A land like no other...

Names by which Sri Lanka was known in the distant past:

Rupa BANDUWARDENA

History of Sri Lanka runs back to the pre-Buddhist era. There are numerous beliefs legend and tradition associated with the island. There is also the folk tales and oral tradition landed down by the previous generations. There is a good deal of historical and archaeological evidence to prove it's worth as a glorious island from it's legendery beginnings. This article is an endeavour to enlighten the general reader and those interested in the history of the island, the many names by which the it was known in ancient times. Chronicles reveal that the history of the island is closely connected with that of India. In fact if is believed that Sri Lanka was closely connected to India. However, the ancient chronicles and various writers have hitherto written that the derivations and the original names of Sri Lanka to be many, coined according to various circumstances.

Elephants geting set for a dip

The sun-baked beaches

Name Taprobane is said to be the earliest recorded in early history and prior to this it was Sielediba to the Indians and Taprobane to the ancient Greeks. According to C. W. Nicholas in ancient Indian literature the earliest reference to Sri Lanka, is in Kautulya's Arthashastra in which the island is referred to as Pasasamudra meaning beyond the ocean!

There could be some truth in this statement considering the geographical location situated close to India while at the same time being separated from India. According to J. R. Sinnatamby, an ancient historian periplus refers to Sri Lanka as the island of Palesamundu called so by the lndegenes. It is also believed to be an ancient river. The popular belief is that the name Taprobane had been given by Gnesicrites the personal navigator of Alexander the great who accompanied him to explore further in the east. The general view is that he did so with the idea of consolidating an empire of his own in the east. But it is claimed that it could not be achieved due to his untimely death.

Almost all historians have analysed the chronological and other relevant facts about the island in a similar manner. Lanka's links with India are known to date back to the ancient civilisations, long before the introduction of Buddhism to the island. The name Tamraparni given in Sanskrit records and Tamprapani in Pali records occupies a very important place in history related to the arrival of Vijaya who is honoured as the pioneer of the Sinhala race. There are a few legends associated with this event. Martin Wickremasinghe who had done extensive research on the subject says "The legend on the conquest of the island by Vijaya is undoubtedly much older that it's extant form as recorded by Mahanama and it is most likely that if had undergone several changes".

However the birth of the Sinhala race is said to date back to Vijaya who made history by landing at Tammanna Nuwara originating from Tambapanni meaning copper coloured soil - a vital factor in our proud heritage. It is also identified as present Silawatura a place much talked of in the recent past, as representing a bygone era of Lankan history. The story of Vijaya's visit rich in cultural tradition was elaborately narrated by reputed Dramatist Henry Jayasena while the tale of Kuveni was dramatised by late Manel Jayasena. Pre-historic links between Sri Lanka and India by Achal Kumar Malhotra is another epic said to contain a vivid description of veddhas and Kuveni episode and the introduction of Buddhism finally gave another name to Sri Lanka ie. Dharmadweepa.

Centre

The geographical situation of the island being in the centre of major international naval routes between the East and the West attracted numerous foreigners. It helped bring Sri Lanka under western rule and gave Sri Lanka yet another name during the pre-independence era. Portuguese were the first Europeans who came for spices, to be followed by the Dutch and subsequently by the British who opened a new chapter in the island's history. The early names known to our forefathers took a different turn. The British in particular with their naval supremacy were far ahead of the rest and in the course of their attempt to consolidate their authority the island was rebaptised a Ceylon which name remained till she was relieved from the Imperial grip.

The early Europeans, mainly the British fascinated by the natural beauty, landscape and greenery filled with tea estates referred to the island as Serendib. Serendipity was the other name given to the island by them. Ceylon was the most popular name under colonial rule but at the cost of our national freedom. Finally the National Movement headed by the patriotic leaders of all communities drove Sri Lanka as the road to national freedom. After much struggle Ceylon became independent paving the way for the latest and the most revered and fitting name Sri Lanka. It was certainly a proud moment in our history when all groups racial, religious worked together unitedly for a common cause - that of creating an independent and united Sri Lanka a few decades ago. What Sri Lanka yearns for at the moment is peace and nothing but peace for a united Sri Lanka, at one time serendipity meaning "Land like no other" which is perfectly true.