History of Sri Lanka Army - The Ancient Time
While the Island's proximity to India brought it within easy reach of a diversity of influences from there over much of its history, the narrow stretch of sea which separates it from the subcontinent ensured that the civilization which evolved in Sri Lanka was not a mere variant of an Indian prototype but something distinctive or autonomous though the Indian element was never totally obliterated. Nothing contributed to this more than Buddhism.
Less obvious than the Indian influence, but over the centuries just as important, was the influence from South-East Asia resulting from Sri Lanka's strategic location athwart the main sea-routes of the Indian Ocean. Exciting archaeological discoveries in South-East Asia over the last decade suggest the possibility that the influence of this region on Sri Lanka may have begun in pre-historic times.
Thus, a unique and distinctive hydraulic civilization found nowhere else in the world, developed on this Island. It was tempered by a vibrant and dynamic Buddhist religio-culture that permeated all aspects of life. Notable within this value system was the near-total absence of greed for material possessions (tanha), non-violence (ahimsa), giving (dana), kindness (karuna), loving-kindness (metta), and so on that shaped the people's world-view. These factors gave rise to a distinctive ethos, which created and shaped a unique milieu that subsists to this day. They were, therefore, (and still are), friendly, hospitable, warm-hearted, tolerant, easy-going and, by and large, peaceable.
Historical records in the Mahawamsa (500 A.D.) and Chulawansa, reveal the history of Sri Lanka from about 500 B.C. The Sinhalas originally migrated from North India. The King owned all land in practice. But the land was held by many who owed services to the King. Although there were Sinhalas and Tamils, Sri Lanka was multi-racial, and harmony existed. From about the 5th and 6th centuries A.D. Pandyas, Pallawas, Cheras and Cholas of South Indian states were tempted to invade Sri Lanka.
The first military engagement in Sri Lanka's history is marked with the advent of Vijaya, a prince of North India who landed with his followers on the beaches of northwestern Sri Lanka around 543 B.C. Vijaya forced Kuveni, the Queen of the Rakshas on pain of death, to restore his men who had been spirited away by her, and overcame his adversaries.
Repeated incursions into Sri Lankan territory by South Indians, particularly the Cholas, led to the engagement of rival forces in battle. King Dutugemunu (200 B.C.) is reported to have raised an army of eleven thousand inhabitants in his battle against King Elara, a Chola. King Dutugemunu's organisational skills, bravery and chivalry are famous and his battles have gone down in history as outstanding offensive operations against a foreign enemy.
Rulers such as King Gajabahu (113 A.D.) who sailed to India to bring back his captured soldiers stand out. King Dhatusena (433 A.D.) is credited with having repulsed Indian invasions and particularly for organising a naval build-up to deter seaborne attacks. He also had the foresight to cover these defences with artillery. Vijayabahu (1001 A.D.) was another warrior king who dislodged invaders. Parakrama Bahu the Great (1153 A.D.) as his title implies was outstanding in the Polonnaruwa period of Sri Lanka's history and his accomplishments as a military leader and a great administrator are noteworthy. His reign included a military expedition to Burma (Mayanmar) in retaliation for certain indignities inflicted on his envoys and interference in the elephant trade. It is also reported that Parakrama Bahu's fame was such, that this assistance was sought by South Indian rulers who were involved in internecine struggles. Another strong ruler in the pre-colonial era was Parakrama Bahu VI, who ruled the entire Island from Sri Jayawardhanapura, Kotte.
Although the known epigraphical records do not indicate that rulers had a full-time Standing Army, at their disposal, there is evidence supported by legend, designation, name, place and tradition that prove, that there were 'stand by' equestrian, elephant and Infantry cadres to ensure the Royal Authority at all times. Militias were raised as necessity arose, and the soldiers returned to their pursuits mainly for farming after their spell of military duty.
|
NEWSLETTER
|
| Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list |
|
|
|
