioned a few places in India bearing the Lanka name such as 'Nsga 138 Lanka' and 'Puta Lanka'. 140. T h e name 'Sinhala' itself shows that it w a s inhabited by the Sinhalese. It may be presumed that it s h o w s t h e Sinhalese setting foot on India. nd 139.6 2 sloka.Chapter 6 . W h e n examining these facts they confirm that certain parts of India w e r e c o l o n i z e d by the Sinhalese who went from this country contrary t o t h e story of people from India colonizing this country a s stated in our chronicles. Ragu Vamsa .' Maru Deshat purva bhage Kamardre dakshine shive Sinhalakhye maha deshah Sarva deshottamottamah ' quotation from Sinhala Mahimaya. It is s t a t e d 1 4 0 therein that this land w a s superior to all other l a n d s .48 Jlriesen JHfiuSudii 'Astram Haradaptavata durapan Yenendra Lokava jayaya Drptah Pura Janastana vimarda shaiikl 139 Sandhaya Lankadhipatih p r a t a s t h e ' T h e Sanskrit book 'Shakti Sangam Tantra' states that there was a large mass of land known as 'Sinhala'. One painting in the Ajanta Cave s h o w s a g r o u p o f p e o p l e arriving by ship. Page 27 .. 'ara': by a leader . 1. Ilanara Hela + nara > Helanara > Ilanara. No.vol.landu > Ijandu See under'Ilanara' for transformation of 'Hela' into 'Ila' ' D a ' here means an Island. Tamil Culture . 1909 142. Sept.'na') T h e meaning here is 'The country ruled by a Sinhala (Hela) leader. 1 11 This is a n ancient name for the land of the Sinhalese. The first vowel is lengthened to give 'Ila' see u n d e r ' H e l a ' . ' 142 3. 'Aryaya". 1 . Ilankei This is a Tamil version of the word Lanka itself. Its meaning is. the island of the Sinhalese (Helese) 4. ' H ' has been dropped and ' e ' has been transformed into T changing the word ' H e l a ' to 'Ila' 'Nara' means (being ruled or sent forward . NAMES USED FOR THE LAND OF THE SINHALESE 1. See under Lanka 2. ' I l a n d u ' ' H e | a n ' + 'da' > He. 141. 'I|a' 'Heja' + 'Ija' > 'Ija' ' H ' in ' H e j a ' is dropped and ' e ' is changed into 'I' giving the word 'Ila'. Chapter 15 . 6. > 'Caja' 'Heja' becomes 'Cela' by the ' h a ' changing into ' c a ' This itself becomes 'caja' This is a name used for Sri Lanka by A r a b s . 9. The authors of Deepavamsa a n d M a h a v a m s a state that t h e island o f t h e S i n h a l e s e (Helese) was known by this name during t h e t i m e of t h e 143 Buddha K a k u s a n d h a . 143.Chapter 9 . This means fertile island. ' M m ' 'Hela' + 'an' > 'Hejan' > 'Ijan' > 'Ijam' ' A n ' here means land. 'Caja' 'Heja' > 'Ceja. 'Iiam' means the land of the Sinhalese (Helese) The meaning of the Tamil word ' M m ' too is t h e land of the Sinhalese. Ariesen jMuBucCu 5. Deepavamsa . Mahavamsa . 'Tanasarim' 'Dana' + 'Sara' + ' h i m ' > 'Danasarahim' > ' D a n a s a r i m ' > 'Tanasarim' ' D a n a ' became 'Tana' (by the transformation of t h e sonant ' D a ' to mute 'ta') T h e consonant ' h ' in ' h i ' is dropped a n d the remaining vowel Y takes the place of the vowel ' a ' in t h e next letter 'ra' becoming 'sarahim'. 7. 'OjadTpa' This is how 'Odadiv' w a s translated into Pali. 8. 'Cinkajai' This is used as a Tamil version of the w o r d ' S i n h a l a y a ' itself. See under'Taprabani' 145 A name used for Sri Lanka by Phoenicians. 12. 'Tambapanni' This is the form taken when the name of the Hela (Sinhala) leader 'Tamman' is translated into Pali.page 5.) and ' a ' and ' a ' interchange places giving the form 'raban' instead of 'ravan'. 11.page 5 145. 'Dip' itself becomes Tip'. 10. 'VS' becomes ' b a ' (as Vimal > Bimal etc. 144. TTic Story of tfte (andof tdc Sinhalese (Helese) 51 This means the limit or area with an abundance of wealth. 144 This is a very ancient name for Sri L a n k a . 'I' becomes ' a ' giving the form 'tap'. Lanka Varnanava . Lanka Varnanava . S o m e write this as Taprobane and Taprobane in keeping with Western usage. The same name was used by Pali writers for the island of Lanka too. Taparvan' ' D i p ' + 'ravan' > 'Dipravan' > 'Tipravan' > 'Tiparvan' > 'Taparvan'. This means the island of Ravana. . 'Tapraban' ' D i p ' + 'ravan' > 'Dipravnn' > 'Tipravan' > 'Tapraban' Replacement of a sonant with a mute ( d replacing the s o n a n t ' d ' . e . 'Tambapanni Dipa ' This is the form taken when 'Tamben div' is translated into Pali. That itself became 'tamben' by the substitution of the nasal (as in Sarama > Saramba etc. (As in 'Rada du' > ' R a d u ' . 16. 'Tamben Div' 'Tamman d i v ' > T a m e n Div' > Tamben Div 'Tamman Div' became 'Tamen' as a result of the same letter being used twice consecutively being contracted into one. in the land of the Sinhalese (Helese). ( c o m p a r e 'Asvenna' etc. 14. Tehu' 'Div' + as + u' > 'Divasu' ' D e v a h u ' > 'Dehu' > 'Tehu' ' D i v a ' m e a n s island. 'Tilaka' 'Ti' + 'laka'> 'Tilaka' 'Ti' means three. 17. ' A s ' m e a n s y i e l d . This implies the three divisions. (compare with ' S a r a ' + . ' L a k a ' is the land of the S i n h a l e s e (Helese) (see under 'Lanka') .52 Jtriesen JUliuOutfu 13. ' Ruhunu'.) ' U ' is a suffix meaning has.) 'Tamman' was a leader w h o lived in Sri L a n k a in ancient times. 'TamradvTpa' This may be taken as a word formed by translating 'Tamben div' into Sanskrit. i . monara kikili > ' monara kili' etc.) ' a ' therein became 'e'. 'Maya' and 'Pihiti' . See under 'Tamben div' Pali writers also use Tambapanni DTpaka'. 15. Thus 'Divahu' becomes ' D e h u ' ( c o m p a r e with ' D i y a d u n u ' > ' D e d u n u ' . / 146. Trisinhalaya' A Sanakrit word implying the three divisions that existed in 'Sinbale' (see under 'Sinhalaya') i. See under Palasimandci. 18. 20. This is a word used by the Burmese for the land of the Sinhalese (Helese) to mean the island with 146 a yield or harvest. Vfte Story of tfic (andof tfic Sinhalese (Helese) 53 V > ' S a r u ' . This is a word which proves that the Hela land itself was meant by the word land.) " D i v a s u ' becomes 'Divahu' ( compare with Asu > A h u . (Ruhunu .e. ' M a n u ' becomes 'manu' first by a change of vowels and thereafter 'mun' by dropping the final vowel. The consonant in ' v a ' ( V ) is dropped and the vowel ' a ' therein combines with T in ' d i ' to become 'e'. Mays . ' P i y a k a d a ' > Pekada etc.). 'Pan' ' P a n ' means land. 'dir.) . MandO. This means the island of Manu. Pihiti). Lanka Varnanava .page 5 . Simandu. Kosu > Kohu etc. " Dehu' becomes 'Tehu' by the substitution of a mute. 'bara' + V > baru etc. 19. 'Dilmun' ' D i v ' + Ml' + ' m a n u ' > Divil manu > Dilmanu > Dilmun ' V is dropped and T combines with the preceding letter making 'divil' . T therein is shortened to give *dil'. Compare with Ulapana Marapana etc. Mahavamsa Chaptr 15 .) 'Pa|a' here means well k n o w n . Pali authors state that Sri Lanka was known by this n a m e 148 during the era of Buddha K a s y a p a . In certain places 'pajesimandu' is also used changing ' d a ' into 'da') 23. 'Manudu' becomes ' M a n d u ' by dropping the v o w e l of the middle letter.saviya) 22. Pao Cu A Chinese word meaning Golden island ( island of 147 gems) See under ' R u v a n d i v ' . Thus 'pala + isi' becomes 'Pajesi' (compare Maha + isuru > Mahesuru). (Compare 'Satapuma > S a t a p m a etc. ' I s i ' m e a n s leader. Manda dipa The Pali translation of the w o r d 'Manda Div'.Chapter 9 . This ' u s u ' itself becomes'isi') Manu is the K i n g ' M a h a S a m m a t a Manu'. (The one who is tall is 'us' + ' u ' > 'usu'. This means the island of the person w h o w a s born to this world as the leader of m a n .: 54 jlriesen jMuButfu 21. "Panhaiya' ' P a n ' + 'Sahavi' > 'Pansahavi' > 'Pansahai' >Panhai Pansahavi' becomes 'Pansahai' by r e p l a c e m e n t of 'v' with 'y' (compare 'Parevi' > ' P a r e i ' etc) ' S ' is dropped and the word becomes ' p a n h a i ' This means the area with islands (area . 24. Dipavamsa . 'Pajesimandu' 'Pala' + ' i s i ' + ' m a n u ' + ' d u ' > ' P a l e s i m a n u d u ' > Pajesimandu' 'a' and Y combine to give ' e ' . Sinhala Mahimaya 148. 147. The Story of the (and of the Sinhalese (ttefese) 25. 28.) It becomes Larika by dropping the initial letter in keeping with the principles of Sinhala linguistics.verse 32 . See under 'Ruvan div'. 149.ianka > Larika.) ' K a ' here means land. Siyabaslakara . (Compare with Abararia > Baraiia. This gives the meaning 'the land of the Sinhalese (Helese)'. See under 'Ruvan div '. Yuvarada > varada etc. See under Palesimando and Simandu 26. This means island of Manu. Ruvan div This is a name used for Sri Lanka because it was 149 the great gem land of the ancient w o r l d . Mando Manu + do > Manudu > Mando ' M a n u ' became ' M a n ' by dropping the vowel (u) in the last letter (compare with 'Puni' > ' P u n ' ) . 29. Ratnadvrpa This is the Sanskrit translation of'Ruvandiv'. ' H e l a n k a ' becomes Hejarika by the substitution o f ' n g ' for the nasal V (compare with Pinkama > pirikama etc. Larika H e l a n + ka > He. Ratnadrpa This is the Pali translation o f ' R u v a n div'. 27. Lakdiv 'Laka' itself is 'Lak'. Pali writers state that Sri Lanka was known by this n a m e 150 during the time of the Buddha K o n a g a m a n a . This means the island of the Sinhalese (Helese).Chapter 15 . Lanka This is a word formed by translating the word 'Lanka' itself into Sanskrit (There is no 'J' in Sanskrit. Laka Heja + ka >Hejaka > laka 'Helaka' becomes'Laka' by dropping the initial letter. 34.Chapter 9 . Mahavamsa . This is by dropping the final vowel (compare . 35. 30. 56 £riesen£liu6udit I . Varadipa A word formed by translating 'Vara div' into Pali. 33. 'Aga' > 'Ag'> ' A k ' .) The Pali writers too used the same 'I' following the Sanskrit usage. 150. Dipavamsa . Lankadrpa The Pali form of the Sanskrit 'Lankadvrpa'. 'Vara div' means noble island. 'Digu > Dig > D i k ) . Lankadvrpa A word formed by adding 'Dvipa' to the Sanskritized form 'Lanka'. (see under Lanka) ' K a ' here means land .' L a k a ' is t h e land of t h e Sinhalese (Helese) 31. Therefore 'I' has been used here.' This means the island of the Sinhalese (Helese) 32. 'Lak' + div > 'Lakdiv. 'Vara' is a w o r d w h i c h means noble. ) That lengthened 15). 37. . 1909 issue. Daily News -2. Sajike 'Siha)a' + 'ke' >' Sihaiake' > 'Sahaiike' > 'Salike" > 'Salike' ' S i h a i a ' becomes "Sahali' by interchange of vowels. 'pahara > 'para' etc. ( Y and ' a ' itself becomes ' a ' . This is evidence to the 151 presence of lions in the country in ancient times. Tfie Story of the land of tlie Sinhalese (Helese) 36.). Sahattu ' S i n h a l a ' .Y ) 'Sahila' becomes 'Saila' by the change o f ' h a ' to ' y a ' (compare with Mahika > Maika etc.1984 152.1. Sff Laiika A w o r d f o r m e d by merely translating the w o r d 'Sirilaka' into Sanskrit without considering its meaning. Shiti Kuvo A word used for Sri Lanka in the Chinese language meaning the Lion Kingdom.Y ) With the dropping of ' h ' the previous letter is lengthened (Compare with 'dhara' > 'dara'. See under 'Sirilaka' 38. This becomes 'Sailattu' by the substitution of a mute (substitution of mute ' t a ' for a sonant 'da').'do' > 'Sihaladu' > 'Sailadu' > 'Sailattu' 'Siha|a' becomes 'Sahila' by an interchange of vowels. This means the island of the Sinhalese (Helese). With the shortening of the long vowel ' a ' . 'Aryaya' . 39. t h e c o n s o n a n t c o n n e c t e d t h e r e w i t h is doubled giving the form 'Sailaddu'. ( T . This 152 name was given to Sri Lanka by the Malabars.Sept.' a ' becomes ' a ' . 'Sisiji' ' S a ' + 'seja' > 'Sase|a' > 'Saseji' > 'Sisiji ' S a ' here is a prefix meaning 'to have' . . This means the island of King M a n u . 'Vajafida + kada' > 'Vajankada' > 'Vajankada'. This b e c o m e s 'Saseji' with a vowel taking the same form as the succeeding vowel giving ' s i s i j i ' . 'Simandu' 'Isi' + ' m a n u ' + 'da' > 'Isimandu' > Simanda. 'DO' means island. 43. Sirijaka 'Sihaja' + ' k a ' >'Sihajaka' > 'Sihijaka' > 'Sirijaka' ' h a ' becomes ' h i ' by taking the vowel of the previous letter becoming 'Sihilaka'. ) 'Sindu' means Ocean.58 Ariesen M«6udii letter is once again shortened and 'saji' becomes 'saji'. Here ' s i n d u ' also becomes ' H i n d u ' by change of ' s a ' to 'ha'. 'ke' here means land. Sindu 'Sindu' + 'da' > 'Sinduda' >'Sindu' 'Sindu dfl' becomes Sindu by dropping a c o n s o n a n t 4 (Compare with 'Gafiga vatura > 'Garivatura'. T h a t which has ' H e l e s e ' (Sinhalese) is 'Saseja'. 41. 42.) ' K a ' here means land. This means the land of the Sinhalese (Helese). See under 'Pa)esimanda'. This means the land of the Sinhalese (Helese). This becomes 'Sirilaka' by the substitution o f ' r i ' f o r ' h i ' (compare with ' M i h i d i y a ' > 'Miridiya' etc. 40. This is an ancient name used for Sri Lanka to m e a n the Sea island. 'Sijidiv' 'Sihaja' + 'div' > 'Sihajadiv' > 'Sijadiv' > 'Sijidiv' 'Sihaja' becomes 'Sija' by dropping 'ha'. 'Sihaja Div' 'Sivheja ' > 'SThela' > 'Sihaja' > Sihaja. 44. This means the land of the Sinhalese (Helese) . 45.page 5 . 47. 46. 'Sinkajadib is also used changing ' g ' to 'k' 48. 153. The Story of the land of the Sinhalese (Helese) 59 This means the land with the Sinhalse (Helese) and 153 is an ancient name for Sri L a n k a . Sijon (Ceylon) Seijan > Sijon The Anglicized form of the word 'Seilan' used by the Dutch. Singajam T h e Tamil translation of'Sirihaja' See under 'Sinhala'. Lanka Varnanava . 'Singajdib' 'Sirihaja' + ' d i v ' > 'Sirihajadiv' > 'Singajadiv' > 'Singajadib' This is the Arabic usage of the word 'Sihala Div'. ' D i v ' combines with it to give 'Sihaja div'. See under 'Sihaja Div'. 'SThaja' becomes 'Sihaja'just as 'Bo' + 'jada' > Bojada > Bojafida by shortening the initial letter. See under 'Seijan'. This means the island of the Sinhalese. This means the island of the Sinhalese. ' S i v h e i a ' itself becomes ' S i h e l a ' by d r o p p i n g the consonant V and the preceding v o w e l ' i ' b e i n g lengthened . 60 jlriesen Ahubudu 49.). 51. 'Balen' > 'Belen' etc. The four Hela tribes are ' A s u r a ' . It becomes 'Siihaia' by taking the form of the succeeding vowel making 'he'.) That lengthened letter is shortened (si) and ' n g ' is added making it Sinhela (Compare Hcbala > Henbala > Hembala . ' R a k a u s ' . Siiihalaya ' S i v u ' + ' H e l a ' > ' S i v h e i a ' > S i h e l a ' >'Sinheia' > 'Sinhala' 'Sinhala + a ' > 'Siiihalaya'. Sinhaia Dvrpa This is a Sanskrit translation o f ' S i n h a l a Div'. Sivu ras > 'Sivras' > Slras etc. ) . T h e dental 'I' is used because there is no cerebral T in Sanskrit. ' Y a k ' a n d 'Na'. 'Sili' 'Sisili' > 'Sihili' > STU This is a very ancient name for the island of the . Gipola > Ginpol> G i m p o l e t c . (Compare'Sivu maiiduru' > 'Siv mafiduru' > Simanduru. The vowel in 'Sivu' is dropped and ' s i v u ' becomes 'siv'. It becomes 'Siiihalaya' by the introduction of ' y ' w h e n combining with the suffix ' a ' denoting the singular number. This implies the land of the four ('sivu') Hela tribes. ' h a ' (Compare Colomba > Colamba. 50. The influence of Pali is great in Burma too. This itself becomes 'Srhol' by ' a ' being transformed into 'o'. 'Siho' •Slhaja' > 'SThs' ' S i n h a l a ' b e c o m e s ' S i h a l a ' in Pali. 154. Lanka Varnanava . 55. The singular nominative thereof is 'Sihajo'. Sihajadipa A word formed by translating 'Sinhala Div' into Pali. 53. This is a word formed by dropping V and is used by the Burmese for the island of the Sinhalese (Helese).page 5 . ITic Story of the (andbftfu Sinhalese (Helese) 61 154 Sinhalese meaning the land where Sinhalese reside. T h u s it means the land of the Sinhalese. 'Sihala' the Pali word was taken as the influence of Pali is great in Siam.' 'Sihalan' becomes "SihljaiV by the vowel in ' h a ' taking the same form as the preceding vowel. See under 'Sisili' 52. The consonant in that l e t t e r ' h i ' is dropped and the remaining vowel 'I' combines with the previous vowel giving the word 'Sljari' This is a word used by the Arabs for 'Hela Diva'. This is a name used by the Siamese (Thai). 'Srhol' Sihala > SThal > Sihol 'Sihala becomes 'Sinai' by dropping the last vowel. 54. ' A n ' here means land. This means the island of the Sinhalese. Sijsn 'Sihala' + Tin' >'STha|fin' > 'Sihijnn' > 'Siinn. 'Serendib' ' S i V + 'Hejan' + Div > Sivhejandiv > 'Sinha|andiv' > Sejandiv > 'Serandib' 'Sivhelan' becomes 'Srhejan' by dropping V . It then b e c o m e s ' S e r a n ' by replacing ' l a ' with 'ra'. 'Sihejan' becomes 'Sejan' by the vowel in ' S i ' and consonant in ' h e ' being d r o p p e d . 'Seijan' This is the word used by the Portuguese for 'Silsn'. B y the vowel ' a ' in ' r a ' being dropped and ' h ' being replaced by V . 'Siylan' and 'Sijan'. This gives the meaning the limit (boundary) or area w h e r e s eparation took place well. Sri SumangaJa Dictionary. This is a name used by Siamese (Thai) for Sri L a n k a . 62 ^lriesenjlfiu6udu This 'Sflan' itself is used by the Arabs in various forms such as 'Saijan'. 56. 'Suparava' means well separated. This is a name which implies that Lanka which was earlier a large continent w a s separated by being submerged in the ocean waters. 57. part 11. ' H i m ' gives the meaning of limit. 'Sehilan'. This means t h e land o f the Sinhalese. page 559.('Su' is a prefix meaning well) 'a' m e a n s coming. 155. ' D i v ' becomes ' D i b ' by t h e change of V to 'b'. . T h e Dutch too used this name. This was the origin of the English word 'Ceylon'. 'Suparvaim' ' S u ' + parava' + 'a' + ' h i m ' > ' S u p a r a v a h i m ' > 'Suparvaim' 155 'Parava' means s e p a r a t i o n . 'Suparavahim' becomes 'Suparvaim'. 58. (See under Sinhala) This is a name used by Arabs for Sri Lanka in ancient times. 59.la This is a Chinese usage for the word 'Sinhajaya. (Helese) 61. It becomes 'Seja' by the Sinhalese rule of the initial long letter being shortened. This name was given because the ancient Sinhalese were fair in complextion and their culture too was untarnished .) ' S e ' here means white in colour. iRe Story ofthe (ana*of the Sinhalese (Xelese) j' . Senkiyala 'Sinhajaya' > Sen . are other variations of this name. 'Hejadiv' 'Se +'aja' + 'div' > Sejadiv > Sejadiv > Heladiv.Kiya .' 60. . 'Se + aja' becomes Seja by dropping the succeeding v o w e l . S o m e w h o write it in a more Westernized form use 'Serendib' and 'Serandib'. 'Saran d i b " S e r e n Div'etc. Hejaya Heja + a > Hejaya This word has been derived by 'y' being introduced w h e n the suffix ' a ' denoting the singular number is a d d e d to the Noun root 'Heja'. This is used for the land of the Sinhalese (Helese) see under 'Heja Div' for 'Heja'. (Compare Sovuru > Sovuru) 'Seja' became 'Heja' by the rule of ' s a ' becoming ' h a ' (Compare 'sal' > 'hal' and Samara > Hamara etc. Vjjjglj This means the island of the Sinhalese. 'Aja' means presented or put forward or shown. This means the island of the Sinhalese. Island of Mare (Male) 4. Madagascar . Kakus (Cocos) (Island of Ilavamar) 5. Sihalis (Seychell) 6. MAPS & DIAGRAMS 1. Kumaro Island 8 . Lakadiv 3. Mercy Island 7 . Lanka 2. The Story of the (and of the Sinhalese (Jfelese) 65 Ptolemy's Map . Islands of Sri Lanka . Tfie Story of tfie (and of tfie Smfiafese pfetese) 3rd c B.C 1 C st A.D r d 2 C A.D l h 4 C A.D Jf , h 5 C A.D 6/7 C A.D 8 C th A.D 9/10 C A.D 11-13 C A.D 14/15 C A.D l h 20 C «3D A.D 7/ie evolution of the letter 'Ka' 68 jiriesen JlfiuSudu 29 39 30 * a*W r(* « A 14 ^ 21b \ A / 31 )> 41 15 i 22 ^ 32 + e 42 rt- 16a # 23 f 33 ^ 43 51! «> X 24 34 ^ ) lfc 25 3 5 8 ( § ^ © 44 1 * 1 i u »i Q 28 £ 38 f Sinhala Inscription symbols which are non Brahmi the Story of the land of the Sinhalese (JCelesc) 69 £ 7 V C77 67^y erf CD t3>0 I v 2/ Ic < ® © a® US M Us ZJc Sift­ d GO ed CJ U d C5 C5C5 >A Inflexions of ancient Hela Letters 7Q ^Iriesen ^fuSudu The Balangoda inscription Journal of the Royal Asiatic Society Vol XXXii. 2 3 1 6 © 0 " 0 7 8 9 s x > 4— r* . Page 163. The Story of the land of tfie Sinhalese (Jlelese) 71 The Koggala Inscriptions . Loading goods from Sri Lanka to Egypt (Misara) . Panadura. 1953 Ven. 1949. Maradana. Gunasena Publishers.. 2000. Colombo. S.D. 1961 Sri lankave Urumaya Nandadeva Wijesekera. 1952 WeJIala Jayamaha. Wimal G. . J . 1963. Galagama Saranankara Thero. Ponnamperuma. Govt. Kanday.S.G. Ancient books Sinhala Tupavansaya . 1990. Peter Silva. Saraya Unavatuna. Godage and Bros. Ltd. T r a n s l a t i o n by Don Andris de Silva. Boralesgamuwa. G .B. Gunasena & Co. Ratna Publishers. Prof. Videshin Dutu Purana Kankava . Balagalla Visiduna Publishers Ltd. H. Bentara Shraddatishya Saddharmalankaraya Thero. Batuwantudawa. M. Rajavaliya B. Senanayake. Colombo. 1999. Hikkaduwe Sri Sumangala T h e r o . Sinhala Mahimaya M. V e n . Mahavamsa Ven. Press. Gunasekara. Heli Press.. Sidat Sangarawa Siyabaslakara Ramayanaya Vol 2 (Tr) G. REFERENCES 1. Colombo. Fahien's Travel Reports .D. Karunadhara. Parker Ancient India as descrived by ptolemy McCrindle. Lanka Varnanava. 1926. P.H. 2. of Cultural Affairs. A . flriesen JHfiu6udu English Ancient Ceylon . Sirisoma. S. Kada Im Poth Vimarshanaya . Dept. 1978. Colombo. Calcutt. Lanka Gam Nam Vahara . Utura Nangenahira Pedeshi Hela Urumaya M. Godage & Bros. . Ven. Colombo. Pali & Sanskrit Raghuvamsa Vyasakaraya . Balangoda Ananda Maitriya M a h a T h e r o . A b h a y a w a r d e n a . H. N I E . Modern Book C o . 1994. 1987.Arisen A h u b u d u .H. New Books Sinhala Ira Handa Nangi Rata - Ariesen A h u b u d u . Maharagama. N u g e g o d a . We have^iwmliiumtuiinR heard through literature that it was a practice of Rishis and Sages of the Himalaya Region to engage in deep concentration on any matter for very many years leading a life true to their conscience. We also did not know that the c u l Hela Asura was built up in the warm Tropical world throu Rishiswho acquired knowledge in this manner. We also have a belief thajjhe' knowledge acquired thereby known as the "word o f Rishis" is co not know that this was a system o f Education and that it Education by American Anthropologists and also that it was ini.00 ISBN 978-955-658-313-7 . r Great Hela Maha Rishi Brigu. Mr. 350. Dr. )00 years ago. Ariesen Ahubudu too has become the modern Brigu Maha Rishi through the knowledge gained by following this path through extra-sensory perceptio were able to see the Maha kavya 'Ira Handa Nagi Rata" printed in 19 culmination o f the process o f documenting this knowledge. It spreaded fro from South Ameri e Ramanaka region (Presently Fi_ Africa and s ^nmmmssms m£m ®ms$i ®sA ^sml) sinha Arnold Toyribee stated that 'history repeats itself Mr. 1 Vaga has been comoiled bv svstemazing that knowled uses Western Anth ' identified the Geographical distributi the Hela Asura Em . Suriya Gunasekera Rs. Ahubudu will have to produce a set o f pupils who will carry his knowledge from generation to generate just in the same manner as Maha Rishi Brign.