Lanka Nature Trails

  FROM THE PAGES OF HISTORY Buddhism  Before the rise of Buddhism in the sixth century B.C., India had gone through a long process of religious thought and philosophical speculation; the formulation of the doctrines of Buddhism and the beliefs and practices of the early Buddhists were in great measure due to the religious milieu in which this faith was first preached to the people. A review, perforce very brief, of the religious thought and life in India before Buddhism arose, is therefore necessary for the student of history to appreciate the great spiritual and intellectual upsurge created by that religion, says Prof. S. Paranavitana.  It is not possible to speak with any degree of certainty about the religion of the people of the Indus civilization until its script is deciphered: but, from the examination of the material remains unearthed at Mohenjo-daro, Harappa and other sites, it has been ascertained that certain aspects of Indian religion, with which we are familiar during h

  FROM THE PAGES OF HISTORY King Pandukabhaya At her touch, these leaves, it is said, turned into golden vessels. Remembering, a prophesy of his teacher, Pandukabhaya carried her away to be his consort. She was named Pali, but due to her golden touch, she was surnamed Suvannapali. Having heard of this happening, her father sent his soldiers against Pandukabhaya, but the latter routed them. Five of her brothers who came to avenge the insult, lost their lives in an encounter with Canda, son of the Brahmana Pandula. Though victorious in these encounters, Pandukabhaya thought it prudent to withdraw across the Mahaweli Ganga and set up his camp at the Dola Mountain, where he remained four years. His uncles came forward against him, and from their camp at Dimbulagala conducted operations against the rebel. They were not successful, and Pandukabhaya captured their stronghold at Dimbulagala which he turned into his own headquarters, having driven them across the river. After the failure