Sri Lanka Grade 7 History

1. Life of our Ancient People

• Economy: The ancient Sri Lankan economy was based on agriculture, industries, and trade. Agriculture included chena cultivation (slash-and-burn), paddy cultivation (rice farming using irrigation systems like tanks and anicuts), and animal husbandry. Industries included clay work, textiles, metal work, and sugar cane processing. Trade was conducted both internally and externally, with trade cities called "Nigama" and port villages. Regulations, such as those found on the Hopitigama pillar inscription, were in place to prevent fraud. Sri Lanka traded with countries like India, Persia, Iran, Arabia, Rome, China, and Southeast Asia, exporting resources like minerals and spices through ports like Mannar, Trincomalee, and Godavaya.
• Society: Ancient Sri Lankans exhibited a strong connection to their environment and practiced sustainable living. Community cooperation was evident in activities like the Aththan method (labor exchange), marriage and death rituals, food sharing, and adherence to customs and ethics. Art, folk songs, folk dances, drawings, and tales reflected their aesthetic sensibilities and beliefs.

2. Our Reputed Kings

• Manavamma Dynasty: This dynasty rose to power in Anuradhapura after conflicts with the Lambakarna and Moriya clans. Prince Manavamma, with support from the Pallava state of South India, became King Manavamma. King Sena II, a later ruler in the dynasty, invaded the Pandya state. The Manavamma kings implemented a structured administrative system with central and local officials. They focused on defense, law and order, economic development, and social welfare, including building hospitals. They also maintained foreign relations with South India and China.
• King Vijayabahu the Great: King Vijayabahu overcame a challenging childhood, documented in the Panakaduwa copper plate, to become ruler of Rohana and eventually liberate Rajarata from Chola rule in 1070. He established Polonnaruwa as the capital and unified Sri Lanka. His foreign policy involved alliances with anti-Chola kingdoms through strategic marriages. He revitalized Buddhism by bringing ordained monks from Burma and engaged in religious and social welfare activities.
• King Parakramabahu the Great: Born to Queen Rathnavali and Prince Manabharana, King Parakramabahu ruled Dakkhinadesha (Maya Rata) from his capital, Parakramapura. He unified Sri Lanka after gaining power in Rajarata. He is known for his extensive irrigation projects, including the construction of Parakrama Samudra, and his efforts to unify the Sangha (Buddhist monastic order). His foreign policy involved military campaigns in South India and Burma.
• King Nissankamalla: A member of the Kalinga dynasty of India, King Nissankamalla ruled for nine years during the Polonnaruwa era. He overcame numerous challenges, including his foreign origin and local power struggles, to establish political stability. He is known for his economic development initiatives, tax relief measures, and contributions to Buddhism, including the construction of Rankoth Vehera and a Hetadageya. He also built the Nissanakamalla Raja Saba Mandapa and Sath Mahal Prasadaya.

3. Our Cultural Heritage

Sri Lanka's cultural heritage is divided into tangible (physical objects like buildings, monuments, and archaeological sites) and intangible (traditions, beliefs, arts, and social practices). Six sites in Sri Lanka are recognized as UNESCO World Heritage sites: Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Kandy, Dambulla Raja Maha Vihara, Sigiriya, and the Galle Fort. Sigiriya, known for its ancient fortress, frescoes, and water gardens, was inscribed in 1982. Intangible heritage includes folk language, performing arts, social customs, knowledge related to nature, and traditional crafts. Preservation of this heritage is crucial for maintaining national identity and promoting tourism.

4. Later Ruling Centers

After the decline of Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa, new ruling centers emerged: Dambadeniya, Yapahuwa, Kurunegala, Gampola, Kotte, and Jaffna. This shift was influenced by changes in Indian Ocean trade patterns, competition between South India and Southeast Asia, the rise of the Chola Empire, and Magha's invasion. Notable rulers include King Vijayabahu III (Dambadeniya), King Buvanekabahu I (Yapahuwa), King Parakramabahu IV (Kurunegala), King Buvanekabahu V (Gampola), and King Parakramabahu VI (Kotte).

5. Ancient Civilizations of Europe

• Greece: Located on a peninsula jutting into the Mediterranean Sea, ancient Greece was a collection of city-states, including Athens and Sparta. Its civilization, influenced by Minoan and Mycenaean cultures, flourished during a golden age. Greek contributions include democracy, sports (Olympic games), drama, theatre, philosophy, architecture, and literature.
• Rome: Situated on the Italian Peninsula, Rome expanded into a vast empire. Its civilization is known for its republican and imperial administrative systems, legal system (Roman Law), engineering feats (roads, bridges, aqueducts), architecture, arts, and literature. Roman legacies include Christianity, Roman Law, engineering skills, architecture, the calendar, and administrative systems.