Setting up of early Aryan settlements

by Husna Inayathullah

Thousands of years ago many immigrants came to Sri Lanka and established settlements. Vijaya and his men who migrated to Sri Lanka in the fifth century BC were the first Aryan settlers.

Vijaya established his kingdom at Upatissa gama in the northwestern region. His close aides established settlements naming the settlements after their own names.

Anuradha gama was established by Anuradha, Upatissa gama was set up by Upatissa, Udeni gama by Udeni and Uruwela gama by Uruwela.

Most of these settlements were established in the basin of Malwathu oya.

The knowledge they possessed on agricultural activities would have influenced them to make their habitation in these regions. These regions were suitable for agriculture because of the seasonal rainfall and fertile soil.

Many migrant groups came to Sri Lanka after the arrival of Vijaya. According to legend and historical details recorded in the Deepawamsa and Mahawamsa after the arrival of prince Vijaya, a large number of Aryans had migrated here with the Kshatriya princess Baddhakachchana of Madavapura.

Princess Baddhakachchana of Madavapura along with a large group of Aryans have entered the island. They have enteredfrom Gokanna and Gonagama which is presently known as Trincomalee. They too have made habitations. Some of their settlements were Vijitha gama, Deegayu gama and Rohana gama.

Setting up settlements in river valleys was a common feature among Aryan settlers.

Gradually Aryan habitation moved into the interior of the island from river valleys and the administrative structures too moved into the inner region along with it. Shifting of administrative centre from Thambapanee (Thammannawa) to Upatissa gama took place during King Vijaya's time. King Pandukabaya built a large city at Anuradha gama and shifted the capital there.

Some immigrants from India have made their way into the island from the northern region through Dambakola Patuna. They have established habitations in that area as well.

Other immigrants have made settlements in modern day Kataragama that was known as Kajaragama.

Most of the settlers selected low lands and coastal areas to make their settlements.