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An Invisible History of Early Sri Lanka
Chinthaka Mendis embarks on an enthralling journey through early Sri Lankan history, challenging the way we think about the island’s past.
‘An outstanding contribution to knowledge’
- Professor Indrani Munasinghe, Emeritus Professor of History, University of Colombo.
'This is a unique work in the truest sense of the word...a must-read for anyone passionate about the history and archaeology of Sri Lanka'
- Dr. Senarath Bandara Dissanayake, Former Director-General of Archaeology, Sri Lanka.
‘Stimulating and challenging... In recent years, while so-called Sri Lankan historians have been writing distorted accounts of Sri Lanka's history to please successive political powers, Chinthaka Mendis has remained impartial and courageous in his analysis... His historical approach is not that of a religious nationalist, but that of an impartial and scientific analyst’
- Professor Osmund Bopearachchi, Emeritus Director, French National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS-ENS), Paris.
How did a volcanic eruption in Alaska topple the monarchy in ancient Sri Lanka?
Drawing on the latest academic and scientific research, Mendis examines some of the best-known and best-loved episodes of Lankan history through a global lens, revealing how ancient history offers lessons for contemporary Sri Lanka.
From the emergence of the island’s initial Dravidian culture and the birth of the Sinhala nation in the 2nd century, to a Persian invasion that led to the downfall of Sigiriya, An Invisible History of Early Sri Lanka spans a wide range of topics. It delves into early experiments with elected monarchy, global geopolitics, international trade dynamics, Christian influences and the impact of worldwide climatic phenomena.
‘An outstanding contribution to knowledge’
- Professor Indrani Munasinghe, Emeritus Professor of History, University of Colombo.
'This is a unique work in the truest sense of the word...a must-read for anyone passionate about the history and archaeology of Sri Lanka'
- Dr. Senarath Bandara Dissanayake, Former Director-General of Archaeology, Sri Lanka.
‘Stimulating and challenging... In recent years, while so-called Sri Lankan historians have been writing distorted accounts of Sri Lanka's history to please successive political powers, Chinthaka Mendis has remained impartial and courageous in his analysis... His historical approach is not that of a religious nationalist, but that of an impartial and scientific analyst’
- Professor Osmund Bopearachchi, Emeritus Director, French National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS-ENS), Paris.
How did a volcanic eruption in Alaska topple the monarchy in ancient Sri Lanka?
Drawing on the latest academic and scientific research, Mendis examines some of the best-known and best-loved episodes of Lankan history through a global lens, revealing how ancient history offers lessons for contemporary Sri Lanka.
From the emergence of the island’s initial Dravidian culture and the birth of the Sinhala nation in the 2nd century, to a Persian invasion that led to the downfall of Sigiriya, An Invisible History of Early Sri Lanka spans a wide range of topics. It delves into early experiments with elected monarchy, global geopolitics, international trade dynamics, Christian influences and the impact of worldwide climatic phenomena.
831 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 22, 2024
6 people are currently reading
9 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
December 1, 2024
The first thing which caught my eye was the cover. And I'm so glad I took the chance and read this book (on kindle).
The style of writing was accessible. I kept hearing a documentary type voice in my head! The global context was a refreshing change to the usual narrow and boring list of dates and accomplishments we are forced to memorize in school. I have always loved history that isn't too didactic. Seeing the bigger picture makes so much sense. And helps you see the impact of common themes like economics, religion, politics, and climate over the centuries.
The print version looks impractically huge at 800 plus pages so I think it should be printed as parts 1 and 2 so that schools and libraries will be more inclined to purchase it. And I hope they do!
Also there is no author bio which is a serious fault in a well researched history non fiction- the book lacks authority at first glance.
The ending was also quite sudden. I hope the author continues to the fall of Anuradhapura at the very least.
The style of writing was accessible. I kept hearing a documentary type voice in my head! The global context was a refreshing change to the usual narrow and boring list of dates and accomplishments we are forced to memorize in school. I have always loved history that isn't too didactic. Seeing the bigger picture makes so much sense. And helps you see the impact of common themes like economics, religion, politics, and climate over the centuries.
The print version looks impractically huge at 800 plus pages so I think it should be printed as parts 1 and 2 so that schools and libraries will be more inclined to purchase it. And I hope they do!
Also there is no author bio which is a serious fault in a well researched history non fiction- the book lacks authority at first glance.
The ending was also quite sudden. I hope the author continues to the fall of Anuradhapura at the very least.
December 1, 2024
A fascinating narrative that gives a fresh perspective of Sri Lankan history while putting it in context with socio-political developments taking place in other parts of the world including China and India. Light and fun reading. Enjoyed it very much.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews