MONASTIC ECONOMY IN THE KINGDOM OF ANURĀDHAPURA AS GLEANED FROM THE EPIGRAPHICAL EVIDENCES

Abstract

This research paper aimed to gather facts that shed light on inscriptions on the monastic economy. The first kingdom of Sri Lanka was Anuradhapura, which prevailed from 5th B.E.C to 11th C.E and lasted nearly 15 centuries. After the introduction of Buddhism to Sri Lanka by the son of emperor Asoka, Mahinda thera caves became a safe dwelling place for the early brotherhood. The various philanthropists, professionals, and royal family members also patronaged these caves in diverse ways. As time passed, these caves expanded to complexes of monasteries. The wealth of the country drained to these monastic complexes. The authority to collect taxes was granted to the temples by the monarch. There are plenty of references in the inscriptions and the chronicles. Manumission is another outstanding feature that prevailed in the monastery. The descriptions which belong to some monasteries give testimony to the economic entity of the country. These monasteries evolve from simple to complex. Finally, it became a dominating center of the economy in the country. This paper is deemed to study all these aspects in this research paper.

Key words: monastery, economy, niyamatana, Anurādhapura, inscriptions