NEW BOOK: COINAGE OF SRI LANKA

Coinage of Sri Lanka (Pre-Colonial Era)
by Eranda Adikaram

Through this book, I have attempted to provide numismatists with some insight into the coinage system of Sri Lanka.

The twelve chapters offer a detailed account of the coins of Sri Lanka, starting from the earliest times and continuing up to the Colonial Period. The three appendices give an overview of the development of world trade, politics and weight standards, as well as Sri Lanka's involvement during the ancient and medieval periods.

This paperback edition consists of 260 pages and features color photographs.

• Chapter 1 Kahapana (punch-marked coins)
• Chapter 2 Copper coins – railed swastika series (early Anuradhapura period)
• Chapter 3 Copper coins of Anuradhapura between the first and fifth centuries
• Chapter 4 Lakshmi coins or plaques
• Chapter 5 Copper coins with an influence of South Indian coin designs (late Anuradhapura period)
• Chapter 6 Inscribed coins from Ruhuna
• Chapter 7 Seals and sealings
• Chapter 8 Roman coins and imitations found in Sri Lanka
• Chapter 9 Gold coins of Sri Lanka
• Chapter 10 Massa coins (post Anuradhapura period)
• Chapter 11 Coins of the Tamil rulers of Jaffna
• Chapter 12 Foreign coins used in Sri Lanka
• Appendix 1 History of Sri Lanka
• Appendix 2 World trade and trading empires
• Appendix 3 Coins and weight standards

For more information, or to order, see:
Coinage of Sri Lanka: Pre-Colonial Era (https://www.amazon.com/Coinage-Sri-Lanka-Pre-Colonial-Era/dp/B0DP49B7QQ/)

Having developed a popular online website on Lankan coins (coins.lakdiva.org.lk) I have frequently been urged to compile a book. However, I have remained focused on the digital domain, avoiding the intricate work of print layouts. It is, therefore, a welcome development that Eranda Adikaram has recently stepped forward with Coinage of Sri Lanka (Pre-Colonial Era).

At the 100th anniversary of the Colombo Museum's seminal publication The Coins and Currency of Ceylon by H. W. Codrington which is regarded as the primary guide for Lankan numismatics, Eranda's work serves as a timely more readable introduction to the field for both the beginner and the more knowledgeable collector. Cataloging ancient coins is a challenge, given the complexities and gaps inherent in archaeological research. Without the context of excavation finds, coins that circulate primarily through trade risk being misclassified or regarded as speculative items. Eranda's research, grounded largely in a personal collection, which originated from that of the prominent civil lawyer late Chula De Silva, stands out in this respect.

Eranda's approach, using line drawings by his daughters for coins not available in his collection, is both creative and commendable. It engages the younger generation and lends a personal touch to an otherwise scholarly pursuit. The book offers a comprehensive and readable introduction to Lanka's pre-colonial coinage, and while it is richly illustrated with photographs of historical sites, it eschews the trappings of a coffee table book. The coin images, printed in colour at 220 dpi are slightly larger than actual size, provide useful visual clarity, though some details remain obscured by corrosion. Unfortunately, the lack of a bibliography is a notable shortcoming, though Eranda compensates somewhat by providing provenance for rare coins via footnotes.

Eranda's work is a well-crafted contribution to the study of Lankan numismatics. With a few Appendixes with trade and historical context the book provides both enthusiasts and scholars a valuable resource for understanding the island's pre-colonial monetary systems.

I hope Eranda will consider putting his book to an online platform which would significantly enhance its accessibility and impact. In today's digital age, most research is conducted online, with scholars and enthusiasts relying heavily on searchable content for quick reference and comprehensive exploration. Making the book available online would ensure that with higher resolution images, its valuable insights reach a wider audience, fostering greater engagement and understanding of Lanka's numismatic heritage, while preserving the book's legacy beyond the confines of a physical shelf.

To read the complete review, see:
A valuable resource with a personal touch for both scholars and enthusiasts (https://www.sundaytimes.lk/241124/plus/a-valuable-resource-with-a-personal-touch-for-both-scholars-and-enthusiasts-578251.html)
Coinage of Sri Lanka (Pre-Colonial Era) by Eranda Adikaram (https://coins.lakdiva.org.lk/publ/eranda_review.html)

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