An Investigation of the Inscriptions of Harispattu and Thumpane

Abstract

There are many historically important archaeological sites in Harispattu and Thumpane, the local administrative units known as the country near Kandy in the Kanda Udarata Kingdom, and through this research, the aim is to carry out a comprehensive investigation of the published and unpublished inscriptions of that area. Here, the analysis of inscriptions identified through library studies and field research is the primary research method. A few pre-Brahminical and late Brahminical inscriptions are found in Molagoda, Dulwala, Bhagawalena, Welagama, Weheragala and Danduwawa caves. Medawala Rock Inscription belonging to the Gampola period and Pillar Inscription in Galgane vihara, Pahala Hingulwala Slab Inscription dated 1907 AD and Akurana Amunewela and Kahawaththa vihara Inscription are also found. Through this research, it was possible to introduce to the academic world the Asana Inscription exiting on the grounds of Harankahawa Illagolla Sri Purwarama Purana Vihara, which has not been published so far. There are non-Brahminic symbols at the beginning of the Rock inscription in the Medawala. Harankahawa Illagolla vihara and Pahala Hingulwala Slab Inscriptions show the use of Repaya as well as the use of Badi Akuru. In the investigation of these inscriptions in Harispattu and Thumpane, it can be identified as an area where Parumakayan and Upasakawariyan mainly lived, their kinship line, and cave offerings. Also, the contents of the inscriptions in this area are about rural elites, local rulers and Maharaja who were spread locally. The Bhagawalena cave inscription also mentions a sailor who went to a port named Bharukachcha. Accordingly, through this research, it is clear that the widespread Inscriptions in that area are important to study the political, religious, economic and social affairs of Harispattu and Thumpane.