The Mahavamsa

The Mahavamsa or "Great Chronicle" gives the early history of the country now knows as Sri Lanka. It was based on an even earlier chronicle the Dipavamsa ("Chronicle of the Island"). It was written in the 6th Century CE by a Buddhist monk Mahanama of whom not much is known. It was written in the Pali language then the language of literary discourse.

The Mahavamsa starts with a prelude giving the early history of Buddhism in India and some mythical accounts of the Buddha's visits to Sri Lanka. The real history starts with the arrival of Vijaya, an Indian prince, in 543 BCE. It covers the history of Sri Lanka from then on to the end of the reign of King Mahasena in 361 CE. The historical record was later continued in the Culavamsa (the "lesser Chronicle") right down to the conquest of the whole Island by the British in 1815 CE.

The Mahavamsa consists of 37 chapters. These will be grouped into eight sections as follows:

• A. Early Buddhist History of India. The visits of the Buddha to Sri Lanka and Three Buddhist Councils held in India. (Chs. 1 - 6)
• B. From Vijaya to Pandukhabhaya.  The period from the arrival of the Aryans to the start of the Anuradhapura period. (Chs. 7 - 10).
• C. The Establishment of Buddhism.  The Rule of Devanampiyatissa and the arrival of Mahinda Thera. (Chs. 11 - 16).
• D. The Arrival of the Relics. The history of Buddist relics and the bringing of the Bodhi Tree to Sri Lanka. (Chs. 17 - 20)
• E. From Mahasiva to Duttha Gamani.  The reign of the five kings from Mahasiva to the triumph of Duttha Gamani over Elara. (Chs. 21 - 25).
• F. Building of the Monuments.  The construction and dedication of the Maricavatthi Cetiya, the Lohapasada and other monuments. (Chs. 26 - 28).
• G. The Maha Stupa and the Death of Gamani.  The story of the Maha Stupa and the passing away of Duttha Gamani. (Chs. 28 - 32).
• H. The Final Kings to Mahasena.  The reign of 46 kings to Mahasena and the end of the Great Chronicle (Chs. 33 - 37).