History Of Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is a sovereign island country located in south of Indian subcontinent and surrounded by the mighty Indian Ocean. This verdant country had played an important role in shaping the polity of South-East Asia from time immemorial. From the history of Sri Lanka, we find that at one point of time this island was ruled by indigenous rulers who were astute and benevolent at the same time, protecting the country from outside harmful outside influences and making it surge forward. Sri Lanka was originally known as Simhala or Heladwipa as per one school of thought though the name Ceylon is more widely recognized. History of Sri Lanka reveals that the country is rich in cultural heritage, it has been mentioned in one of the greatest epics of the world, Ramayana. From this glorious epic we find that this was an island rich in natural resources and breathtakingly beautiful.
From the 6th Century, Indo Aryan people moved to this island from India, thus signaling a new epoch for this island. this movement was pioneered by none other than Prince Vijaya, a powerful king of North India. Buddhism was introduced to this island much later around three centuries later. The impact of this religion has been well chronicled, Buddhism counteracted staunch Brahmanism and its caste divisions, thus paving the way for waylaid and weaker sections of the society to convert to Buddhism which did away with social divisions and delineated the society in a new way. Though Lord Buddha paved the way for such miracles, Buddhism spread to Simhala (Sri Lanka) at the instance of the mighty monarch of India, King Ashoka. In fact Ashoka’s conversion to Buddhism marked a defining point the history of Buddhism and its affect on the world. In a way he can be credited with making Buddhism popular not only in Sri Lanka but also to Far East Asia and South East Asia.

From the history of Sri Lanka, it can be known that there were several kings from various dynasties who tried to extend their dominions to this island. Sri Lankan history is also a testimony to the fact the Dravidians tried to have a strong influence on the destiny of the country. However, this was not without any protest from the Sinhalese, but with the arrival of Buddhism, this infighting stopped. This happened after the peace of the country had been usurped by Sena and Guttika. They ascended the Sinhalese throne at Anuradhapuram and their twenty two year rule marked the first rule of Tamilians in the country. Anuradhapuram was an important place as far as the Sinhalese kings were concerned. After the duo was murdered, the Sinhalese royal dynasty was restored to the throne. Fifth and sixth centuries AD saw the Pandya, Pallava and Chola kingdoms from India try their luck in conquering the throne at Anuradhapuram. The Sinhalese kingdom started its journey towards decline from 1200 AD and this downfall continued roughly till 1500 AD.