The Mahavamsa - The Great Chronicle

Title: The Mahavamsa
Traditional Author: Mahanama
English Translation and Editing: Ananda W. P. Guruge
Publisher: M. P. Birla Foundation
Series: Classics of the East
Publication Year: 1990
Language: English
Pagination: 260 pages
ISBN: 81-85299-03-X

Description

The Mahavamsa, or Great Chronicle, is one of the most important historical and literary works of Sri Lanka. Traditionally attributed to the Buddhist monk Mahanama and composed in Pali around the fifth or sixth century CE, it recounts the early history of the Sinhala kingdom from its legendary foundation through the reign of King Mahasena.

Although centered on Sri Lanka, the chronicle is also an indispensable source for the study of ancient Indian history and the spread of Buddhism. Its accounts of Emperor Ashoka, Buddhist missions and relations between India and Sri Lanka have helped scholars interpret inscriptions and reconstruct important aspects of South Asian history.

This English translation by Ananda W. P. Guruge makes a major classical Pali chronicle accessible to historians, students of Buddhism and readers interested in the early cultural and political history of Sri Lanka and India.

The book forms part of the Classics of the East series, created to present important Asian literary, philosophical and religious works in dependable and readable English editions supported by scholarly interpretation.

Condition

The book has been physically checked and is in good condition. The hardcover is enclosed in a transparent plastic protective covering; there is no separate printed dust jacket. Please review the photographs for the condition of the actual copy being offered.

Contents

Introduction  
The Visit of the Tathagata  
The Dynasty of Mahasammata  
The First Council  
The Second Council  
The Third Council  
The Coming of Vijaya  
The Consecration of Panduvasudeva  
The Consecration of Abhaya  
The Consecration of Pandukabhaya  
The Consecration of Devanampiyatissa  
The Consecration of Different Countries  
The Coming of Mahinda  
The Entry into the City  
The Acceptance of the Mahavihara  
The Acceptance of the Cetiyapabbata Vihara  
The Arrival of the Relics  
The Acquisition of the Great Bodhi Tree  
The Coming of the Bodhi Tree  
The Nibbana of the Thera  
Five Kings  
The Birth of Prince Gamani  
The Levying of Warriors  
The War of the Two Brothers  
The Victory of Dutthagamani  
The Dedication of the Maricavatti Monastery  
The Dedication of the Lohapasada  
The Acquisition of the Materials for the Mahathupa  
The Beginning of the Mahathupa  
The Making of the Relic Chamber  
The Enshrining of the Relics  
Going to Tusita Heaven  
The Ten Kings  
The Eleven Kings  
The Twelve Kings  
The Thirteen Kings  
King Mahasena  
Place Names  
Glossary of Pali Words, Names and Buddhist Concepts  
Chronological Table