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Today, we will be discussing the part two of our video about grade 10 history first lesson, sources of studying history.
Grade 10 O/L History lesson on archaeological sources, inscriptions, coins, and ancient ruins in Sri Lanka.
Key Takeaways
- Inscriptions and coins are crucial primary sources for studying ancient Sri Lankan history and economy.
- Archaeological monuments provide insights into ancient technology, architecture, and environmental management.
- The Panakaduwa copper plate is a significant historical document from the 12th century A.D.
- Numismatics helps understand trade, metal use, and economic conditions in ancient times.
- Foreign historical records complement local sources for a broader understanding of Sri Lanka’s past.
Summary
- Discussion on archaeological sources including inscriptions known as Asana Lipi and Brahmi inscriptions in Sri Lanka.
- Explanation of the significance of inscriptions for understanding ancient society, events, and governance.
- Overview of ancient Sri Lankan coins such as Kahapana, Tusker, Swastika, Lakshmi, Aka, and Thamba Massa.
- Information on foreign coins found in Sri Lanka including Roman, Chinese, and Indian coins.
- Introduction to numismatics, the study of ancient coins.
- Details about ancient ruins and archaeological monuments in Sri Lanka like stupas, stone pillars, tanks, and ponds.
- Description of notable inscriptions such as the Galpotha inscription by King Keerthi Sri Nisshankamalla and the Panakaduwa copper plate by King Vijayabahu I.
- Explanation of the historical importance of the Panakaduwa copper plate and its contents.
- List of media used for epigraphy including stone inscriptions, walls, copper plates, golden plates, wood, clay slabs, and urns.
- Mention of ancient foreign authors and sources who wrote about Sri Lanka without visiting it.
Full Transcript — Download SRT & Markdown
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So, let's get started without any further ado.
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Archaeological sources.
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What are the seat inscriptions (Asana Lipi)?
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The seat inscriptions, also known as Asana Lipi, are among the oldest inscriptions in Sri Lanka.
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What are the oldest inscriptions in Sri Lanka called?
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The oldest inscriptions in Sri Lanka are called 'Brahmi inscriptions.'
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What was the purpose of Brahmi inscriptions?
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Brahmi inscriptions were written to record events such as the offering of caves to Bhikkus.
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Why are inscriptions important?
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Inscriptions are important to understand the history of the ancient society and the expansion of settlements.
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From which period did the writing of inscriptions continue?
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The writing of inscriptions continued from the 2nd century B.C. to the period of the Kandyan kingdom.
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What types of events were recorded in inscriptions after the 2nd century A.D.?
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After the 2nd century A.D., inscriptions recorded events such as: Offering premises to temples, Administrating temples.
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Informing government laws to people, Charging taxes.
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Trading, Forgiving convicts.
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Appreciating the service of some people.
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Why are inscriptions significant compared to literary sources?
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Inscriptions are significant because they provide much information that is not available in literary sources.
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From which era were coins used in Sri Lanka?
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Coins were used in Sri Lanka from the Anuradhapura era.
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What are the oldest coins found in Sri Lanka called?
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The oldest coins found in Sri Lanka are called 'Kahapana.' They are also referred to as 'Purana' and 'Dharana.'
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What types of coins were used in ancient Sri Lanka?
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The types of coins used in ancient Sri Lanka include: Tusker and Swastika coins.
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Lakshmi coins.
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Golden coins named 'Aka'.
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Copper coins (Thamba Massa) during the Polonnaruwa kingdom.
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Where were coins for Sri Lanka produced, and what evidence supports this?
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Coins needed for Sri Lanka were produced in the country itself.
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Moulds used for producing coins have been discovered in excavations.
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What foreign coins have been found in Sri Lanka?
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Roman coins, Chinese coins, and Indian coins have been found in Sri Lanka.
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Why are coins considered important historical sources?
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Coins are important for studying the economic condition, trade, and use of metals in ancient times.
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What is the study of ancient coins called?
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The study of ancient coins is called 'numismatics.'
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The authors who have written records about Sri Lanka based on the information obtained from others without seeing the country with their own eyes, and their books are given below.
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So, let's look at them.
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Type of source.
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Examples.
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Type of source.
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Greek sources.
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Demundo by Aristotle, Indica by Megathinis, the records of Onesicritus.
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Roman sources.
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Naturalis Historia by Pliny, Approach to Geography by Ptolemy, Sri Lankan Map by Ptolemy.
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Chinese sources.
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The book on records of tours of Hsuan-Tsang.
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Thero.
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Portuguese sources.
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The book about Sri Lanka by Father Fernao de Queiroz.
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What types of ancient ruins can be seen in Sri Lanka?
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Ancient ruins in Sri Lanka include:
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Ancient buildings.
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Stupas.
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Stone pillars.
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Tanks and ponds.
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Where are some ancient ruins located?
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Some ancient ruins are located in wilderness areas and close to forestry regions where ancient people once lived.
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What are these ancient ruins called?
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These ancient ruins are called archaeological monuments.
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Why are archaeological monuments important?
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Archaeological monuments are important sources to study the history of Sri Lanka.
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Who made the 'Galpotha inscription'?
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The 'Galpotha inscription' was made by King Keerthi Sri Nisshankamalla.
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What knowledge can be gained from studying these ruins?
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These ruins provide knowledge about:
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Creative ability.
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Technology.
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Building design or architecture.
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Craftsmanship.
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Environmental conservation.
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Water management skills of ancient people.
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Where is the 'Galpotha inscription' located?
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The 'Galpotha inscription' is located in Polonnaruwa.
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What is the Panakaduwa copper plate?
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The Panakaduwa copper plate is a historical document written on the order of King Vijayabahu I.
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To whom was the Panakaduwa copper plate granted, and why?
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It was granted to an officer named Sithnarubima Budalna as a gesture of gratitude for his loyalty to the king.
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What is written in the first three lines of the Panakaduwa copper plate?
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The first three lines state:
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Swasthi Sirisiriwath Apiriyath.
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Lo Ikuth Gunamulin.
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Uthurahu Dambadiwihi Ankethkula.
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Pamili Kala Okawas Rad.
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Parapuren Bat Keth Usabnat Agamehesun Wu.
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Lakdiw Polo Yohena Parapuren Himi Sirisangabo.
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Vijayabahu Rajapa Wahanse.
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So you better take a look at it and short note it.
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So now let's move into the next question.
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Why is the Panakaduwa copper plate significant?
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This document is important for studying the history of the 12th century A.D.
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Different media of epigraphy are given below.
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So, let's look at that table.
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Media of epigraphy.
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Examples.
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Inscriptions (Stone).
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King Nisshankamalla's Galpotha inscription.
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Walls.
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The graffiti in Sigiriya.
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Copper Plates.
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Panakaduwa Copper Plate of King Vijayabahu I.
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Golden Plates.
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Vallipuram golden plate.
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Wood.
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Writings on the wooden posts of the Ambekke Devalaya.
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Clay Slabs.
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Scripts written on tiles and bricks.
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Urns.
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Script written on clay pots and begging bowls.
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So, I think you got a, I think you got some information about this.
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So please make sure to leave us a comment, like, and subscribe.
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So we can publish more videos about them with short notes as well.
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So thank you for watching.
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Goodbye.
Topics:Grade 10 HistorySri Lanka HistoryArchaeological SourcesBrahmi InscriptionsAncient CoinsNumismaticsGalpotha InscriptionPanakaduwa Copper PlateAncient RuinsEpigraphy
