Sri Lanka Grade 10 Social Studies

I. Studying History

• Sources of History: Historians use various sources to understand the past. These sources can be classified into:
• Archaeological Sources: These include inscriptions, coins, and ruins.
• Literary Sources: These comprise local literature like Pali chronicles, religious texts, and verse/prose literature, as well as foreign literature such as books and reports written by visitors to Sri Lanka.
• Importance of Studying History: Studying history helps us understand the world and society, learn from the past to build a better future, develop leadership skills, identify our national identity, respect other cultures, promote tolerance and national unity, develop a sense of time and space, and enhance critical thinking.

II. Early Settlements in Sri Lanka

• Proto-Historic Period (125,000 BCE - 1800 BCE): This period is characterized by hunting and gathering. People were nomadic, living in open areas during dry seasons and caves during rainy seasons. Their diet consisted of yams, cereals, naturally grown food, and hunted animals. Technology included tools made of wood, animal bones, and stones.
• Pre-Historic Period (2400 BCE - 450 BCE): Triggered by climatic changes and population growth, this period saw the establishment of permanent settlements and the development of agriculture. Houses were built with wattle and daub walls. Metal tools were used, pottery emerged, and cremation was practiced.
• Historic Period (450 BCE - 300 CE): Settlements were influenced by geographical factors like rainfall, soil, and natural resources. Settlements were categorized as rural or urban. Villages often developed around tanks. Urban settlements emerged due to increased production and trade. The economy was based on paddy and chena cultivation. Technological advancements included tanks and irrigation systems. People faced challenges like food production for a growing population, water storage and distribution, floods, and population growth.

III. Evolution of Political Power

• Pre-Monarchical Period: Society was organized into families led by a 'grahapati,' villages led by a 'gamika,' and groups of villages led by a 'parumaka.' The 'parumaka' system, linked to tank irrigation, represented an early stage of political power.
• Emergence of Monarchy: 'Parumakas' evolved into kings, establishing a monarchical system.
• Concept of Monarchy: The concept of monarchy was influenced by various ideas, including "Parvatha raja," "Bodhisathwa," "Deva," "Chakravarthi," and "Veerathva." Royal heritage was passed down through paternal or fraternal lineage.

IV. Ancient Society

• Administration: The ancient Sri Lankan society had a structured administration consisting of executive, legislative, and judicial branches, as well as a foreign policy.
• Economy: The economy was based on agriculture (chena cultivation, paddy cultivation, livestock), industries (craftsmen, specialized villages, hereditary craftsmanship), and trade (barter system, guilds, trading cities/villages, road networks, internal and external trade).
• Culture: Culture was deeply influenced by religion (Buddhism and other religions), education (temple-based education, pirivenas, subjects like astrology, warfare, astronomy, logic, and mathematics), and literature (Pali, Sanskrit, and Sinhala literature).
• Ethnic Coexistence: Sri Lankan society was pluralistic, with various ethnic groups coexisting and participating in different roles, including administrators, soldiers, state officials, and Buddhists.

V. Science and Technology

• Initial Stage (Pre-Historic Period): Early applications of science and technology are evident in clay boat-shaped tombs, clay walls, sun-dried bricks, clay mortar, houses built of stone, the potter's wheel, and painted pottery.
• Development (Historic Period): Advanced scientific and technological knowledge is evident in water management (tanks, canals, Sigiriya sprinklers), architecture (building construction, sculpture, city planning, parks), sanitation and medicine (waste management, latrines, surgical instruments, medicinal baths, hospitals, medical books), small industries (metallurgy, jewelry making, gem industry), and other practices (magical rituals, secret treatments, indigenous knowledge).

VI. Historical Knowledge and its Practical Application

• Social Organization: Ancient Sri Lankan society had a hierarchical structure with the king at the top, followed by the Mahasangha, state officials, lay dignitaries, intermediate personnel, the general public, and slaves.
• Law and Tradition: Laws and traditions were essential for maintaining social order. Early legal systems included courts and regulations related to environmental protection, agriculture, and crimes.
• Money and Exchange: The use of coins emerged, and the weight of metal was used as a unit of exchange.
• Women's Contribution: Women were respected and held in high esteem. Some women became queens and leaders.
• Environmental Protection: Methods for environmental protection were developed and implemented.
• Indigenous Foods: The diet consisted of cereals, porridge, yams, vegetables, and fruits.

VII. Decline of Ancient Cities and Second Urbanization

• Decline of Ancient Cities: The decline of ancient cities in the dry zone was influenced by factors such as changing trade routes, competition for trade, and the rise of neighboring powers.
• Second Urbanization: New cities emerged, including Dambadeniya, Yapahuwa, Kurunegala, Gampola, Kotte, Jaffna, and Vanniyar. This period saw changes in the economic pattern (use of seasonal rains, focus on commercial crops), religion (various religions, involvement of dignitaries), arts and architecture (South Indian influence), and literature ("Sandesha" literature, educational centers, lay and ordained scholars).

VIII. Kandyan Kingdom

• Beginning and Expansion: The Kandyan Kingdom was strategically located and had a rich history. Key rulers included King Wimaladharmasuriya I, King Senarath, King Rajasinghe II, King Wimaladharmasuriya II, and King Sri Vira Parakrama Narendrasinghe.
• Administrative Organization: The king held supreme power, advised by a ministerial council and Mahanayakas. The administrative structure included the chief courtier (Maha Adikarama), Rata Wasama (regional administration), Badde (tax collection), Maha Wasala (palace affairs), and departments managing temple properties. The judicial system included the High Court (Mahanaduwa) and local courts.
• Socio-Economic Pattern: The Kandyan Kingdom had a self-sufficient economy based on paddy cultivation, chena cultivation, home gardening, and guild-based industries. Society was organized based on land ownership, with categories like Gabadagamas, Nindagamas, Vihara/Devala agamas, and Paraveni lands. Rural society was cooperative and based on a caste system. Temples served as centers of religion, education, and social service.

IX. The Renaissance in Europe

• Introduction: The Renaissance (15th-16th centuries) marked a shift from feudalism to a revival of Greco-Roman civilization. It was a period of awakening in politics, economics, religion, literature, art, and science. Contributing factors included the fall of Constantinople, trade development, intellectual enlightenment, and criticism of the Church. The Renaissance led to scholastic revival, humanism, advancements in arts and crafts, the emergence of nation-states, a rising middle class, economic growth through trade and currency, scientific advancements (new concepts about the universe), and the discovery of new trade routes and lands.
• Impact on Sri Lanka: The Renaissance, a global trend, had political, economic, and cultural impacts on Sri Lanka.

X. Sri Lanka and the Western World

• Arrival of the Portuguese: The Portuguese arrived in Sri Lanka seeking economic benefits, spreading religion, and gaining political recognition. Sri Lanka was divided into Kotte, Kandy, and Jaffna at the time. Internal conflicts and disunity among rulers facilitated Portuguese expansion.
• Capture of Maritime Provinces: The Portuguese established power in Kotte and conquered Jaffna. Sri Lankans, led by figures like Mayadunne and King Rajasingha I, resisted Portuguese expansion.
• Arrival of the Dutch: The Dutch took advantage of King Rajasingha II's animosity towards the Portuguese. They captured coastal areas, maintained cordial relations with Kandy, focused on economic gains, and eventually handed over their territories to the British.