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Zeylanica. A Study of the Peoples and Languages of Sri Lanka
A comprehensive study of the origins of the peoples and languages of Sri Lanka.
The author has employed a multi-disciplinary approach in this work to trace the origins of the races which have made Sri Lanka their home over the centuries and millennia, adducing evidence from historical geography, physical anthropology, archaeology, linguistics and even the exciting new science of genetics.
The ethnic groups covered in this survey include both the major communities as well as minor groups who have made Sri Lanka their home over the centuries including the Veddahs, Sinhalese, Tamils, Moors, Malays, Memons, Portuguese and Dutch Burghers, Kaffirs and Ahikuntaka.
He has also dealt with the legendary peoples who are supposed to have once inhabited the country including the Raksasas, Yakkhas, Nagas and Nittavo.
The author has gathered around him a vast corpus of information from ancient literature, research studies and field work, not only to substantiate established facts, but more importantly, has postulated some new theories which should stimulate further research and inquiry into this fascinating subject. The book is available at all leading bookshops.
The author has employed a multi-disciplinary approach in this work to trace the origins of the races which have made Sri Lanka their home over the centuries and millennia, adducing evidence from historical geography, physical anthropology, archaeology, linguistics and even the exciting new science of genetics.
The ethnic groups covered in this survey include both the major communities as well as minor groups who have made Sri Lanka their home over the centuries including the Veddahs, Sinhalese, Tamils, Moors, Malays, Memons, Portuguese and Dutch Burghers, Kaffirs and Ahikuntaka.
He has also dealt with the legendary peoples who are supposed to have once inhabited the country including the Raksasas, Yakkhas, Nagas and Nittavo.
The author has gathered around him a vast corpus of information from ancient literature, research studies and field work, not only to substantiate established facts, but more importantly, has postulated some new theories which should stimulate further research and inquiry into this fascinating subject. The book is available at all leading bookshops.
362 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2009
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About the author
Asiff Hussein
19 books3 followersAsiff Hussein is the author of a number of publications on Ethnology, Sociology, Linguistics and Islamic issues. His works include Sarandib. An Ethnological Study of the Muslims of Sri Lanka, Zeylanica, a Study of the Peoples and Languages of Sri Lanka Ivilly Pevilly. The Gastronome’s Guide to the Culinary History & Heritage of Sri Lanka, Caste in Sri Lanka. From Ancient Times to the Present Day and Tolerance in Islam, also translated into Sinhala as Islamaya Desana Agamika Ivasima. His writings have also been published in International journals such as Hamdard Islamicus Journal of Studies and Research in Islam.
Hussein is also actively involved in outreach activities and serves as Head of Outreach of the Centre for Islamic Studies (CIS), spearheading its Media and inter-faith Programs. He also served as Editor-in-Chief of Islamic Finance Today, a magazine exclusively dedicated to the promotion of ethical interest-free banking and finance from 2006-2016. He presently serves as Editor-in-Chief of Wahed Invest Islamic Finance Blog.
Hussein holds a B.A. Degree in Social Sciences from the Open University of Sri Lanka, a Post-graduate Diploma in Archaeology from the University of Kelaniya and a Diploma in Journalism from the Aquinas College of Higher Studies, Sri Lanka. He is an Alumnus of the International Visitor Leadership Programme organised by the US State Department, having participated in an IVLP Programme on Religion and Social Justice in America on a tour that covered Washington, Huntsville, Birmingham, Santa Fe and San Francisco from June 28th to July 16th 2010.
Hussein is also actively involved in outreach activities and serves as Head of Outreach of the Centre for Islamic Studies (CIS), spearheading its Media and inter-faith Programs. He also served as Editor-in-Chief of Islamic Finance Today, a magazine exclusively dedicated to the promotion of ethical interest-free banking and finance from 2006-2016. He presently serves as Editor-in-Chief of Wahed Invest Islamic Finance Blog.
Hussein holds a B.A. Degree in Social Sciences from the Open University of Sri Lanka, a Post-graduate Diploma in Archaeology from the University of Kelaniya and a Diploma in Journalism from the Aquinas College of Higher Studies, Sri Lanka. He is an Alumnus of the International Visitor Leadership Programme organised by the US State Department, having participated in an IVLP Programme on Religion and Social Justice in America on a tour that covered Washington, Huntsville, Birmingham, Santa Fe and San Francisco from June 28th to July 16th 2010.
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
July 17, 2019
The book includes an extensive amount of research and reference, and the author’s effort on bringing such wide variety of information together is commendable. However, the huge amount of information can be very difficult for the reader to process. Some information were repetitive and lengthy. Had there been a better structure, the reader would find it easier to keep up with the flow. Yet, it must be highlighted that the content of the book is very informative and interesting.
April 25, 2024
Not a book I would recommend. The writing was very repetitive. The author also misrepresents Islam as a religion that supports female circumcision which is not only inaccurate, but also a major sin.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews