IMPACT OF BUDDHISM ON THE SOCIETY OF ANCIENT LANKA
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.65009/en9y2d49Abstract
The Pali chronicles Dipavamsa and Mahavamsa, serves as a valuable source to study the island of
Lanka. The chronicles give detailed insight into the history of the island, from the arrival of an
Indian Prince Vijay (6th century B.C.E ) to the reign of king Mahasena (4th century A.D.). The
introduction of Buddhism is seen as the most important event in the history of Lanka, as soon after
its introduction, it succeeded in converting the major section of the society. As Buddhism shared
a close relationship with mainland India, any development or changes in India had impacted the
island. Thus, Buddhism brought many new concepts and ideas along with it, which left a lasting
impact on the society and culture of the island. The article explores how the introduction of
Buddhism has altered the society of the island.
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