Q: On what material were ancient literary

and religious information written?

A: They were written on ola leaves.

Q: What type of stories were also written on

ola leaves?
A: The Wamsakatha were also written on ola
leaves.

Q: What tradition does Sri Lanka inherit

related to writing?
A: Sri Lanka inherits the tradition of talipots.

Q: How long did the tradition of talipots last?

A: It lasted for a long period of time.

Q: Which country has the tradition of writing on ola leaves?

A: Sri Lanka has this tradition.

who is this?
Claudius Ptolemy

 Who was Claudius Ptolemy?

A: He was a Greek-Roman geographer.

  Q: Where did Claudius Ptolemy live?

A: He lived in Alexandria.
  Q: Between which years did Claudius Ptolemy live?
A: He lived between 90–168 A.D.

  Q: What did Claudius Ptolemy draw?

A: He drew a map of Sri Lanka.

What is this? ‘Galpotha inscription

Who made it? King Keerthi Sri Nisshankamalla.
Where is this located? Polonnaruwa

 Q: What is this?
A: This is the Panakaduwa copper plate.

  Q: On whose order was the Panakaduwa copper plate written?

A: It was written on the order of King Vijayabahu I.

  Q: To whom was the copper plate granted?

A: It was granted to an officer named Sithnarubima Budalna.

  Q: Why was the copper plate granted to Sithnarubima Budalna?

A: It was granted in gratitude for his loyalty to the king.

  Q: Why is the Panakaduwa copper plate important?

A: It is important to study the history of the 12th century A.D.
  Q: What is this?
A: This is a medieval golden coin (Madyakalina Ran Kahawanu).

  Q: What material was this coin made of?

A: It was made of gold.

  Q: Where was this coin used?

A: It was used in Sri Lanka.

  Q: What are these coins called?

A: They are called medieval golden coins (Madyakalina Ran Kahawanu).

  Q: How do these coins help in history?

A: They help to study the ancient economy as well as technology

 Q: What is this?
A: This is the sculpture of Man and the Head of Horse in Isurumuni temple,
Anuradhapura.
  Q: Where is this sculpture found?
A: It is found in the Isurumuni temple, Anuradhapura.

  Q: When was this sculpture believed to have been created?

A: It is believed to have been created in the 7th or 8th century A.D.

  Q: Which god does the Head of Horse represent?

A: The Head of Horse represents the god Agni.

  Q: Which god does the image of Man represent?

A: The image of Man represents the god Parjanya.

nd
2 lesson

 Q: What is this?
A: This is the Pahiyangala cave.

  Q: Where is the Pahiyangala cave located?

A: It is located in Bulathsinhala, Kalutara District.

  Q: Who lived in the Pahiyangala cave long ago?

A: Prehistoric men lived there.

  Q: How many years ago did prehistoric men live in this cave?
A: About 38,000 years ago.

  Q: What does the Pahiyangala cave reveal?

A: It reveals significant information about prehistoric people in the lowland wet zone
of Sri Lanka.
 : What is this?
A: These are a few stone tools in geometric shape.

  Q: To which age do these stone tools belong?

A: They belong to the middle-stone age in Sri Lanka.

  Q: What material were these tools made of?

A: They were made of pure alabaster stone.

  Q: What is alabaster stone also called?

A: It is called ‘Bim Weeduru’.

  Q: Why are these tools important?

A: They show the technology used by people in the middle-stone age.

 Q: What is this?
A: This is a bead found in a prehistoric habitation in Sri Lanka.

  Q: Where was the bead found?

A: It was found in a prehistoric habitation in Sri Lanka.
  Q: What is the bead made of?
A: It is made of a piece of animal bone.

  Q: What does this bead show us about prehistoric people?

A: It shows that they used animal bones to make ornaments.

  Q: Why is this bead important?

A: It provides evidence of the lifestyle and creativity of prehistoric people.

 Q: What is this?
A: This is a human skeleton representing pre-history in Sri Lanka.

  Q: Where was this skeleton discovered?

A: It was discovered in the Pothana cave near Sigiriya.

  Q: What period does this skeleton represent?

A: It represents the prehistoric period in Sri Lanka.

  Q: Which cave is associated with this discovery?

A: The Pothana cave.

  Q: Why is this skeleton important?

A: It provides evidence of human life in prehistoric Sri Lanka.
 Q: What is this?
A: This is a prehistoric cemetery.

  Q: Where was this cemetery discovered?

A: It was discovered at the premises of Kolambageara Ranchamadama government
school in Rathnapura District, Sabaragamuwa Province.

  Q: When was this cemetery discovered?

A: It was discovered during excavations done in 2007.

  Q: How long ago had this cemetery been used?

A: It had been used around 3,350 years ago.

  Q: Why is this cemetery important?

A: It provides information about prehistoric burial practices in Sri Lanka

 Q: What is this?
A: This is a clay tub burial used in the proto-historic era.

  Q: What was done to the human skeletons in these burials?

A: The skeletons were cremated.

  Q: What was done with the remains after cremation?

A: The remains were placed into clay pots.
  Q: Where was this clay tub burial discovered?
A: It was discovered in the proto-historic burial ground in Ranchamadama.

  Q: Why were these clay tub burials important?

A: They show the rituals performed for the dead during the proto-historic era.

 Q: What is this?
A: This is a clay tub burial used in the proto-historic era.

  Q: What was done to the human skeletons in these burials?

A: The skeletons were cremated.

  Q: What was done with the remains after cremation?

A: The remains were placed into clay pots.

  Q: Where was this clay tub burial discovered?

A: It was discovered in the proto-historic burial ground in Ranchamadama.

  Q: Why were these clay tub burials important?

A: They show the rituals performed for the dead during the proto-historic era.

 Q: What is this?
A: This is a painted clay pot found in an ancient house in Udaranchamadama.
  Q: When was this clay pot dated?
A: It was dated 1129 B.C.

  Q: What does this clay pot indicate about Sri Lanka?

A: It indicates that Sri Lanka had the technology of making pots from a very ancient
time.

  Q: Where was this clay pot discovered?

A: It was discovered in the ancient house in Udaranchamadama.

  Q: What does the picture on the right-hand side show?

A: It shows the early shape of the same clay pot.

3rd lesson

 Q: What is this?
A: This is the Ibbankatuwa burial ground (cemetery) in Dambulla.

  Q: When was the Ibbankatuwa burial ground used?

A: It was used between 700 and 450 B.C.

  Q: Who were buried in these burial grounds?

A: Influential people, like the Parumakas, were buried here.

  Q: Where is the Ibbankatuwa burial ground located?

A: It is located in Dambulla, Sri Lanka.

  Q: Why is this burial ground important?

A: It provides information about the social structure and burial practices of early Sri
Lanka.
  Q: What is this?
A: This is a bead necklace discovered in the Ibbankatuwa burial ground.

  Q: When does this necklace date back to?

A: It dates back to the period between 700 and 450 B.C.

  Q: Were all the beads in the necklace local?

A: No, some of the beads were imported.

  Q: Who does this necklace reflect the luxury of?

A: It reflects the luxury of the rich Parumakas.

  Q: Where was this necklace discovered?

A: It was discovered in the Ibbankatuwa burial ground.

 Q: What is this?
A: These are clay stamps used in ancient times.

  Q: Were the stamps marked when they were discovered?

A: No, there was nothing marked on them when they were discovered.
  Q: Who used stamps like these?
A: They were used by government officers.

  Q: How many stamps are shown in the photograph?

A: Three stamps are shown.

  Q: Where were these stamps discovered?

A: They were discovered at the place of the old urban hall in Tissamaharamaya.

 Q: What is this?
A: This is a clay stamp discovered in the ancient Magama city in Tissamaharama.

  Q: Where was this clay stamp discovered?

A: It was discovered in the place where the ancient Magama city was located in
Tissamaharama.

  Q: What is marked on this clay stamp?

A: Several symbols used by the royals in Ruhunu are marked on it.

  Q: Who used the symbols on this stamp?

A: The symbols were used by the royals in Ruhunu.

  Q: Why is this clay stamp important?

A: It provides information about the administration and symbols used by the ancient
rulers of Ruhunu.
 Q: What is this?
A: This is the statue of King Bhathikabhaya.

  Q: What is King Bhathikabhaya known for in relation to Ruwanweliseya?

A: He is known for performing a great Pooja to Ruwanweliseya.

  Q: Where can this statue be seen today?

A: It can be seen in the premises of Ruwanweliseya.

  Q: Who does this statue represent?

A: It represents King Bhathikabhaya.

  Q: Why is this statue important?

A: It commemorates the king’s devotion and religious contributions to
Ruwanweliseya.

4th lesson
 Q: What is this?
A: This is a cross engraved on a stone post in Anuradhapura.

  Q: Where is this engraved cross located?

A: It is located in Anuradhapura.

  Q: When does this cross date back to?

A: It belongs to a time after the Portuguese came to Sri Lanka.

  Q: What material is the cross engraved on?

A: It is engraved on a stone post.

  Q: Why is this cross historically important?

A: It shows the influence of the Portuguese and the introduction of Christianity in Sri
Lanka.

 Q: What is this?
A: This is an inscription inscribed on a tombstone.
  Q: Who does this inscription belong to?
A: It belonged to the Arabs.

  Q: In which script is this inscription written?

A: It is written in Cufic script.

  Q: Where is this inscription found?

A: It is found on a tombstone.

  Q: Why is this inscription important?

A: It provides evidence of Arab presence and their writing in Sri Lanka.

 Q: What is this?
A: This is a graffiti written on the mirror wall in Sigiriya.

  Q: To which period do the scripts on this graffiti belong?

A: They belong to the 8th or 9th century A.D.

  Q: How does the graffiti begin?

A: It begins with the words “Konanathalmi Leemi.”

  Q: What is the meaning of “Konanathalmi Leemi”?

A: It means “I am Konanathal. I wrote this.”

  Q: Where is this graffiti located?

A: It is located on the mirror wall in Sigiriya.
 Q: What is this?
A: These are Sigiri nymphs painted on the walls of Sigiriya Rock.

  Q: What do these paintings depict?

A: They depict the nature of art that prevailed in the royal palace in the 5th century.

  Q: What do scholars say these paintings represent?

A: Scholars say they represent Meghalatha (thunder clouds) and Vijjulatha (lightning).

  Q: Where are these paintings located?

A: They are located on the walls of Sigiriya Rock.

  Q: Why are these paintings important?

A: They provide insight into the artistic style and cultural aspects of the 5th-century
royal palace.
5th lesson

 Q: What is this?
A: These are the ruins of an ancient sluice gate.

  Q: Where was this sluice gate discovered?

A: It was discovered at the place where foreign engineers recommended constructing
the sluice gate of the present-day Maduru Oya dam.

  Q: How old is this sluice gate?

A: It was built hundreds of years ago.

  Q: What is this site associated with today?

A: It is associated with the present-day Maduru Oya dam.

  Q: Why is this sluice gate important?

A: It shows the ancient engineering and water management techniques in Sri Lanka.
 Q: What is this?
A: These are the present ruins of a stone bridge built in ancient Anuradhapura.

  Q: Where did the road system stretch from?

A: The road system stretched from Anuradhapura.

  Q: What material was used to build these bridges?

A: The bridges were built out of granite.

  Q: What does this bridge show about the engineers of that time?
A: It shows that they knew the basic scientific theory of constructing bridges.

  Q: Why is this bridge important?

A: It demonstrates the advanced road and bridge construction techniques in ancient
Sri Lanka.

 : What is this?
A: These are iron furnaces used to melt iron in ancient Sri Lanka.

  Q: Where was the old iron furnace discovered?

A: It was discovered in the Samanala Wewa area, Sabaragamuwa province.
  Q: How was the ancient iron furnace operated?
A: It was operated with the help of natural wind power.

  Q: What does this discovery show about ancient Sri Lankan artisans?
A: It shows that they had mastered the technology of melting iron.

  Q: What does the figure on the right show?

A: It shows a new furnace made by archaeologists.

 Q: What is this?
A: These are a few pairs of metal scissors found in Alahana Pirivena, Polonnaruwa.

  Q: Where were these scissors discovered?

A: They were discovered among the ruins of the hospital buildings in Alahana
Pirivena, Polonnaruwa.

  Q: What were these scissors used for?

A: They were used for hospital surgeries.

  Q: What material were these scissors made of?

A: They were made of metal.

  Q: Why are these scissors historically important?

A: They provide evidence of medical practices in ancient Polonnaruwa.
 Q: What is this?
A: These are the ruins of an ancient Devalaya discovered in Pallebadde Galpaya.

  Q: Where is Pallebadde Galpaya located?

A: It is located in the Sabaragamuwa province.

  Q: How deep were the ruins buried from the ground level?
A: They were buried four feet deep from the ground level.

  Q: What ritual was performed at this place?

A: The ‘Kirimadu Yagaya’ was performed here.

  Q: To which period does this Devalaya belong?

A: It belongs to the second century A.D.


 Q: What is this?
A: This is a bronze elephant lamp discovered in Kotawehera, Dedigama, Kegalle
District.

  Q: How was oil filled in the lamp?

A: The oil was filled into the stomach of the elephant image.

  Q: What principle was used to refill the oil when the level decreased?
A: The principle of static hydrology was used.

  Q: What does this lamp show about ancient craftsmen?

A: It shows that they had knowledge of principles related to Physics.

  Q: Where was this elephant lamp discovered?

A: It was discovered in Kotawehera, Dedigama, Kegalle District.

 Q: What is this?
A: This is one of the oldest coins used in Sri Lanka, known as Hasebu coins.

  Q: Where were Hasebu coins produced?

A: They were produced in India.

  Q: How did these coins come to Sri Lanka?

A: They were brought by Indian merchants.

  Q: What are these coins called?

A: They are called Hasebu coins.

  Q: Why are these coins important?

A: They provide evidence of trade and economic activity between India and Sri
Lanka.
 Q: What is this?
A: These are colourful beads found in ancient Magama city.

  Q: Where were these beads discovered?

A: They were discovered in ancient Magama city.

  Q: Who used to wear these beads?

A: Women who lived in those days used to wear these beads.

  Q: What do these beads reflect about ancient people?

A: They reflect that women preferred to wear jewellery made of such beads.

  Q: Why are these beads important?

A: They provide information about the fashion and lifestyle of ancient people.

 Q: What is this?
A: This is the Thuparama Stupa in a ruined and overgrown state.
  Q: What happened to such monuments after the downfall of the Anuradhapura
kingdom?
A: They were ruined.

  Q: When was this photograph taken?

A: It was taken before the recent reconstructions.

  Q: Which kingdom is associated with the Thuparama Stupa?

A: The Anuradhapura kingdom.

  Q: Why is this photograph important?

A: It shows the condition of the Thuparama Stupa before modern reconstructions.

 Q: What is this?
A: This is the Polonnaruwa Lankathilaka Image House before its recent
reconstructions.
  Q: What happened to this monument after the downfall of the Polonnaruwa
kingdom?
A: It went wild and became overgrown.

  Q: When was this photograph taken?

A: It was taken before the recent reconstructions.

  Q: Which kingdom is associated with this Image House?

A: The Polonnaruwa kingdom.

  Q: Why is this photograph important?

A: It shows the condition of the Lankathilaka Image House before modern
reconstructions