Tab Article

Ratings: ★★★★☆ (4.5 / 5)
Genre: History, Economics, Sri Lankan Studies, Archaeology

Book Review:
Monetary Transactions in Ancient Sri Lanka is a groundbreaking scholarly work that illuminates a fascinating but often overlooked aspect of the island's rich history. Written by Dr. Nadeesha Sharmalee Gunawardana, a senior lecturer in History at the University of Kelaniya, this book is the result of rigorous doctoral research conducted at Pondicherry University in India, which later earned her a research fellowship at Cardiff University.

Rather than a dry recitation of facts, the book offers a vivid and detailed exploration of how money and trade functioned in ancient Sri Lankan society. Dr. Gunawardana meticulously pieces together historical evidence scattered across epigraphy (inscriptions) and ancient chronicles. She examines the crucial roles played by traders, rulers, and Buddhist monks in the monetary economy, revealing a complex and sophisticated system of exchange.

Foreworded by Senior Professor A.H.M.H. Abayarathna, this book is an essential resource for anyone interested in Sri Lankan history, archaeology, or ancient economic systems. It provides a unique window into the daily lives of people, the power of trade, and the foundations of Sri Lanka's early economy.

For students, academics, and history enthusiasts alike, Monetary Transactions in Ancient Sri Lanka is an invaluable and meticulously researched contribution to the field.