“It is not an unreasonable claim that so far as the Buddhist world is
concerned, the thera’s of Ceylon stand unrivaled in the field of chronicles
narrating not only the political history of their island but also the
ecclesiastical history of their faith”. (B.C Law, Chronicles of Ceylon)
Earliest Chronicle: Atthkatha Mahavamsa:
Atthkatha Mahavamsa is not the well known Mahavamsa. Atthkatha Mahavamsa is
lost today. Existance of it known due to references made in other chronicles.
Date of origin of Atthakatha Mahavamsa is in dispute.
Deepavamsa:
Written in Pali language. The author of this chronicle is not known. Deepavamsa
narrative extends till 300 AD, hence it has been written between 300 AD to 400
AD. Deepavamsa include the origin of Sinhalese from a region called “Lata”
probably came down verbally from generation to generation. Translated to
English by H. Oldenberg and available at www.amazon.com or www.bn.com
Mahavamsa:
King Dhatusena (460 AD) was very keen on popularizing Deepavamsa and requested
Mahathera Mahanama to improve the Deepavamsa. 1000 Kahavanu was given to
complete the project. It narrates the story of Sinhalese Kings from King Vijaya
to King Mahasen. Hero of Mahavamsa is King Dutugamunu. Eventhough the Mahavamsa
describes the social development of the country, its main theme is Buddhism and
its evolution. This work is considered to be a masterpiece of poetically gifted
Mahathera Mahanama. Poetry in Mahavamsa is not inferior to that of Ramayana or
Maha Baratha. Mahathera Mahanama is considered to be a scholar of high quality
for this wonderful work. Wilhelm Geiger of Germany translated it to English in
1920. Geiger translation is available at www.amazon.com or www.bn.com
Kambodian Mahavamsa:
Mahavamsa edition found in Kambodian language from Kambodia. There are some
dissimilarities with the original Mahavamsa of Sri Lanka written by Mahathera
Mahanama.
Culavamsa:
Mahathera Dhammakitti continued the Mahavamsa from King Mahasen to King
Parakrama Bhahu 2. The hero of the Culavamsa is King Parakrama Bahu 1. Final
section of Culavamsa was completed by Sri Tibbotuwegama Sumangala Himi. He
continued from King ParakramaBahu 2 to Kitti Sri Rajasinhe (AD 1782). Culavamsa
was translated to English and German by Wilhelm Geiger. Available at
www.amazon.com or www.bn.com
Rajavaliya:
Very important source of Sri Lankan history. Some information in Rajavaliya is
not available in Mahavamsa or elsewhere. For an instance the story of arrival
of Hemamali and dahanta dhatu is not given in Mahavamsa. Final chapters of
Rajavaliya was completed during King Vimala Dharma Suriya. Rajavaliya was
translated to English by B. Gunasekara in 1900. Available at www.amazon.com or
www.bn.com
Deepavamsa Atthakatha:
This chronicle also was developed during King Dhatusena.
Vattamala:
A Pali poem written during the time period of King Parakrama Bahu V1. The poem
is about the glorious time period of King Parakrama Bahu V1.
Dhatahdthu charitta:
Written by King Parakramabahu 4. (13th century).
Saddharm Ratna Karaya:
Famous work conducted during Parakrama Bahu Epanan (Parakrama Bahu 6).
Attanagalu Vamsa:
This chronicle is dedicated to General Saturusinha Kunjara.
Uttaravihara Mahavamsa:
Abhayagiri version of Mahavamsa. This differ from the traditional Mahavamsa in
numerous locations.
Pujavaliya:
Thera Mayurapada compliled the Pujavaliya. (13th century). A contemporary of
Thera Dhammakitti, who compiled culavamsa.
Tupavamsa:
Completed during the 13th century. (Story of Thupas)
Sasanavamsa:
Story of Buddha sasana.
Daladavamsa:
Story of the tooth relic of Lord Buddha. Written during King Kitti Sri Megha
Vanna’s time period. (344 AD).
Mahabodhivamsa katha:
Another old chronicle, also known as Mahavamsa Atthakatha.
Mahavamsa Thika:
Later commentary on Mahavamsa.
Sasana Vamsa Deepa:
Vamsattha Paksini:
Hattanagala Vihara Vamsa:
The story of King Sri Sangabo’s great deeds.
Nalatadathu vamsa:
Pujavaliya, Nikayasangraha, Rajavaliya, Rajaratnakaraya,
Buddhavamsa:
The story of past Buddhas.
References for the Enterprising Readers:
1) Mahavamsa (Wilhelm Geiger)
2) Rajavaliya (B. Gunasekara)
3) Sumangalavilasini (PTS: Pali Text Society)
4) Vamsakthapaksini (PTS)
5) On the chronicles of Ceylon, Bimala Churn Law, Royal Asiatic Society, Bengal
6) Thupavamsa (B.C Law)
7) Sasanavamsa (PTS)
8) Vinaya Pitaka (PTS)
9) Saratthapaksini (PTS)
10) Petavattu (PTS)
11) Milindapapanho (V. Trenckner)
12) Asoka and his inscriptions (Barua, B.M, 1946)
13) Asvaghosa (B.C. Law)Gandhavamsa (PTS)
14) Dathavamsa (BC Law)
15) Buddhist India (T.W Rhys Davids)