Sri Lanka, the stunning island in the heart of the Indian Ocean, captivates not only with its natural beauty but also with its rich history and cultural heritage. Even its name carries profound meanings, reflecting the island’s various eras and the diverse cultures of its inhabitants. But where does the name "Sri Lanka" come from, and what other names has this island been known by throughout history? Let’s explore what these names tell us about its past! Sri Lanka”: The Radiant or Sacred Island The name "Sri Lanka" is derived from Sanskrit and translates to "radiant Lanka" or "sacred Lanka." The term “Sri” conveys respect, brilliance, and beauty, while “Lanka” simply means island or land. This name became the island’s official designation in 1972 when Sri Lanka became a republic, shedding the colonial-era name "Ceylon," which had been in use since British rule. The Ancient “Lanka” and Its Variants Among the names we know, “Lanka” is one of the oldest, appearing in ancient Indian literature, such as the *Ramayana*. According to legend, Lanka was the kingdom of Ravana and a significant site in Hindu epic stories. In Tamil, the island is also referred to as “Ilanka” or “Eelam,” which are likely variations of the Sinhala “Lanka.” While its exact etymology is uncertain, “Lanka” likely originally meant "island" or "landscape." “Tambapanni”: The Land of Red Earth According to ancient Buddhist chronicles such as the *Mahavamsa*, Sri Lanka was once known as “Tambapanni,” meaning "copper palm" or "rust-red hand." This name likely referred to the island’s reddish soil, which impressed the early settlers. The term also inspired the ancient European name for the island, "Taprobane," used by Greek and Roman writers. “Sinhala” and the People of the Lion The name "Sinhala" (or Sinhalese) ties directly to the history of the island's inhabitants. It originates from the word “sinha,” meaning “lion,” and initially referred to "the people of the lion" or "descendants of the lion." Legend has it that the ancestors of the Sinhalese people were descended from lions, symbolizing strength and bravery. This name influenced many others, such as the Arabic “Serendip,” which later gave rise to the English word “serendipity.” “Eelam” and Modern Perspectives Among the Tamil people, the island is often called “Ilam” or “Eelam.” While the origins of this name are debated, many believe it has Dravidian roots, while others suggest Indo-Aryan influences. In modern political discourse, “Eelam” has gained prominence in Tamil independence movements, adding a contemporary layer to its historical significance. The Richness of Names The names of Sri Lanka reflect not only the geographical features of the island but also its culture, history, and mythology. The names given over different eras by various peoples enrich the identity of the island and remind us of the many stories it holds within. The Origin and Evolution of the Name "Lanka" Sri Lanka, known today for its vibrant culture and natural beauty, has a name deeply intertwined with its history, mythology, and cultural identity. While its modern designation officially emerged in the 20th century, the root name “Lanka” has been in use for millennia. This blog post delves into the fascinating history behind this enduring name. — Lanka in Ancient Texts: A Mythical Foundation The term “Lanka” is one of the earliest known names for the island, appearing in ancient Sanskrit literature. In texts like the *Ramayana*, Lanka is described as the kingdom of Ravana, the demon king. The narrative portrays Lanka as an opulent island, known in some contexts as "Lankadwipa" (Island of Lanka). Scholars debate whether the mythical Lanka of the *Ramayana* directly corresponds to modern Sri Lanka or represents a larger landmass that might have partially submerged over time, akin to the legend of Atlantis in the Indian Ocean. — Lanka as a Common Noun: A Broader Meaning? Some researchers argue that “Lanka” was initially a generic term meaning "island" or "landmass." Evidence of this theory lies in the use of similar words across South Asian languages. For instance, in tribal dialects of Central and Eastern India, "Lanka" refers to river islands. Similarly, the modern Sinhala language, spoken in Sri Lanka, uses derivatives like "Lak" in traditional terms such as "Lakdiva" (Island of Lanka) or "Lakbima" (Land of Lanka). These linguistic traces suggest that the term had a broader geographic application beyond its mythical associations. The Maldives, which shares linguistic ties with Sinhala, also reflects this connection. In Dhivehi, “Ahi-Lanka” refers to the Maldives themselves, meaning “our islands,” while “Mahi-Lanka” denotes “great islands,” often referring to larger foreign lands. — Lanka in Buddhist Chronicles: A Religious Symbol While “Lanka” appears in Hindu texts, its prominence also extends to Buddhist literature. The *Mahavamsa*, an ancient Pali chronicle of Sri Lankan history, mentions Lanka as a central site for Buddhism. It recounts the Buddha’s visit to Lanka to cleanse the island of malevolent beings and prepare it as a haven for his teachings. The Buddha is quoted as recognizing Lanka as a future stronghold for his doctrine, ensuring its prominence in Buddhist tradition. The earlier Pali chronicle, the *Dipavamsa* (Chronicle of the Island), also uses the term "Lankadipa," meaning "Island of Lanka." These texts, dating back to the 4th and 5th centuries CE, solidified the association of the name Lanka with the island and its sacred role in Buddhism. — Lanka in Indian Classical and Global Contexts During India’s classical Gupta era, the name “Lanka” persisted as a reference to the island. It also appears in the title of the *Lankavatara Sutra* (The Descent to Lanka), a Mahayana Buddhist scripture. This text describes a celestial Buddha descending to Lanka to teach enlightenment. The sutra mentions Ravana, linking the mythical and spiritual narratives surrounding the island. By the 20th century, "Lanka" experienced a resurgence during Sri Lanka’s independence movement. Political parties like the Lanka Sama Samaja Party (LSSP) adopted the name to assert national identity. In 1972, when the island transitioned to a republic within the Commonwealth, "Sri Lanka" became its official name, combining the ancient “Lanka” with the honorific “Sri,” meaning sacred or resplendent. — Conclusion: A Name Rich with History and Meaning The name "Lanka" reflects more than just a geographic identity—it embodies centuries of cultural, religious, and mythical significance. From ancient Sanskrit epics to Buddhist chronicles and modern political movements, “Lanka” serves as a bridge connecting the island’s storied past with its contemporary identity. Whether viewed as a mythical land of kings, a sacred site for spiritual teachings, or a proud nation-state, Lanka remains a name steeped in history and timeless relevance. — Tambapanni: The Story Behind a Name When we think of names, we often see them as mere labels. But Sri Lanka's history reminds us that a name can be a testament to history, a reflection of cultural encounters and transformations. The island we now call Sri Lanka has borne many names over the centuries, but one of the earliest and most fascinating is *Tambapanni*. What stories does this unique name hold? The First Encounter with Red Earth Picture the scene: a group of Indian settlers arrives on an island they’ve never seen before. Exhausted, they step ashore, and as they kneel on the ground, their hands are stained red by the soil’s dust. According to the *Mahavamsa*, Sri Lanka’s ancient chronicle, this moment gave rise to the name *Tambapanni*, which translates to “copper-hued palms.” For the newcomers, the color of the soil was more than a geographic trait; it was a symbolic marker of a new beginning, a new home. Where Myth Meets Reality The term *Tambapanni* appears not only in local traditions but also in ancient Indian and later European records. Emperor Ashoka of the Maurya dynasty mentions *Tambapanni* in his inscriptions, describing it as part of the realms touched by his rule and Dharma. To him, the island was not just a distant land but a promising territory for spreading spiritual teachings. At the same time, in Indian epic literature like the *Mahabharata*, *Tambapanni* refers both to the island and a famed southern river. This duality shows how the name carried both geographical and cultural significance. From Greeks to Romans: The Birth of Taprobane As the island's history intertwined with ancient trade routes, its name transformed. For the Greeks and Romans, *Tambapanni* was a mouthful to pronounce—thus, it became *Taprobane*. This new name quickly found its way into European literature, even appearing in stories of Alexander the Great's conquests. For them, Sri Lanka wasn’t just an island; it was a symbol of the known world’s edge, a gateway to mythical lands. A Name’s Legacy Today Though the name *Tambapanni* has faded into obscurity, its story lives on—in the red earth, in the chronicles of the past, and in the collective memory of its people. As we turn the pages of history, we see that even a simple name can encapsulate the richness of a land’s culture, linguistic evolution, and how it has been viewed by the world. — Simundu and Palaisimoundou: The Mystery of Ancient Sri Lanka's Names One of the most prominent figures in ancient geography, Claudius Ptolemy, dedicated significant attention to Sri Lanka in his work *Geographike Hyphegesis* (Geography) written in the 2nd century AD. His description is notable not only because it provides precise coordinates for the island but also because it introduces two alternative names: *Simundus* and *Salike*. These names offer valuable insights into the cultural and linguistic connections of the ancient world. Ptolemy's Detailed Descriptions Ptolemy provides more detailed information about Sri Lanka than his predecessor Pliny. Not only does he identify the island's location near India's southern tip (modern-day Kanyakumari), but he also names several important cities. For instance, *Anurogrammon* clearly refers to Anuradhapura, while *Maagramon* likely refers to the ancient city of Mahagama (modern-day Tissamaharama). However, based on the coordinates provided, *Maagramon* might also refer to Mahiyangana. The Etymology of Simundu and Palaisimoundou The origin of the name *Simundu* remains a topic of debate. Some scholars suggest it is derived from the Indian word *samudra*, which simply means "sea". This theory is supported by the fact that Ptolemy mentions, "the ancients called it Simundus." On the other hand, the term *Palaisimoundou* seems to be a single compound word, potentially originating from the Indian name *Parasamudra* ("beyond the ocean"). This name appears not only in Ptolemy's work but also in other ancient sources, such as the famous *Periplus of the Erythraean Sea*, a 1st-century AD travel account listing coastal landmarks and port cities. The author, believed to have traveled in southwestern India, likely heard the name *Palaisimoundou* while visiting regions where Tamil was spoken. This suggests that the name was known in India long before it was recorded by Western authors. Tamil Connections: The Meaning of *Palai* The name *Palaisimoundou* may also have connections to Tamil culture. In classical Tamil literature (*Sangham* period), *palai* refers to a semi-arid landscape, often found in the northern parts of Sri Lanka, including the Jaffna Peninsula. Thus, *Palaisimoundou* might have referred to a dry region either across the ocean or on an island, marking it as an important geographical reference for ancient sailors. Alternative Theories and Debates Several alternative theories exist regarding the origin of *Simundu*. Jean Filliozat, a noted Indologist, rejected the connection to *samudra*, while Christian Lassen, a 19th-century scholar, proposed an Indo-Aryan root meaning "head of the sacred law". Another Tamil alternative comes from C. Rasanayagam, the author of *Ancient Jaffna*, who suggested that *Palaisimoundou* comes from *Palaisilamandalam*, meaning "the land of Tamil Ilam". However, a simpler explanation may be that *Simundu* is simply a Greek mispronunciation of the local name *Sinhala-dwipa* ("the island of the Sinhalese"). This theory fits with the later use of the name *Ceylon*, which we will explore in the next chapter. Salike: Another Name for Sri Lanka Ptolemy's other name for the island, *Salike*, is also an intriguing linguistic puzzle. He refers to the island's inhabitants as *Salai*, which can be linked to the term *Sinhala*. This suggests that *Salike* could be a toponym derived from the name of the people living there. In Conclusion The names *Simundu* and *Palaisimoundou* serve as fascinating remnants of ancient geography and linguistics, reflecting Sri Lanka’s international significance. The island was known not only to the Indians but also to the Greeks, Romans, and other cultures, as trade and exploration interconnected the ancient world. In the next chapter, we will dive into how Taprobane and Simundu eventually became *Ceylon*—a name that would resonate for centuries, preserving the island’s unique identity. The Sinhala People and the Island of Serendip (Ceylon) The Sinhala settlers arrived on the island of Sri Lanka in the 5th century BCE and initially cultivated the northwestern part of the dry zone. Over time, they became the island's largest ethnic group. It is no surprise that the island is often referred to by its inhabitants, as "the land of the lion people," which is the literal meaning of "Sinhalese." The term "Sinhala" (also spelled "Singhala") is the corresponding Sanskrit term, known from the Indian Mahabharata epic, whose central theme, a battle fought in the region of modern-day Delhi, reaches back to an even earlier period, around 1000 BCE. However, the surviving parts of the epic were written no earlier than the 4th century BCE and were eventually compiled during the early Gupta period (4th century CE). The first mention of the Sinhalese appears in the *Adi Parva* (Book 1) of the Mahabharata. In section CLXXVI, the Indian and foreign armies are described as emerging from the sacred cow of Rishi Vasishtha, one of Hinduism’s earliest and most revered sages. The Sinhalese are listed among the peoples descended from the holy cow: "And from its mouth came forth the Paundrakas, Kiratas, Yavanas, and Sinhalas, as well as the Khasas, Chivukas, Pulindas, Chinas, and Huns, barbarian tribes from Keralas and many others Mlechhas." (*Mahabharata*, Book 1, Section 176, Roy, Pratap Chandra, *Krishna-Dwaipayana Vyasa Mahabharata*, Vol. 1, 2nd Edition, Calcutta: Oriental Press, 1965, p. 403). In theory, the term "Sinhalese" could refer to other groups, such as tribes in India who revered the lion as an ancestral or emblematic animal. However, it is certain that the Sinhalese mentioned in the *Mahabharata* refer to the islanders of Sri Lanka. This is evident because they are listed among other distant peoples (such as the Yavanas, or Greeks). This connection becomes even clearer in Book 2 (Sabha Parva), where the Sinhalese are mentioned alongside the Dravidians (Tamils), who were the island's southern neighbors in South India. In Section LIII, the Sinhalese kingdom is described as one famous for its pearl trade: "And the king of the Sinhalas gave away the finest jewels from the sea, which were called lapis lazuli, and many pearls and hundreds of elephants’ coverings." The Gulf of Mannar, situated between South India and Sri Lanka, was renowned in ancient times for its pearl fisheries. Since "Siṃhala" is the Sanskrit name for the island in Indian *Purāṇic* literature, which dates back to the Gupta and subsequent medieval periods, the name "Sinhala" (or "Singhala") and related terms, such as "Singhaladvīpa" (island of the Sinhalese), were quite common in classical Indian times (4th-5th centuries CE) and even in Harsha’s northern Indian empire (7th century CE). The term "Sinhala" refers to Sri Lanka in the writings of the famous Chinese scholar and traveler Xuanzang (Hsüan-tsang), who spent much of his time in India during the reign of King Harsha and whose works inspired one of the most famous Chinese novels, *Journey to the West*. The Sanskrit "Sinhala" also has a *Prakrit* form, "Sihala," and since Pali is a version of the Prakrit languages, it was also familiar in Sri Lanka. Interestingly, this Prakrit term could also be pronounced "Silam" (with a long "ee") or even "Seelang," from which many of the historically used names of the island in the Chinese, Arabic, and Western worlds are derived, the most significant being the English "Ceylon." The Prakrit term "Sihalam" also led to the creation of "Hela" and related names, such as "Heladiva" (meaning "Island of Hela") or "Helabima" ("Land of Hela"). The term "hela" is used in the oldest layers of the Sinhala language. In fact, in Sinhala and many other Indo-Aryan languages, the sounds "s," "sh," and "h" are closely linked and often interchangeable, as seen in the etymological relationship between the Indian "ashura" (demon) and the Persian "ahura" (lord). The Tamil name "Eelam," sometimes written as "Eezham" or "Izham" to reflect the retroflex "l," is likely derived from the ancient Sinhala pronunciation "Hela." According to some Tamil authors, however, the name originates from a palm tree. The "Eelavar" caste, known for producing toddy, refers to "Eelam" as their homeland. Later Antiquity As mentioned earlier, Ptolemy gave three names for Sri Lanka, one of which, "Salike," appears to be derived from the "Salai" name. It is very likely that this Greek name is related to the Prakrit "Sihala," which in turn is the Sanskrit "Sinhala." The Indian "Sinhala" or "Sihalam" name continued to adapt during later antiquity, becoming even more common in Europe, referring to the island previously known as Taprobane. Ammianus Marcellinus, a 4th-century Roman historian of Greek descent, recorded in his *Res Gestae* that in 362 CE, neighboring and distant lands sent envoys to Emperor Julian, fearing his advance. "The Indian tribes vied with each other, sending nobles with gifts, even from the Maldives and Ceylon." Interestingly, Ammianus did not use the earlier and well-known name "Taprobane," which is absent in all surviving manuscripts of the *Res Gestae*. The new name "Serendiv" in the Latin version most likely stems from a Persian word, as Ammianus, a Roman soldier, had close ties with the Persian Sassanian Empire. The Persian origin of the name likely explains why the Latin term replaced the "l" in "Sinhala" with an "r." The name "Serendiv" is quite similar to the later Persian term "Sarandeeb" or "Serendib," which became widely known. Arab and Persian Influence The Arabs, who were heavily involved in the Indian Ocean trade long before the Muslim era, played a decisive role in the maritime connections between the Mediterranean world and South India and Sri Lanka. The most notable Arabic name for Sri Lanka, as found in the tales of "Sinbad the Sailor," is "Serendip." It is highly likely that the Arabic "Serendip" was borrowed from the earlier Persian "Sarandib," not the other way around. Arabic writers also used the term "Taprobane" and equivalents like "Island of Rubies," which matched the Indian "Ratnadvipa" (island of jewels). A key passage comes from the 9th-century Persian geographer, Abu'l-Qasim Ubaydallah ibn Abdallah ibn Khordadbeh, who mentioned the island as "Sarandib," derived from the Sanskrit "Sinhaladvipa." It was also referred to as "Siyalan" or "Sahilan" in Arabic, names still linked to the island today. Arab and Persian connections to Sri Lanka were not just commercial but cultural as well. In the 10th century, Persian polymath Al-Biruni noted that Sri Lanka was known as "Sangaladip" in Indian tradition, retaining the original "l" rather than the Persian "r."