The Mahavamsa

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(“Great Chronicle”) is one of the world’s most significant and longest unbroken historical records, chronicling over 2,500 years of Sri Lankan history. Written as an epic poem in the Pali language, it is recognized for initiating a mature historiographic tradition in South Asia.

Key Significance and Legacy

• Global Recognition: In 2023, the Mahavamsa was officially inscribed on the UNESCO Memory of the World International Register, cementing its status as a piece of globally important documentary heritage.
• Historical Accuracy: While it contains legendary and religious elements, its descriptions of ancient cities, kings, and engineering marvels like Ruwanwelisaya have been repeatedly verified by archaeological excavations in both Sri Lanka and India.
• South Asian Linkages: The text is an indispensable source for dating the Indian Emperor Ashoka and the rise of Buddhism as a world religion, providing crucial historical synchronicity with the era of Alexander the Great.
• Living Document: Originally composed by the monk Mahanama in the 5th or 6th century CE, the chronicle was extended by successive authors in works known as the Culavamsa, continuing the record up until the British takeover in 1815.
• Literary Achievement: It is considered the most important epic poem in Pali. Its elegant verse was designed for memorization, allowing the history to survive even if physical manuscripts were lost. 
• Structure of the Chronicle
• Mahavamsa (Part I): Covers the period from 543 BCE (the arrival of Prince Vijaya) to 361 CE (the reign of King Mahasena).
• Culavamsa (Lesser Chronicle): Continues the record from the 4th century CE through the medieval period and ends with the British occupation in 1815.
• Modern Extensions: Some scholars and monks have added later chapters to bring the record into the 20th century.