The Dimbulagala Inscription Clearing Misconceptions Spread by Pseudo Archaeologists

Sri Lanka’s archaeological landscape, rich with inscriptions, sculptures and ancient ruins, has once again piqued the nation’s curiosity with the recent discovery of the Dimbulagala Rock Inscription. Unveiled in mid-2023, this inscription, located near the Dimbulagala Aranya Senasanya monastery, has stirred discussions, rumours and excitement across media platforms. Touted as one of the largest inscriptions ever discovered in the country, the Dimbulagala inscription holds a wealth of information waiting to be deciphered by experts. Yet, as with many historical finds, the process of decoding is painstaking and requires time, expertise and patience.

While mainstream and social media have quickly jumped to speculative conclusions, hinting at hidden truths and conspiracies surrounding the inscription, the reality is much more grounded. Understanding and interpreting an ancient rock inscription is no simple task, and the story of Dimbulagala serves as a reminder of the complex and meticulous nature of archaeological research.

Recognising the importance of raising awareness about Sri Lanka’s rich cultural heritage, the Sri Lanka Press Council took the initiative to organise a national-level discussion on the topic. The event, held on 18 September, brought together respected scholars such as Prof. Karunasena Hettiarachchi, Prof. Rathnasiri Arangala and Buddhi Nagodavithana, with Press Commissioner Niroshan Thambawita serving as the moderator. The following is a summary of their insightful discussion.

The discovery

The Dimbulagala Rock Inscription was discovered in July 2023 by two villagers collecting honey from the forest. They stumbled upon a massive slab of text, partially covered in vegetation, and promptly alerted local archaeological authorities. The inscription, situated about 2.5 km from the Dimbulagala Aranya Senasanya, is carved into a rock slope at an elevation of 1,672 ft above ground level and it immediately captured attention for its size and the mystery of its content.

Initial surveys by the Department of Archaeology (DoA) confirmed the significance of the discovery. The inscription consists of around 11 lines of text written in early Brahmi script, a script used in ancient Sri Lanka, and approximately five symbols. These inscriptions are believed to date back to the 2nd century BCE, making them over 2,200 years old.

However, despite the excitement, the process of reading and interpreting such an inscription is far from instantaneous. This is where misunderstandings began to arise.

The role of media and misinformation

Soon after the discovery, social and mainstream media channels began circulating speculative stories. Labels such as the largest inscription ever found in Sri Lanka and an inscription that will turn the history of Sri Lanka upside down spread like wildfire. Some reports even claimed that the Department of Archaeology lacked the expertise to read the inscription, suggesting that independent, non-professional individuals should be consulted for interpretation. Rumours flew about the DoA concealing the true content of the inscription, giving birth to conspiracy theories that distorted the reality of the situation.

However, the truth is that deciphering an ancient inscription is a highly technical and time-consuming process. Experts in epigraphy and archaeology must carefully read, document and cross-refer the inscription with other known texts from the period. Estampage, a method used to copy inscriptions, requires great care, especially when dealing with inscriptions on uneven or damaged surfaces like the one found at Dimbulagala.

The task of copying the Dimbulagala inscription alone took several months, with the entire text copied onto over 300 sheets of paper. Despite media pressure for quick answers, such work cannot be rushed. To draw accurate conclusions, archaeologists must take their time, working diligently to ensure that no detail is missed or misinterpreted.

Understanding the inscription

By November 2023, the first phase of the estampage process was complete. Digital photographs were taken and experts began the task of deciphering the inscription. So far, only about 40% of the text has been legible, with many characters damaged or eroded by time. The inscription likely suffered natural wear due to exposure to the elements over the centuries.

This remarkable lithic record stands as a testament to the socio-political, cultural and religious life during the early Anuradhapura Kingdom. Engraved on a large rock boulder, this inscription is not just a historical relic but a rich source of information from over 2,200 years ago. Though time has blurred some of its lines, it still reveals an extraordinary glimpse into the lives of kings, monks, and ordinary people of that era.

This lithic record, inscribed in the early Brahmi script and written in Sinhala Prakrit, dates back to the 2nd or 1st century BC. It is one of the largest inscriptions ever found in Sri Lanka, measuring approximately 47 by 19 ft. The boulder, naturally split into two parts, offers 11 lines of inscriptions, though the first line has faded completely. The rest of the inscription, despite its age and exposure to the elements, continues to shed light on significant aspects of ancient Sri Lankan society.

Unveiling the past through script and language

the Early Brahmi script, with its 23 letters and two non-Brahmi symbols, captures the essence of a time when Sri Lanka was in the midst of profound socio -political transformations. Though the person who commissioned the inscription is not mentioned, the identification of the names ‘Aya Thisha’ (Prince Tissa) and ‘Maha Raja Thisha’ (Great King Tissa) suggests links to prominent rulers like King Kavantissa and King Saddhatissa, who reigned from 137 to 119 BC. These names point to a period either during King Saddhatissa’s reign or shortly after.

Interestingly, the names in this lithic record may also indicate connections to a royal lineage outside the mainstream Anuradhapura dynasty. The names Gamani Asali, Siva, and Suratisa, mentioned in the inscription, correspond to those found in the Mahavamsa, the ancient chronicle of Sri Lanka. However, the sequence of rulers in this lithic record suggests that it might refer to a different lineage, possibly connected to the ‘Kataragama generation’ rulers from the Southernmost part of the island. This connection shows the intricate web of relationships between various royal families in ancient Sri Lanka.

Religious and monastic contributions

The primary purpose of this inscription was to record the donations made to a Buddhist monastery, believed to have been located in a place known as ‘Ajgiri’. This monastery played a vital role in the spread of Buddhism in the Eastern region of the island and the inscription reveals a wealth of information about the religious life of the time.

The kings and princes mentioned in the inscription were among the most prominent donors. They contributed land, revenue and even personal property to support the monastery and its monks. For instance, the inscription details how Prince Tissa (likely King Kavantissa) organised meals for the monks, while others, including a painter, prepared a pond and steps for the monastery. These acts of generosity underscore the deep connection between the royal family and the Buddhist clergy, reflecting the importance of religion in legitimising and strengthening royal authority.

In addition to the royal contributions, ordinary people, artists, horsemen and even slaves participated in building and maintaining the monastery. This collective effort reveals a society where religion and everyday life were deeply intertwined and everyone, regardless of social status, had a role to play in supporting the monastic community.

Economic and social insights

Beyond its religious significance, the lithic record provides a fascinating window into the economic life of ancient Sri Lanka. It mentions land donations and revenues allocated to the monastery, indicating the economic relationship between the State and religious institutions. The inscription lists various parcels of land, with details about the owners and the size of their contributions, showing that land ownership was a crucial element of wealth and power.

The economic complexity of the time is further revealed by the mention of commercial centres or financial organisations known as ‘mulatana’, ‘devatana’,” and ‘badana nama arihatana’. These centres likely served as hubs for collecting revenue from different areas, reflecting a well-developed system of taxation and resource management. The record also shows how revenue was directed to support religious institutions, further highlighting the close ties between the economy and religion.

Moreover, the inscription refers to different professional groups, such as horsemen, artists, and teachers, as well as slaves and serfs, providing a glimpse into the social hierarchy of the time. The presence of Brahmins and lapidaries suggests a diverse society with various specialised roles, each contributing to the functioning of the kingdom. The reference to slaves and serfs reminds us that even in a society that revered religion, social inequality persisted.

Historical context and the role of kings

The lithic record mentions not only the donors but also the rulers of the time. It refers to King Saddhatissa, the brother of Dutugamunu, the legendary national hero of Sri Lanka. Saddhatissa’s reign was marked by religious devotion, as he continued the work of his father, Kavantissa, in supporting Buddhist institutions. This inscription, inscribed during his time or shortly after, reflects the emphasis placed on religion as a means of securing the loyalty of the people and promoting peace in the kingdom.

The mention of Diparaja, a term that could refer to the viceroy of the Jaffna Peninsula (Nagadipa), also opens up intriguing questions about the political structure of ancient Sri Lanka. It suggests that the kingdom might have had regional rulers or viceroys who governed specific areas on behalf of the central authority. This decentralised system of governance, with local kings and princes pledging their loyalty to the central ruler, would have been crucial in maintaining stability in a large and diverse kingdom like Anuradhapura.

The larger historical context

What makes the Dimbulagala inscription particularly intriguing is the possibility that it may provide insight into the political and social landscape of early Sri Lanka. Inscriptions from this period often reveal details about royal patronage, economic systems and monastic life, offering a glimpse into the past that cannot be found in other types of records.

The mention of donations and land grants in the Dimbulagala inscription is particularly significant. In ancient Sri Lanka, monasteries often played a central role in the local economy, with land and resources granted to them by kings and nobles. These donations were seen as acts of merit, believed to bring spiritual benefits to the donors. Such practices also helped solidify the relationship between the monarchy and the Buddhist clergy, a relationship that would shape Sri Lankan society for centuries.

Moreover, the inscription’s mention of a ‘banking system’ points to the complexity of ancient Sri Lankan economics. Previous inscriptions, such as the Perimiyankulama and Vavuniya inscriptions, have referenced similar systems of land ownership and resource management. The Dimbulagala inscription may yet provide further evidence of how these systems functioned and how monasteries interacted with the broader economy.

Looking ahead

As research continues, the Dimbulagala Rock Inscription promises to shed new light on the history of Sri Lanka’s ancient Anuradhapura Kingdom. However, the road to fully understanding this discovery is a long one, and experts urge patience. The process of reading, copying and interpreting inscriptions is painstaking, requiring a deep knowledge of ancient languages, scripts, and historical context.

Unfortunately, the rapid spread of rumours and misinformation in the media has complicated the work of the Department of Archaeology. While public interest in cultural heritage is always welcome, it is important to remember that archaeology is a science, and conclusions must be based on careful research, not speculation.

The Dimbulagala inscription, though only partially decoded, has already offered valuable insights into ancient Sri Lankan society. As more of the text is uncovered and understood, we can expect even more revelations about the political, social and religious landscape of the time. For now, however, the inscription stands as a testament to the rich history of the region and the enduring importance of Sri Lanka’s cultural heritage.

In conclusion, while the Dimbulagala inscription does not turn history ‘upside down’ as some media reports have suggested, it represents a significant piece of the puzzle in understanding Sri Lanka’s past. With time, patience and expertise, the story carved into the rock at Dimbulagala will gradually come to light, enriching our knowledge of the island’s ancient heritage.

By Ama H. Vanniarachchy

20 Viewers