ANCINENT NATURAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT OF SRI LANKA: EVIDENCE FROM MEGALITHIC CEMETERIES

Abstract

The main aim of this paper is to examine natural resource management in the prehistoric period, through the megalithic cemeteries (tombs built of large stone slab laid on edge and covered with earth or other smaller stones) of Sri Lanka. The archaeological excavation and exploration of megalithic cemeteries revealed a substantial set of information and evidences to substantiate the practices of natural resources management of prehistoric communities of Sri Lanka. Based on the evidences the concept of the natural resource management of Sri Lanka appeared since prehistoric period. While ongoing economic system of hunting and gathering, the prehistoric man started to domesticate animals and plants after establishing the permanent settlements. The domestication was a main turning point of the prehistoric societies and it also contributed to the origin of ancient civilization in the world. They began to establish permanent settlements nearby natural water resources such as lakes, rivers and the coastal areas. As a result of the increased population, the settlements were also spread. The prehistoric people in Sri Lanka constructed artificial tanks at least in the 9th century BC. These people used to manage their natural resources based on the agricultural activities and the prehistoric people in Sri Lanka had given special consideration for their ritual of burial activities. They had established their megalithic cemeteries in special separated area of the settlements, without disturbing their agricultural or/and other economic activities.. The study was conducted as a field survey at selected megalithic cemeteries i.e. Pinwewa-Galsohon Kanattha, Thantirimale, Pomparippuwa and Thambarawa.

Key Words: Prehistory, Megalithic Cemetery, Natural Resources Management

For full paper: fmscresearch@sjp.ac.lk