Importance of the Ruwanwaliya Pagoda in Sri Lanka with Special Reference to the Great Chronicle of Mahavamsa

Abstract

The Mahavamsa is the oldest chronicle in Sri Lanka, written by a Buddhist monk called Ven. Mahanama in the fifth or sixth century A.D. The Mahavamsa is remarkable as a great historical source nationally and internationally. It is a unique chronicle that records local monarchs of Sri Lanka with a long-line of the events and activities. Moreover, it describes the origin of administration, politics, and historical occasions of national significance such as the introduction of Buddhism to the island and various struggles against invaders, and how the autonomy of the whole Island was maintained for over 2300 years of its recorded history. The British Civil Servant George Turnour in 1837 did the English translation of Mahavamsa, and it made the awareness of the historical heritage of Sri Lanka worldwide. Also, in 1912 the German translation of Mahavamsa prepared by Wilhelm Geiger was published. This was again translated into English by Mabel Haynes Bode, accompanying revisions made by Geiger.