Archeotrails

The Thonigala Inscription is an important ancient inscription found in the southern part of Sri Lanka. Dating back to the 2nd century BCE, it offers valuable insight into the early political and social structure of the island. The inscription, carved into a rock, records a decree by King Devana Piyatissa, the ruler of the Anuradhapura kingdom, and discusses the granting of land for religious purposes, reflecting the relationship between the monarchy and Buddhism at the time. The language of the inscription is an early form of Sinhala, and it is one of the earliest examples of written records in Sri Lanka. The Thonigala Inscription is crucial for historians and archaeologists as it provides direct evidence of the royal patronage of Buddhism, a significant theme in ancient Sri Lankan history. It also highlights the use of inscriptions to document royal decrees, a practice that would become widespread throughout the island. The site is an important archaeological location and continues to be a subject of study for those interested in the development of early Sri Lankan civilization and its interaction with Buddhism.