The usage of ancient metal technology according to archaeological evidences of “Dheega pashanaya” at Anuradhapura in Sri Lanka

Abstract

According to the historical sources “Digupahana or “ Dheegapashana “ stone segment has placed in north, south directions in Anuradhapura.this stone segment is spreading from South to North of the city which is appeared from one place to another place as a rock with the help of this stone segment the stone workers have done different types of activities during the period of early and middle history. The prime usage of metal technology was to build natural caves for Buddhist monks during the ancient period Along with this activity chronicle holes which have been used to sharpen metal equipments can be identified in this stone segment. The commencement of middle history period started after this particular period. During this period metal technology has been utilized mostly for the stone splitting activity. Specially, as per the evidences this stone segment has extensively used for temples, houses and irrigation activities for example more than 120 stones can be identified. The best evidence is chisels marks which has used to break stones to from stone tablets and stone mountains many slag’s encountered in this area and those are the evidences to prove the colliquation of metals technology took place from 3rd century B.C. to 10th century B. C.