A Preliminary analytical study of the historical archeology of inscriptions located in the middle and upper valleys of Deduru Oya system: B.C.3 century to 3 century A.D.
Loading...
Date
1997
Authors
Senanayake, A.M. Piyathissa
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Peradeniya
Abstract
The Primary source material in this study are found in the early and later Brahmi inscriptions, that have a chronological context extending from 3rd Century B.C. to 3rd Century A.D.. In addition, the internal evidence from archaeological and literary source have been utilized as substantiating evidence in this study. The scientific basis of historical conjectures have been further strengthened with the induction of geological and other environmental data into this study. Similarly, various other ficlds in the social science and the humanities have been utilized for a better understanding of the above mentioned sources. This study therefore is carried out from a multi and interdisciplinary perspective.
The primary objective of this study is to have an understanding of early socio - economic formations in the Deduru Oya system. For this purpose the distribution pattern of the Brahmi inscriptions was undertaken as the primary study. The pattern of distribution and its multi faceted features have been evaluated in terms of quality, quantity and in the context of vertical and horizontal dynamics. Several micro studies were carried out on the locational features of natural resources and techno - cultural communities. On this basis it was possible to hypothesise the production - distribution and the route network inter linking the montane region with the plains. This study has a focus on specific ecological zones within the Deduru Oya system. This indicated that socio - economic forces associated with communities in the upper valley system progressed at a relatively rapid pace over those in the middle valley. During the pre Christian period, socio - economic units under the leadership of pre state lineage chieftains had evolved at several locations in the Upper valley. However, by the Ist and 2nd centuries A.D., these units show institutional formations influenced by the state system. The latter represented the logical conclusion of early historic institutional formations in the upper valley system. This also represents a period when there was a synthesis of early micro - eco zones into lager unites and finally leading to the emergence of intermediary transitional productions distribution ecological zones
Description
Keywords
Archeology