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|group = Sinhalese<br/>සිංහල ජාතිය. | |group = Sinhalese<br/>සිංහල ජාතිය. | ||
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|caption = <small>1st Row: ] • ] • ] • ] • ]<br>2nd Row: ] • ] • ] • ] • ]<br>3rd Row: ] • ] • ] • ] • ]<br>4th Row: ] • ] • ] • ] • ]<br>5th Row: ] • ] • ] • ] • ]</small> | |||
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|poptime = Greater than 15 Million | |poptime = Greater than 15 Million | ||
|regions = {{flagcountry|Sri Lanka}}{{nbsp|6}} 15,173,820 (74.88%)<br/>(2012)<ref name="statistics.gov.lk">{{cite web|title=A2 : Population by ethnic group according to districts, 2012|url=http://www.statistics.gov.lk/PopHouSat/CPH2011/index.php?fileName=pop42&gp=Activities&tpl=3|publisher=Department of Census & Statistics, Sri Lanka}}</ref> | |regions = {{flagcountry|Sri Lanka}}{{nbsp|6}} 15,173,820 (74.88%)<br/>(2012)<ref name="statistics.gov.lk">{{cite web|title=A2 : Population by ethnic group according to districts, 2012|url=http://www.statistics.gov.lk/PopHouSat/CPH2011/index.php?fileName=pop42&gp=Activities&tpl=3|publisher=Department of Census & Statistics, Sri Lanka}}</ref> | ||
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==Etymology== | ==Etymology== | ||
The Sinhalese are also known as "Hela" or "Sinhala". These synonyms find their origins in the two words Sinha (meaning "lion") and Hela (meaning "pristine"). The name Sinhala translates to "lion people" and refers to the myths regarding the descent of the legendary founder of the Sinhalese people, the |
The Sinhalese are also known as "Hela" or "Sinhala". These synonyms find their origins in the two words Sinha (meaning "lion") and Hela (meaning "pristine"). The name Sinhala translates to "lion people" and refers to the myths regarding the descent of the legendary founder of the Sinhalese people, the Prince Vijaya. The royal dynasty from ancient times on the island was the Sinha (Lion) royal dynasty and the word Sinha finds its origins here.Sri Lanka has got its old name "Sinhale" or "Heladiva" after Sinhalese who built up the civilisation of the island.The former names of the country "Serendib", "Seylan" and "Ceylon" have derived from the old name "Sinhale" | ||
Another clarification for origin of Sinhala is from siw (four) |
Another clarification for origin of Sinhala is from siw (four)-Hela (Pristine). ], ], ], ] were the four powerful hela tribes.<ref name=origin>{{cite web|last=Dissanayake|first=Ranjit|title=History and origins of the Sinhala race|url=http://www.sundayobserver.lk/2003/03/30/fea08.html|publisher=Sunday Observer|accessdate=11 February 2013}}</ref> | ||
==History== | ==History== | ||
{{See also|History of Sri Lanka|Dipavamsa|Mahavamsa|Culavamsa}} | {{See also|History of Sri Lanka|Dipavamsa|Mahavamsa|Culavamsa}} | ||
{{double image|right|Coming Of Sinhala (Mural At Ajanta In Cave No 17).jpg|150|The Consecration Of King Sinhala-Prince Vijaya (Detail From The Ajanta Mural Of Cave No 17).jpg|156|'''1''' A section of the mural at ] in Cave No 17,depicts the 'coming of Sinhala'.The prince (]) is seen in both of groups of elephants and riders.<br>'''2''' The consecration of King Sinhala (]) (Detail from the ] Mural of Cave No 17).}} | |||
===Ancient history=== | |||
The genesis myth and early recorded history of the Sinhalese is chronicled in two documents, the ], written in ] around the 4th century CE, and the much later ] (probably penned in the 13th century CE by the Buddhist monk Dhammakitti). These are ancient sources which cover the histories of the powerful ancient Sinhalese kingdoms of ] and ] which lasted for 1500 years. The Mahavansa describes the existence of fields of ] and ], indicating a well-developed ]. The ] of the Sinhalese people also speaks of many royal dynasties prior to the Sinha royal dynasty: Manu, Tharaka, ], ], etc.as per the oldest Indian epic poem] and consists many places in relation to this story such as ] (Rama Setu),Sita eliya and falls(where Princes Sita stayed and bathed)] (where King Ravana Bathed and enjoyed), {{Citation needed|date=March 2013}} | |||
{{double image|left|Coming Of Sinhala (Mural At Ajanta In Cave No 17).jpg|200|The Consecration Of King Sinhala-Prince Vijaya (Detail From The Ajanta Mural Of Cave No 17).jpg|207|'''1''' A section of the mural at ] in Cave No 17,depicts the 'coming of Sinhala'.The prince (]) is seen in both of groups of elephants and riders. <br /><br /> '''2''' The consecration of King Sinhala (]) (Detail from the ] Mural of Cave No 17).}} | |||
According to the ], the Sinhalese are descended from the exiled ] and his party of seven hundred followers who arrived on the island in 543 ]. Vijaya and his followers were said to have arrived in Sri Lanka after being exiled from the city of Sinhapura in ], East India.<ref>Chelvadurai Manogaran (1987).But according to the legendary history of Sinhalese extends back to the period of prehistoric king Rawana in 6000 BCE.Ethnic conflict and reconciliation in Sri Lanka . United States of America: University of Hawaii Press. 20.</ref> ] is then said to have been introduced to the Sinhalese from India by ], son of the Mauryan Emperor ], during the 3rd century BCE. | |||
===Medieval history=== | |||
{{See also|Medieval history of Sri Lanka}} | |||
During the ] Sri Lanka was well known for its agricultural prosperity under the ] in Polonnaruwa during which period the island was famous around the world as the rice mill of the east. Later in the 13th century the country's administrative provinces were divided into three independent kingdoms: ], ] and the ].<ref>{{cite web|last=Jawad|first=Afreeha|title=Communal representation of 1848 - this country's bane|url=http://www.sundayobserver.lk/2006/11/05/fea15.asp|publisher=sundayobserver.lk|accessdate=24 February 2012}}</ref> The invasion by ] in the 13th century led to migrations by the Sinhalese to areas not under his control. This migration was followed by a period of conflict among the Sinhalese chiefs who tried to exert political supremacy. ] in the 15th century was the only Sinhalese king during this time who could bring back the unity of the whole island. Trade also increased during this period, as Sri Lanka began to trade ] and a large number of Muslim traders were bought into the island.<ref name="mendis">G.C. Mendis (2006). Ceylon under the British. Colombo: Asian Educational Services. 4. Medieval history</ref> | |||
In the 15th century a ] formed which divided the Sinhalese politically into low-country and up-country.<ref name="mendis"/> | |||
===Modern history=== | |||
{{Historical populations | {{Historical populations | ||
|type = | |type = | ||
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|2011 | 15173820 | |2011 | 15173820 | ||
}} | }} | ||
The Sinhalese have a stable birth rate and a population that has been growing at a slow pace relative to India and other Asian countries. | |||
== |
===Pre History=== | ||
The ] of the Sinhalese people also speaks of many royal dynasties prior to the Sinhala royal dynasties: Manu, Tharaka, ], ], etc. as per the oldest Indian epic poem ] and consists many places in relation to this story such as ] (Rama Setu), Sita eliya and falls (where Princes Sita stayed and bathed) ] (where King Ravana Bathed and enjoyed), {{Citation needed|date=March 2013}} | |||
{{Main|Culture of Sri Lanka}} | |||
===Ancient history=== | |||
Sinhalese culture is a unique one dating as far back as 2600 years and has been nourished by Theravada Buddhism. Its main domains are sculpture, fine arts, literature, dancing, poetry and a wide variety of folk beliefs and rituals traditionally. Ancient Sinhalese stone sculpture and inscriptions are known worldwide and is a main foreign attraction in modern tourism. Sigirirya is famous for its frescoes. Folk poems were sung by workers to accompany their work and narrate the story of their lives. Ideally these poems consisted of four lines and, in the composition of these poems, special attention had been paid to the rhyming patterns. Buddhist festivals are dotted by unique music using traditionally Sinhala instruments. More ancient rituals like tovils (devil exorcism) continue to enthrall audiences today and often praised and admired the good and the power of Buddha and gods in order to exorcise the demons. | |||
{{Seealso|House of Vijaya|Prince Vijaya}} | |||
Early recorded history of the Sinhalese is chronicled in two documents, the ], written in ] around the 4th century CE, and the much later ] (probably penned in the 13th century CE by the Buddhist monk Dhammakitti). These are ancient sources which cover the histories of the powerful ancient Sinhalese kingdoms of ] and ] which lasted for 1500 years. The Mahavansa describes the existence of fields of ] and ], indicating a well-developed ]. | |||
Concerning popular music, ] developed the reflective and poignant Sarala gee style with his work in the late 1930s/early 1940s. He has been followed by artists of repute such as Sunil Shantha, ], Premasiri Khemadasa, ], ], Austin Munasinghe, ], ], ], Neela Wickremasinghe, ], Malini Bulathsinghala and ]. | |||
According to the ], the Sinhalese are descended from the exiled ] and his party of seven hundred followers who arrived on the island in 543 ]. Vijaya and his followers were said to have arrived in Sri Lanka after being exiled from the city of Sinhapura in ], East India. | |||
Dramatist ] revitalized the drama form with ''Maname'' in 1956. The same year, film director ] created the artistic masterwork '']'' which sought to create a uniquely Sinhala cinema with artistic integrity. Since then, Peries and other directors like ], ], ], W. A. B. de Silva,Dharmasiri Bandaranayake, Professor Sunil Ariyaratne, ], ], ], ], ], Ranjith Lal, Dayananda Gunawardena, Mudalinayake Somaratne, Ashoka Handagama, and ] have developed an artistic Sinhala cinema. Sinhala cinema is often made colorful by the incorporation of songs and dance adding more uniqueness to the industry. | |||
=== |
====Early kingdoms==== | ||
{{Main|Kingdom of Tambapanni|Kingdom of Upatissa Nuwara}} | |||
{{Main|Sinhala language}} | |||
] | |||
] | |||
] | |||
The Sinhalese speak ], also known as "Helabasa"; this language has two varieties, spoken and written. Sinhala is an ]<ref name="Language"/> brought to Sri Lanka by northeast Indians who settled on the island in the 6th century BCE.<ref>The Mahavamsa.org. (2007). The Mahavamsa - Great Chronicle - History of Sri Lanka - Mahawansa. Available: http://mahavamsa.org/. Last accessed 3 March 2010.</ref><ref>Asiff Hussein. (2009). Evolution of the Sinhala language. Available: http://www.lankalibrary.com/books/sinhala.htm. Last accessed 3 March 2010.</ref> Sinhala developed in a way different from the other Indo-Aryan languages because of the geographic separation from its Indo-Aryan sister languages. Sinhala was influenced by many languages, prominently ], the sacred language of Southern Buddhism, and ]. Many early Sinhala texts such as the ''Hela Atuwa'' were lost after their translation into ]. Other significant Sinhala texts include ''Amāvatura'', ''Kavu Silumina'', ''Jathaka Potha'' and ''Sala Liheeniya''. Sinhala has also borrowed words from other Indian languages and the colonial languages ], ], and ].<ref name="everyculsin"/> | |||
The Kingdom of Tambapanni was founded by ] and his 700 followers after landing on the island, in a district near modern day ] which is believed to be the district of Chilaw,<ref name="Mittal 2006">{{cite book|last=Mittal|first=J.P.|title=History of Ancient India: From 4250 BC to 637 AD|publisher=Atlantic Publishers & Distributors|year=2006|volume=Volume 2 of History of Ancient India: A New Version|pages=405|chapter=Other dynasties|isbn=81-269-0616-2|url=http://books.google.com.au/books?id=rrh4tY3v2A4C&pg=PA405&lpg=PA405&dq=Kingdom+of+Thambapanni&source=bl&ots=4xMmuWX1y9&sig=ZtwIAAwEEY8aBY0GGQYpvUoobCU&hl=en&ei=TWi5SuXABtiQkQWv3eDiBQ&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=3#v=onepage&q=Kingdom%20of%20Thambapanni&f=false|accessdate=2009-11-06}}</ref><ref name="lankaemb-egypt.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.lankaemb-egypt.com/SriLanka/history.htm|title=Pre-history of Sri Lanka|work=lankaemb-egypt.com|publisher=Embassy of Sri Lanka Cairo, Egypt|accessdate=2009-11-06}} {{Dead link|date=October 2010|bot=H3llBot}}</ref> after leaving ].<ref name="scenicsrilanka.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.scenicsrilanka.com/history-of-sri-lanka.html|title=483 BC - Arrival of Aryans to Sri Lanka|work=scenicsrilanka.com|accessdate=2009-11-06}}</ref> It is recorded the Vijaya made his landing on the day of Buddha's death.<ref name="lankalibrary.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.lankalibrary.com/geo/kings/vijaya.htm|title=King Vijaya (B.C. 543-504) and his successors|work=lankalibrary.com|accessdate=2009-11-06}}</ref> Vijaya claimed ] his capital and soon the whole island come under this name. Tambapanni was originally inhabited and governed by ], having their capital at ] and their queen ].<ref name="palikanon.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.palikanon.com/english/pali_names/t/tambapanni.htm|title=Tambapanni|work=palikanon.com|accessdate=2009-11-06}}</ref> According to the ], Tambapanni was one hundred ] in extent. | |||
===Literature=== | |||
{{Main|Sri Lankan literature|Sinhalese literature}} | |||
After landing in Tambapanni Vijaya met ] the queen of the ], who was disguised as a beautiful woman but was really a 'yakkini' (devil) named Sesapathi.<ref name="Manathunga 2007">{{cite news|url=http://sundaytimes.lk/070204/Independencesupp/59Independence2.html|title=The first battle for freedom|last=Manathunga|first=Anura|date=2007-02-04|work=Ths Sunday Times|accessdate=2009-11-06}}</ref> | |||
]s written by Buddhist priests of Sri Lanka are regarded as some of the most sophisticated and versatile works of literature in the world. The Sinhala language was mainly inspired by Sanskrit and Pali, and many words of the Sinhala language derive from these languages. Today some English words too have come in as a result of the British occupation during colonial times, and the exposure to foreign cultures through television and Hollywood movies. Additionally many Dutch and Portuguese words can be seen in the coastal areas. | |||
During the end of his reign Vijaya, who was having trouble choosing a successor, sent a letter to the city of his ancestors, ], in order to invite his brother ] to take over the throne.<ref name="Blaze">{{cite book|last=Blaze|first=L. E.|title=History of Ceylon|year=1933|page=12|url=http://books.google.com/books?id=RFxCJ9__KBMC&pg=PA11&lpg=PA11&dq=Upatissa+Nuwara&source=bl&ots=DeSlQ2TwAz&sig=DVv4YodN0e4ry_80HXStgUx6wfU&hl=en&ei=6NRYS_H9GpLo7AOI-ISkCg&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=10&ved=0CCYQ6AEwCQ#v=onepage&q=Upatissa%20Nuwara&f=false}}</ref> However Vijaya had died before the letter had reached its destination so the elected minister of the people<ref>{{cite book|title=The Mahávansi, the Rájá-ratnácari, and the Rájá-vali|year=1833|publisher=Parbury, Allen, and Co.|url=http://books.google.com/books?id=l6zG7t_xQVcC&pg=PA176&lpg=PA176&dq=Upatissa+Nuwara&source=bl&ots=RNsZJvJSYI&sig=Qn3bh7RHyz7ah7a-GHQyLdMUafY&hl=en&ei=6NRYS_H9GpLo7AOI-ISkCg&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=8&ved=0CCAQ6AEwBw#v=onepage&q=Upatissa%20Nuwara&f=false}}</ref> ], the Chief government minister or prime minister and leading chief among the ] became ] and acted as regent for a year. After his coronation which was held in the Kingdom of Tambapanni, he left it building another one bearing his own name. While his was king, Upatissa established the new capital ], in which the kingdom was moved to from the ]. When Vijaya's letter arrived Sumitta had already succeeded his father as king of his country, and so he sent his son ] to rule Upatissa Nuwara.<ref name=Blaze /> | |||
Folk tales like ''Mahadana Muttha saha Golayo'' and ''Kawate Andare'' continue to entertain children today. ''Mahadana Muttha'' tells the tale of a fool cum Pundit who travels around the country with his followers (''Golayo'') creating mischief through his ignorance. ''Kawate Andare'' tells the tale of a witty court jester and his interactions with the royal court and his son. | |||
Upatissa Nuwara was seven or eight miles further north of the ].<ref name="Mittal 2006">{{cite book|last=Mittal|first=J.P.|title=History of Ancient India: From 4250 BC to 637 AD|publisher=Atlantic Publishers & Distributors|year=2006|volume=Volume 2 of History of Ancient India: A New Version|page=405|chapter=Other dynasties|isbn=81-269-0616-2|url=http://books.google.com.au/books?id=rrh4tY3v2A4C&pg=PA405&lpg=PA405&dq=Kingdom+of+Thambapanni&source=bl&ots=4xMmuWX1y9&sig=ZtwIAAwEEY8aBY0GGQYpvUoobCU&hl=en&ei=TWi5SuXABtiQkQWv3eDiBQ&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=3#v=onepage&q=Kingdom%20of%20Thambapanni&f=false|accessdate=2009-11-06}}</ref><ref name="lankaemb-egypt.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.lankaemb-egypt.com/SriLanka/history.htm|title=Pre-history of Sri Lanka|work=lankaemb-egypt.com|publisher=Embassy of Sri Lanka Cairo, Egypt|accessdate=2009-11-06}} {{Dead link|date=October 2010|bot=H3llBot}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=CHAPTER I THE BEGINNINGS; AND THE CONVERSION TO BUDDHISM|url=http://lakdiva.org/codrington/chap01.html}}</ref> It was named after the regent king ], who was the prime minister of ], and was founded in 505 BC after the death of ] and the end of the ]. | |||
In the modern period, Sinhala writers such as ] and ] have drawn widespread acclaim. Other writers of repute include Mahagama Sekera and Madewela S. Ratnayake. ] wrote the immensely popular children's novel ''Madol Duwa''. Munadasa Cumaratunga's ''Hath Pana'' is also widely known. | |||
=== |
====Anuradhapura==== | ||
{{Main|Anuradhapura Kingdom}} | |||
{{Main|Buddhism in Sri Lanka|Christianity in Sri Lanka}} | |||
].]] | |||
In 377 BC, King ] (437–367 BC) moved the capital to ] and developed it into a prosperous city.<ref>Blaze (1995), p. 19</ref><ref>Yogasundaram (2008), p. 41</ref> Anuradhapura (Anurapura) was named after the minister who first established the village and after a grandfather of Pandukabhaya who lived there. The name was also derived from the city's establishment on the ] called Anura.<ref>Wijesooriya (2006), p. 27</ref> Anuradhapura was the capital of all the monarchs who ruled from the dynasty.<ref>Bandaranayake (2007), p. 6</ref> | |||
The form of Buddhism in Sri Lanka is known as ] (school of elders). The Pali chronicles (e.g., the Mahavansa) claim that the Sinhalese as an ethnic group are destined to preserve and protect Buddhism. In 1988 almost 93% of the Sinhalese speaking population in Sri Lanka were Buddhist.<ref name="lcweb2.loc.gov">The Library of Congress. (2009). A Country Study: Sri Lanka. Available: http://lcweb2.loc.gov/frd/cs/lktoc.html. Last accessed 3 March 2010.</ref> Observations of current religious beliefs and practices demonstrate that Sinhalese as a religious community have complex worldview as Buddhists. Due to the proximity and on some occasions similarity of certain doctrines, there are many areas where Buddhists and Hindus share religious views and practices. This can lead to the opinion that Buddhists have adopted religious elements from Hindu traditions in their religious practices. Some of these practices may relate to ancient indigenous beliefs and traditions on spirits, worship of deities and godlings and some figures appear to ]. Some of these demonic figures are used in healing rituals and may be native to the island.<ref name="everyculsin"/><ref name = "Buddhism transformed">Buddhism transformed: religious change in Sri Lanka, by Richard Gombrich, Gananath Obeyesekere, 1999</ref><ref name="kataragama.org">, Peter R. Blood, (2009).</ref> | |||
===Medieval history=== | |||
Prominent Sri Lankan anthropologists Gananath Obeyesekere and Kitsiri Malalgoda used the term "Protestant Buddhism" to describe a type of Buddhism that appeared among the Sinhalese in Sri Lanka as a response to ] ] and their evangelical activities during the British colonial period. This kind of Buddhism involved emulating the Protestant strategies of organizing religious practices. They saw the need to establish Buddhist schools for educating Buddhist youth and organizing Buddhists with new organizations such as the Young Men's Buddhist Association, as well as printing pamphlets to encourage people to participate in debates and religious controversies to defend Buddhism.<ref>Mahinda Deegalle. (1997). A Bibliography on Sinhala Buddhism. Available: http://www.buddhistethics.org/4/deeg1.html. Last accessed 3 March 2010.</ref> | |||
{{See also|Medieval history of Sri Lanka}} | |||
During the ] Sri Lanka was well known for its agricultural prosperity under the ] in Polonnaruwa during which period the island was famous around the world as the rice mill of the east. Later in the 13th century the country's administrative provinces were divided into three independent kingdoms: ], ] and the ].<ref>{{cite web|last=Jawad|first=Afreeha|title=Communal representation of 1848 - this country's bane|url=http://www.sundayobserver.lk/2006/11/05/fea15.asp|publisher=sundayobserver.lk|accessdate=24 February 2012}}</ref> The invasion by ] in the 13th century led to migrations by the Sinhalese to areas not under his control. This migration was followed by a period of conflict among the Sinhalese chiefs who tried to exert political supremacy. ] in the 15th century was the only Sinhalese king during this time who could bring back the unity of the whole island. Trade also increased during this period, as Sri Lanka began to trade ] and a large number of Muslim traders were bought into the island.<ref name="mendis">G.C. Mendis (2006). Ceylon under the British. Colombo: Asian Educational Services. 4. Medieval history</ref> | |||
There is a significant Sinhalese ] community, in the maritime provinces of Sri Lanka.<ref name="everyculsin"/> Christianity was brought to the Sinhalese by Portuguese, Dutch, and British missionary groups during their respective periods of rule.<ref>Conversion and Demonism: Colonial Christian Discourse and Religion in Sri Lanka, David Scott, Comparative Studies in Society and History, Vol. 34, No. 2 (Apr., 1992), pp. 331-365, Published by: Cambridge University Press, Stable URL: http://www.jstor.org/stable/178949</ref> Sinhalese Christians mainly follow ], followed by ].<ref name="lcweb2.loc.gov"/> Their cultural centre is ]. | |||
In the 15th century a ] formed which divided the Sinhalese politically into low-country and up-country.<ref name="mendis"/> | |||
Religion is considered very important among the Sinhalese. According to a 2008 ], 99% of Sri Lankans considered religion an important aspect of their daily lives.<ref>Steve Crabtree and Brett Pelham. (2009). What Alabamians and Iranians Have in Common. Available: http://www.gallup.com/poll/114211/Alabamians-Iranians-Common.aspx. Last accessed 3 March 2010.</ref> | |||
=== |
===Modern history=== | ||
The Sinhalese have a stable birth rate and a population that has been growing at a slow pace relative to India and other Asian countries. | |||
] | |||
==Culture== | |||
{{Main|Culture of Sri Lanka}} | |||
{{double image|right|Sinhalese Girl Wearing A Traditional Kandyan Saree (Osaria)-1.jpg|164|Sinhalese Man in National Dress.jpg|155|Sinhalese girl in Osaria and a Sinhalese man in National dress.}} | {{double image|right|Sinhalese Girl Wearing A Traditional Kandyan Saree (Osaria)-1.jpg|164|Sinhalese Man in National Dress.jpg|155|Sinhalese girl in Osaria and a Sinhalese man in National dress.}} | ||
Sinhalese culture is a unique one dating as far back as 2600 years and has been nourished by Theravada Buddhism. Its main domains are sculpture, fine arts, literature, dancing, poetry and a wide variety of folk beliefs and rituals traditionally. Ancient Sinhalese stone sculpture and inscriptions are known worldwide and is a main foreign attraction in modern tourism. Sigirirya is famous for its frescoes. Folk poems were sung by workers to accompany their work and narrate the story of their lives. Ideally these poems consisted of four lines and, in the composition of these poems, special attention had been paid to the rhyming patterns. Buddhist festivals are dotted by unique music using traditionally Sinhala instruments. More ancient rituals like tovils (devil exorcism) continue to enthral audiences today and often praised and admired the good and the power of Buddha and gods in order to exorcise the demons. | |||
===Dress=== | |||
Traditionally during recreation the Sinhalese wear a ] (''sarama'' in Sinhala). Men may wear a long-sleeved shirt with the sarong, while women wear a tight-fitting, short-sleeved jacket with a wrap-around called the ''cheeththaya''. In the more populated areas, Sinhalese men also wear Western-style clothing — wearing suits while the women wear skirts and blouses. For formal and ceremonial occasions women wear the traditional ]an (Osaria) style, which consists of a full blouse which covers the midriff completely, and is partially tucked in at the front. However, modern intermingling of styles has led to most wearers baring the midriff. The Kandyan style is considered as the national dress of Sinhalese women. In many occasions and functions, even the ''saree'' plays an important role in women's clothing and has become the de facto clothing for female office workers especially in government sector. An example of its use is the uniform of air hostesses of ].<ref name="everyculsin">Everyculture. (2009). Sinhalese - Religion and Expressive Culture. Available: http://www.everyculture.com/South-Asia/Sinhalese-Religion-and-Expressive-Culture.html. Last accessed 3 March 2010.</ref> | Traditionally during recreation the Sinhalese wear a ] (''sarama'' in Sinhala). Men may wear a long-sleeved shirt with the sarong, while women wear a tight-fitting, short-sleeved jacket with a wrap-around called the ''cheeththaya''. In the more populated areas, Sinhalese men also wear Western-style clothing — wearing suits while the women wear skirts and blouses. For formal and ceremonial occasions women wear the traditional ]an (Osaria) style, which consists of a full blouse which covers the midriff completely, and is partially tucked in at the front. However, modern intermingling of styles has led to most wearers baring the midriff. The Kandyan style is considered as the national dress of Sinhalese women. In many occasions and functions, even the ''saree'' plays an important role in women's clothing and has become the de facto clothing for female office workers especially in government sector. An example of its use is the uniform of air hostesses of ].<ref name="everyculsin">Everyculture. (2009). Sinhalese - Religion and Expressive Culture. Available: http://www.everyculture.com/South-Asia/Sinhalese-Religion-and-Expressive-Culture.html. Last accessed 3 March 2010.</ref> | ||
===Cuisine=== | ===Cuisine=== | ||
{{Main|Sinhalese cuisine}} | {{Main|Sinhalese cuisine}} | ||
] | ] | ||
Sinhalese cuisine is one of the most complex cuisines of ]. Due to its proximity to ], the cuisine of Sinhalese shows some influence, yet is in many ways quite distinct. As a major trade hub, it draws influence from ] that were involved in ] and by foreign traders. ], which is consumed daily, can be found at any occasion, while spicy ] are favorite dishes for ] and ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://sltouristguide.com/foods.html |title=Food in Sri Lanka |publisher=Sltouristguide.com |date= |accessdate=2013-03-21}}</ref> Some of the Sri Lankan dishes have striking resemblance to ], which could be due to the similar geographic and agricultural features with ]. A well-known rice dish with Sinhalese is ], meaning "Milk Rice." In addition to sambols, Sinhalese eat "Mallung", chopped leaves mixed with grated ] and red ]s. ] is found in most Sri Lankan dishes to give the cuisine its unique flavor. | |||
Sinhalese cuisine is one of the most complex cuisines of ]. Due to its proximity to ], the cuisine of Sinhalese shows some influence, yet is in many ways quite distinct. As a major trade hub, it draws influence from ] that were involved in ] and by foreign traders. ], which is consumed daily, can be found at any occasion, while spicy ] are favourite dishes for ] and ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://sltouristguide.com/foods.html |title=Food in Sri Lanka |publisher=Sltouristguide.com |date= |accessdate=2013-03-21}}</ref> Some of the Sri Lankan dishes have striking resemblance to ], which could be due to the similar geographic and agricultural features with ]. A well-known rice dish with Sinhalese is ], meaning "Milk Rice." In addition to sambols, Sinhalese eat "Mallung", chopped leaves mixed with grated ] and red ]s. ] is found in most Sri Lankan dishes to give the cuisine its unique flavour. | |||
===Visual art and architecture=== | |||
Developed upon Indo-Aryan architectural skills in the late 6th century BCE Sinhalese people who lived upon greater kingdoms such as Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa have built so many architectural examples such as ], ] - second tallest brick building in the ancient world after Pyramid of Giza, and ] - third tallest brick building in the ancient world. And also with the ancient hydrolic technology which is also unique to Sinhalese people to build ancient tanks, systamatic ponds with fountains moats and Irrigational reservoirs such as ], ] and ]. Sigirya which consider as the 8th wonder of the world is a combination of natural and man made fortress, which consists so many architectural aspects. | |||
Sri Lanka has long been renowned for its ]. The best known is cinnamon which is native to Sri Lanka. In the 15th and 16th centuries, spice and ivory traders from all over the world who came to Sri Lanka brought their native cuisines to the island, resulting in a rich diversity of cooking styles and techniques. Lamprais rice boiled in stock with a special ], accompanied by ''frikkadels'' (]), all of which is then wrapped in a banana leaf and baked as a Dutch-influenced Sri Lankan dish. Dutch and Portuguese sweets also continue to be popular. British influences include ] and ]. Also, the influence of the Indian cooking methods and food have played a major role in what Sri Lankans eat. | |||
===Performing arts=== | |||
Performing arts of the Sinhalese people can be catogarized into few subsections. | |||
*] consist of 18 Wannam (dance routines) featuring behaviours of various animals such as elephant,eagle,cobra,monkey,peacock and rabbit,mainly performing in Annual Perahara pegent in ] Kandy. | |||
The island nation's cuisine mainly consists of boiled or steamed rice served with curry. This usually consists of a "main curry" of ] or ], as well as several other curries made with ]s, ]s and even ] curries. Side-dishes include ], ]s and "sambols". The most famous of these is the ], made of ground coconut mixed with ]s, dried ] and ]. This is ground to a paste and eaten with rice, as it gives zest to the meal and is believed to increase appetite. | |||
*] have significant dancing style which is using for cure illnesses and spiritual clarification.the main feature in this dances is dancer wear on Masks representing various Gods and Demons.and use elements such as fire and water to bless people. | |||
===Language and Literature=== | |||
*] have also a significant dancing style mainly to entertain people. | |||
{{Main|Sinhala language|Sri Lankan literature|Sinhalese literature}} | |||
] | |||
] | |||
The Sinhalese speak ], also known as "Helabasa"; this language has two varieties, spoken and written. Sinhala is an ]<ref name="Language"/> brought to Sri Lanka by northeast Indians who settled on the island in the 6th century BCE.<ref>The Mahavamsa.org. (2007). The Mahavamsa - Great Chronicle - History of Sri Lanka - Mahawansa. Available: http://mahavamsa.org/. Last accessed 3 March 2010.</ref><ref>Asiff Hussein. (2009). Evolution of the Sinhala language. Available: http://www.lankalibrary.com/books/sinhala.htm. Last accessed 3 March 2010.</ref> Sinhala developed in a way different from the other Indo-Aryan languages because of the geographic separation from its Indo-Aryan sister languages. Sinhala was influenced by many languages, prominently ], the sacred language of Southern Buddhism, and ]. Many early Sinhala texts such as the ''Hela Atuwa'' were lost after their translation into ]. Other significant Sinhala texts include ''Amāvatura'', ''Kavu Silumina'', ''Jathaka Potha'' and ''Sala Liheeniya''. Sinhala has also borrowed words from other Indian languages and the colonial languages ], ], and ].<ref name="everyculsin"/> | |||
*Folk Music and Dances differ accroding to the casts of Sinhalese people and also some times in regional wise - mainly popular among small children,specially girls.These arts are widely performing during Sinhalese New year period. | |||
]s written by Buddhist priests of Sri Lanka are regarded as some of the most sophisticated and versatile works of literature in the world. The Sinhala language was mainly inspired by Sanskrit and Pali, and many words of the Sinhala language derive from these languages. Today some English words too have come in as a result of the British occupation during colonial times, and the exposure to foreign cultures through television and Hollywood movies. Additionally many Dutch and Portuguese words can be seen in the coastal areas. | |||
===Martial arts=== | |||
{{Main|Sinhalese martial arts}} | |||
Folk tales like ''Mahadana Muttha saha Golayo'' and ''Kawate Andare'' continue to entertain children today. ''Mahadana Muttha'' tells the tale of a fool cum Pundit who travels around the country with his followers (''Golayo'') creating mischief through his ignorance. ''Kawate Andare'' tells the tale of a witty court jester and his interactions with the royal court and his son. | |||
Angampora is the traditional ] of Sinhalese. It combines ] techniques, ], ], ] and ].<ref>{{cite news|last=WASALA|first=Chinthana|title=‘Angampora’ the local martial art needs to be revived|url=http://www.dailynews.lk/2007/09/01/spo20.asp|accessdate=15 May 2013|newspaper=DailyNews|date=1 September 2007}}</ref> Key techniques observed in ''Angampora'' are: ''Angam'', which incorporates hand-to-hand fighting, and ''Illangam'', which uses indigenous weapons such as '']'', staves, knives and swords. Its most distinct feature is the use of ] attacks to inflict pain or permanently paralyze the opponent. Fighters usually make use of both ] and ] techniques, and fight until the opponent is caught in a submission ] that they cannot escape. Usage of weapons is discretionary. Perimeters of fighting are defined in advance, and in some of the cases is a pit.<ref>{{cite news|last=Kulatunga|first=Thushara|title=A truly Sri Lankan art|url=http://www.sundayobserver.lk/2009/11/22/mag01.asp|accessdate=15 May 2013|newspaper=SundayObserver|date=22 November 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Perera|first=Thejaka|title=Angampora: the Martial Art of Sri Lankan Kings|url=http://exploresrilanka.lk/2010/07/angampora-the-martial-art-of-sri-lankan-kings/|accessdate=15 May 2013|publisher=ExploreSrilanka|date=July 2010}}</ref> ''Angampora'' became nearly extinct after the country came under ] in 1815, but survived in a few families until the country regained the independence.<ref>{{cite news|last=LAFFERTY|first=JAMIE|title=The Way of the Guru|url=http://angampora.org/misc/the_way_of_the_guru.pdf|accessdate=15 May 2013|publisher=angampora.org|date=}}</ref> | |||
In the modern period, Sinhala writers such as ] and ] have drawn widespread acclaim. Other writers of repute include Mahagama Sekera and Madewela S. Ratnayake. ] wrote the immensely popular children's novel ''Madol Duwa''. Munadasa Cumaratunga's ''Hath Pana'' is also widely known. | |||
===Sinhala Medicine=== | |||
It is believed that the Sinhala Medicine started in the Era of Great Hela King Ravana.King Ravana was an Emperor ruled in Sri Lanka. Traditional Sinhalese villages in early days had at least one chief Medical personnel called Weda Mahaththaya (Doctor).These people practice their clinical activities by inheritance.The Sinhala Medicine resembles some of Ayurvedic practices in contrast for some treatments they use Buddhist Chantings (]) in order to strengthen the effectiveness. | |||
===Art and architecture=== | |||
According to the ], the ancient chronicle of Sinhalese royalty, written in the sixth century A.D.,King ] (reigned 437 BC to 367 BC) had lying-in-homes and Ayurvedic hospitals (Sivikasotthi-Sala) built in various parts of the country. This is the earliest documentary evidence we have of institutions specifically dedicated to the care of the sick anywhere in the world.<ref>Prof. Arjuna Aluvihare, "Rohal Kramaya Lovata Dhayadha Kale Sri Lankikayo" ''Vidhusara Science Magazine'', Nov. 1993.</ref><ref>'''' – Rannan-Eliya, Ravi P. & De Mel, Nishan, ] & Health Policy Programme, Institute of Policy Studies, February 1997, Page 19. Accessed 22 February 2008.</ref> ] Hospital is the oldest in the world.<ref>Heinz E Müller-Dietz, ''Historia Hospitalium'' (1975).</ref> | |||
{{Main|Architecture of Sri Lanka}} | |||
], from the ] period, 8th century.]] | |||
Many forms of Sri Lankan arts and crafts take inspiration from the Island's long and lasting ] culture which in turn has absorbed and adopted countless regional and local traditions. In most instances Sri Lankan art originates from religious beliefs, and is represented in many forms such as ], ], and ]. One of the most notable aspects of Sri Lankan art are caves and temple paintings, such as the found at ], and religious paintings found in temples in ] and ] Relic in ]. Other popular forms of art have been influenced by both natives as well as outside settlers. For example, traditional wooden handicrafts and clay pottery are found around the hill country while Portuguese-inspired lacework and Indonesian-inspired ] have become notable. Its has many different and beautiful drawings. | |||
==Education== | |||
{{Main|Education in Sri Lanka}} | |||
Developed upon Indo-Aryan architectural skills in the late 6th century BCE Sinhalese people who lived upon greater kingdoms such as Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa have built so many architectural examples such as ], ] - second tallest brick building in the ancient world after Pyramid of Giza, and ] - third tallest brick building in the ancient world. And also with the ancient hydraulic technology which is also unique to Sinhalese people to build ancient tanks, systematic ponds with fountains moats and Irrigational reservoirs such as ], ] and ]. Sigirya which consider as the 8th wonder of the world is a combination of natural and man made fortress, which consists so many architectural aspects. | |||
The Sinhalese have a long history of literacy and formal learning. Instruction in basic fields like writing and reading by ] Monks pre-date the ]. This traditional system followed religious rule and was meant to foster Buddhist understanding. Training of officials in such skills as keeping track of revenue and other records for administrative purposes occurred under this institution.<ref name="SriSurvey">{{cite book |last= de Silva|first= K. M. |title= Sri Lanka: A Survey |publisher= Institute of Asian Affairs, Hamburg |year= 1977 |isbn= 0-8248-0568-2}}</ref> | |||
===Music=== | |||
Technical education such as the building of ] and canals was passed down from generation to generation through home training and outside craft apprenticeships.<ref name="SriSurvey"/> | |||
{{Main|Music of Sri Lanka}} | |||
Concerning popular music, ] developed the reflective and poignant Sarala gee style with his work in the late 1930s/early 1940s. He has been followed by artists of repute such as ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ] and ]. | |||
The arrival of the ] and ] and the subsequent colonization maintained religion as the center of education though in certain communities under ] and ] hierarchy. The ] in the 1800s initially followed the same course. Following 1870 however they began a campaign for better education facilities in the region. Christian missionary groups were at the forefront of this development contributing to a high literacy among Christians.<ref name="SriSurvey"/> | |||
===Film and theater=== | |||
By 1901 schools in the South and the North were well tended. The inner regions lagged behind however. Also, English education facilities presented hurdles for the general populace through fees and lack of access.<ref name="SriSurvey"/> | |||
{{Main|Cinema of Sri Lanka}} | |||
]'']] | |||
Dramatist ] revitalised the drama form with ''Maname'' in 1956. The same year, film director ] created the artistic masterwork '']'' which sought to create a uniquely Sinhala cinema with artistic integrity. Since then, Peries and other directors like ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], and ] have developed an artistic Sinhala cinema. Sinhala cinema is often made colourful with the incorporation of songs and dance adding more uniqueness to the industry. | |||
==Geographic distribution== | |||
Performing arts of the Sinhalese people can be categorised into few groups: | |||
===In Sri Lanka=== | |||
] Within Sri Lanka the majority of the Sinhalese reside in the south, central and western parts of the country. This districts with the largest sinhalese populations in Sri Lanka (>90%) are ], ], ], ], ] ] and ].<ref>Sri Lankan Government. (2001). Number and percentage of population by district and ethnic group. Available: http://www.statistics.gov.lk/PopHouSat/PDF/Population/p9p8%20Ethnicity.pdf. Last accessed 3 March 2010.</ref> | |||
*] consist of 18 Wannam (dance routines) featuring behaviours of various animals such as elephant,eagle,cobra,monkey,peacock and rabbit,mainly performing in Annual Perahara pegent in ] Kandy. | |||
===Outside Sri Lanka=== | |||
*] have significant dancing style which is using for cure illnesses and spiritual clarification.the main feature in this dances is dancer wear on Masks representing various Gods and Demons.and use elements such as fire and water to bless people. | |||
{{Main|Sri Lankan diaspora}} | |||
*] have also a significant dancing style mainly to entertain people. | |||
*Folk Music and Dances differ according to the casts of Sinhalese people and also some times in regional wise - mainly popular among small children,specially girls.These arts are widely performing during Sinhalese New year period. | |||
===Martial arts=== | |||
As with many of the people from former colonies, Sinhalese have emigrated to several countries. There are small communities in the ], ], ] and ] with Sinhalese ancestry. In addition to this there are many Sinhalese, who reside in the above mentioned countries and countries in the ], ] and ], temporarily in connection with employment and education. They are often employed as guest workers in the Middle East and professionals in the other regions. | |||
{{Main|Sinhalese martial arts}} | |||
] | |||
Angampora is the traditional ] of Sinhalese. It combines ] techniques, ], ], ] and ].<ref>{{cite news|last=WASALA|first=Chinthana|title=‘Angampora’ the local martial art needs to be revived|url=http://www.dailynews.lk/2007/09/01/spo20.asp|accessdate=15 May 2013|newspaper=DailyNews|date=1 September 2007}}</ref> Key techniques observed in ''Angampora'' are: ''Angam'', which incorporates hand-to-hand fighting, and ''Illangam'', which uses indigenous weapons such as '']'', staves, knives and swords. Its most distinct feature is the use of ] attacks to inflict pain or permanently paralyse the opponent. Fighters usually make use of both ] and ] techniques, and fight until the opponent is caught in a submission ] that they cannot escape. Usage of weapons is discretionary. Perimeters of fighting are defined in advance, and in some of the cases is a pit.<ref>{{cite news|last=Kulatunga|first=Thushara|title=A truly Sri Lankan art|url=http://www.sundayobserver.lk/2009/11/22/mag01.asp|accessdate=15 May 2013|newspaper=SundayObserver|date=22 November 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Perera|first=Thejaka|title=Angampora: the Martial Art of Sri Lankan Kings|url=http://exploresrilanka.lk/2010/07/angampora-the-martial-art-of-sri-lankan-kings/|accessdate=15 May 2013|publisher=ExploreSrilanka|date=July 2010}}</ref> ''Angampora'' became nearly extinct after the country came under ] in 1815, but survived in a few families until the country regained the independence.<ref>{{cite news|last=LAFFERTY|first=JAMIE|title=The Way of the Guru|url=http://angampora.org/misc/the_way_of_the_guru.pdf|accessdate=15 May 2013|publisher=angampora.org|date=}}</ref> | |||
;Australia | |||
], Australia, at the 2011 census, divided geographically by postal area.]] | |||
{{Main|Sri Lankan Australian}} | |||
===Science and education=== | |||
The ] found that there were approximately 29,055 Sinhalese Australians (0.1 percent of the population). That was an addition of 8,395 Sinhalese Australians (a 40.6 percent increase) from the 2001 Census. There are 73,849 Australians (0.4 of the population) who reported having Sinhalese ancestry in 2006. This was 26 percent more in 2001, in which 58,602 Australia reported having Sinhalese ancestry. The census is counted by Sri Lankans who speak the Sinhalese language at home. | |||
{{Main|Education in Sri Lanka}} | |||
The Sinhalese have a long history of literacy and formal learning. Instruction in basic fields like writing and reading by ] Monks pre-date the ]. This traditional system followed religious rule and was meant to foster Buddhist understanding. Training of officials in such skills as keeping track of revenue and other records for administrative purposes occurred under this institution.<ref name="SriSurvey">{{cite book |last= de Silva|first= K. M. |title= Sri Lanka: A Survey |publisher= Institute of Asian Affairs, Hamburg |year= 1977 |isbn= 0-8248-0568-2}}</ref> | |||
Census data released by the ] in 2004 reported that Sinhalese Australians are by religion 29.7 percent ]; 8.0 percent ], 9.9 percent other Christian; 46.9 percent "Other Religions" (mainly ]), and 5.5 percent ]. The Sinhalese language was also reported to be the 29th-fastest-growing language in Australia (ranking above ] but behind ] and ]). | |||
Technical education such as the building of ] and canals was passed down from generation to generation through home training and outside craft apprenticeships.<ref name="SriSurvey"/> | |||
Sinhalese Australians have an exceptionally low rate of return migration to Sri Lanka. In December 2001, the ] estimated that there were 800 Australian citizens resident in Sri Lanka. It is unclear whether these were returning Sri Lankan emigrants with ], their Sri Lankan Australian children, or other Australians present on business or for some other reason. | |||
The arrival of the ] and ] and the subsequent colonisation maintained religion as the centre of education though in certain communities under ] and ] hierarchy. The ] in the 1800s initially followed the same course. Following 1870 however they began a campaign for better education facilities in the region. Christian missionary groups were at the forefront of this development contributing to a high literacy among Christians.<ref name="SriSurvey"/> | |||
;Canada | |||
{{Main|Sri Lankan Canadians}} | |||
In the 2001 Canadian census, 10,000 people identified themselves as of Sinhalese ancestry, out of 62,000 Sri Lankans. | |||
By 1901 schools in the South and the North were well tended. The inner regions lagged behind however. Also, English education facilities presented hurdles for the general populace through fees and lack of access.<ref name="SriSurvey"/> | |||
;India | |||
{{Main|Sri Lankans in India}} | |||
;Medicine | |||
There are a small amount of Sinhalese people in India, scattered all around the country, but mainly living in and around the ] and ] regions. ] has the largest concentration of Sinhalese people with 1,100, the states of ], ] have 800 and 400 respectively. The ] and the state of ] have 200 each while other states such as ], ], ], ], ] have populations ranging from 60 to 30 people.<ref>http://www.joshuaproject.net/peopctry.php?rog3=IN&rop3=109305</ref> | |||
It is believed that the Sinhala Medicine started in the Era of Great Hela King Ravana. King Ravana was an Emperor ruled in Sri Lanka. Traditional Sinhalese villages in early days had at least one chief Medical personnel called Weda Mahaththaya (Doctor). These people practice their clinical activities by inheritance. The Sinhala Medicine resembles some of Ayurvedic practices in contrast for some treatments they use Buddhist Chantings (]) in order to strengthen the effectiveness. | |||
According to the ], the ancient chronicle, ] (437 BC-367 BC) had lying-in-homes and Ayurvedic hospitals (Sivikasotthi-Sala) built in various parts of the country. This is the earliest documentary evidence we have of institutions specifically dedicated to the care of the sick anywhere in the world.<ref>Prof. Arjuna Aluvihare, "Rohal Kramaya Lovata Dhayadha Kale Sri Lankikayo" ''Vidhusara Science Magazine'', Nov. 1993.</ref><ref>'''' – Rannan-Eliya, Ravi P. & De Mel, Nishan, ] & Health Policy Programme, Institute of Policy Studies, February 1997, Page 19. Accessed 22 February 2008.</ref> ] Hospital is the oldest in the world.<ref>Heinz E Müller-Dietz, ''Historia Hospitalium'' (1975).</ref> | |||
;Italy | |||
{{Main|Sri Lankans in Italy}} | |||
==Religion== | |||
It is estimated that there are 30,000-33,000 Sinhalese in Italy. The major Sinhalese communities in Italy are located in ] (In the districts Loreto and ]), ], ], ], ], and ] (Particularly ], ] and ]). But they have also opened businesses such as restaurants, cleaning enterprises (e.g., Cooperativa Multietnica di Pulizie Sud-Est), call centres, video-shops, traditional food shops, and minimarkets.<ref name="italy"/> | |||
{{Main|Buddhism in Sri Lanka|Christianity in Sri Lanka}} | |||
].]] | |||
The form of Buddhism in Sri Lanka is known as ] (school of elders). The Pali chronicles (e.g., the Mahavansa) claim that the Sinhalese as an ethnic group are destined to preserve and protect Buddhism. In 1988 almost 93% of the Sinhalese speaking population in Sri Lanka were Buddhist.<ref name="lcweb2.loc.gov">The Library of Congress. (2009). A Country Study: Sri Lanka. Available: http://lcweb2.loc.gov/frd/cs/lktoc.html. Last accessed 3 March 2010.</ref> Observations of current religious beliefs and practices demonstrate that Sinhalese as a religious community have complex worldview as Buddhists. Due to the proximity and on some occasions similarity of certain doctrines, there are many areas where Buddhists and Hindus share religious views and practices. This can lead to the opinion that Buddhists have adopted religious elements from Hindu traditions in their religious practices. Some of these practices may relate to ancient indigenous beliefs and traditions on spirits, worship of deities and godlings and some figures appear to ]. Some of these demonic figures are used in healing rituals and may be native to the island.<ref name="everyculsin"/><ref name = "Buddhism transformed">Buddhism transformed: religious change in Sri Lanka, by Richard Gombrich, Gananath Obeyesekere, 1999</ref><ref name="kataragama.org">, Peter R. Blood, (2009).</ref> | |||
Many Sinhalese have migrated to ] since the 1970s. Italy was attractive to the Sinhalese due to perceived easier employment opportunities and entry, compared to other European countries.<ref name="italy"/> | |||
Prominent Sri Lankan anthropologists ] and ] used the term "Protestant Buddhism" to describe a type of Buddhism that appeared among the Sinhalese in Sri Lanka as a response to ] ] and their evangelical activities during the British colonial period. This kind of Buddhism involved emulating the Protestant strategies of organising religious practices. They saw the need to establish Buddhist schools for educating Buddhist youth and organising Buddhists with new organisations such as the Young Men's Buddhist Association, as well as printing pamphlets to encourage people to participate in debates and religious controversies to defend Buddhism.<ref>Mahinda Deegalle. (1997). A Bibliography on Sinhala Buddhism. Available: http://www.buddhistethics.org/4/deeg1.html. Last accessed 3 March 2010.</ref> | |||
In the late 1970s, Sinhalese Catholic women migrated to Italy to work in elderly homes. This was followed by a wave of Sinhalese migrants who worked for Italian entrepreneurs in the early 1980s. Italy was often seen as a temporary destination, but many Sinhalese decided to settle there. Many Sinhalese have also migrated to Italy, mainly through the ] and ].<ref name="italy"/> | |||
There is a significant Sinhalese ] community, in the maritime provinces of Sri Lanka.<ref name="everyculsin"/> Christianity was brought to the Sinhalese by Portuguese, Dutch, and British missionary groups during their respective periods of rule.<ref>Conversion and Demonism: Colonial Christian Discourse and Religion in Sri Lanka, David Scott, Comparative Studies in Society and History, Vol. 34, No. 2 (Apr., 1992), pp. 331-365, Published by: Cambridge University Press, Stable URL: http://www.jstor.org/stable/178949</ref> Sinhalese Christians mainly follow ], followed by ].<ref name="lcweb2.loc.gov"/> Their cultural centre is ]. | |||
Admission acts also encouraged more Sinhalese to migrate to Italy. For example, the Dini Decree in 1996 made it easier for Sinhalese workers to bring their families to Italy. In ], ], and ], the Sinhalese have built up "enlarged families", where jobs are exchanged among relatives and compatriots.<ref name="italy"/> | |||
Religion is considered very important among the Sinhalese. According to a 2008 ], 99% of Sri Lankans considered religion an important aspect of their daily lives.<ref>Steve Crabtree and Brett Pelham. (2009). What Alabamians and Iranians Have in Common. Available: http://www.gallup.com/poll/114211/Alabamians-Iranians-Common.aspx. Last accessed 3 March 2010.</ref> | |||
==Geographic distribution== | |||
;New Zealand | |||
] | |||
{{Main|Sri Lankan New Zealander}} | |||
===Sri Lanka=== | |||
The early arrivals to come to New Zealand from what was then ] were a few prospectors attracted to the gold rushes. By 1874, there were 33 New Zealand residents born in Ceylon. | |||
Within Sri Lanka the majority of the Sinhalese reside in the South, Central and Western parts of the country. This coincides with the largest Sinhalese populations areas in Sri Lanka. Cities with a > 90% population include ], ], ], ], ], ] and ].<ref>Sri Lankan Government. (2001). Number and percentage of population by district and ethnic group. Available: http://www.statistics.gov.lk/PopHouSat/PDF/Population/p9p8%20Ethnicity.pdf. Last accessed 3 March 2010.</ref> | |||
===Diaspora=== | |||
After 1950 under the ], some students and trainees received education in New Zealand. Up until the late 1960s, the number of New Zealand residents born in Ceylon remained static. As a demand for skilled professionals in New Zealand grew, it led to a noticeable increase in the number of immigrants about this time. Racial and economic tensions in ], made worse after the declaration of the ] in 1972, also swelled immigrant numbers.<ref name="teara.govt.nz">http://www.teara.govt.nz/en/sri-lankans/1</ref> | |||
{{Main|Sri Lankan diaspora}} | |||
Sinhalese people have emigrated out to many countries for a variety of reasons. The larger diaspora communities are situated in the ], ], ] ] among others. In addition to this there are many Sinhalese, who reside in the ], ] and ], temporarily in connection with employment and/or education. They are often employed as guest workers in the Middle East and professionals in the other regions. | |||
In 1983, the ] began with Sinhalese political dominance being challenged by the militant ], who sought a separate Tamil state within Sri Lanka.<ref name="teara.govt.nz"/> After the 1983 riots in Sri Lanka ushered in an extended civil war, many Sri Lankans, both Tamil and Sinhalese, fled Sri Lanka, the number of arrivals from Sri Lanka to New Zealand and the Sri Lankan-born population in New Zealand rose dramatically.<ref>http://www.nzonscreen.com/title/from-sri-lanka-with-sorrow-1996</ref> | |||
The largest population centres of Sinhalese people are mainly situated in Europe, North America and Australia. The city of ] contains just under half of the ]s. The 2011 census recorded 86,412 Sri Lanka born in Australia. There are 73,849 Australians (0.4 of the population) who reported having Sinhalese ancestry in 2006. The Sinhalese language was also reported to be the 29th-fastest-growing language in Australia (ranking above ] but behind ] and ]). Sinhalese Australians have an exceptionally low rate of return migration to Sri Lanka. In the ], 7,220 people identified themselves as of ], out of 139,415 Sri Lankans.<ref name="Sri Lankan Canadians">{{cite web |url=http://www12.statcan.gc.ca/nhs-enm/2011/dp-pd/dt-td/Rp-eng.cfm?TABID=2&LANG=E&APATH=3&DETAIL=0&DIM=0&FL=A&FREE=0&GC=0&GID=1118296&GK=0&GRP=0&PID=105396&PRID=0&PTYPE=105277&S=0&SHOWALL=0&SUB=0&Temporal=2013&THEME=95&VID=0&VNAMEE=&VNAMEF=&D1=0&D2=0&D3=0&D4=0&D5=0&D6=0 |author=] |title=2011 National Household Survey: Data tables |accessdate=11 March 2014}}</ref> There are a small amount of ], scattered around the country, but mainly living in and around the ] and ] regions.<ref>http://www.joshuaproject.net/peopctry.php?rog3=IN&rop3=109305</ref> ]s comprised 3% of the Asian population of New Zealand in 2001.<ref>http://www.teara.govt.nz/en/sri-lankans/2</ref>The numbers arriving continued to increase, and at the 2006 census there were over 7,000 Sri Lankans living in New Zealand. The ] number about 12,000 in the ].<ref>Joshua Project. (2010). Sinhalese of United States Ethnic People Profile. Available: http://www.joshuaproject.net/peopctry.php?rop3=109305&rog3=US. Last accessed 3 April 2010.</ref> The ] contains the largest Sri Lankan community in the United States, receiving the highest legal permanent resident Sri Lankan immigrant population,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dhs.gov/files/statistics/publications/LPR10.shtm|title=Yearbook of Immigration Statistics: 2010 Supplemental Table 2|publisher=U.S. Department of Homeland Security|accessdate=7 June 2011}}</ref> followed by ] and the ]. Many ] have migrated to ] since the 1970s. Italy was attractive to the Sinhalese due to perceived easier employment opportunities and entry, compared to other European countries. It is estimated that there are 30,000-33,000 Sinhalese in Italy. The major Sinhalese communities in Italy are located in ] (In the districts Loreto and ]), ], ], ], ], and ] (Particularly ], ] and ]). Though ] people in particular and Sri Lankans in general have migrated to the UK over the centuries beginning from the colonial times, the number of Sinhalese people in the UK cannot be estimated accurately due to inadequacies of census in the UK. The UK government does not record statistics on the basis of language or ethnicity and all Sri Lankans are classified into one group as ] or Asian Other. | |||
The numbers arriving continued to increase, and at the 2006 census there were over 7,000 Sri Lankans living in New Zealand.<ref name="teara.govt.nz"/> | |||
Sri Lankan New Zealanders comprised 3% of the Asian population of New Zealand in 2001. Out of the Asians, the Sri Lankans were the most likely to hold a formal qualification and to work in ] occupations. Sri Lankans mainly worked in health professions, business and property services, and the retail and manufacturing sectors, in large numbers. Most lived in ] and ], with smaller populations in ], ], ] and others.<ref>http://www.teara.govt.nz/en/sri-lankans/2</ref> | |||
;United Kingdom | |||
{{Main|Sri Lankans in the United Kingdom}} | |||
Now there are many Sri Lankan associations in the United Kingdom. The Sinhalese community is well represented by many old boys associations of prominent schools in Sri Lanka and many temple organizations associated with Buddhist and Hindu temples represent both Sinhala and Tamil communities in the UK. Though Sinhala people in particular and Sri Lankans in general have migrated to the UK over the centuries beginning from the colonial times, the number of Sinhalese people in the UK cannot be estimated accurately due to inadequacies of census in the UK. The UK government does not record statistics on the basis of language or ethnicity and all Sri Lankans are classified into one group as ] or Asian Other. | |||
The Sinhalese have not neglected the use of ] in the UK. For the Sinhala readers, the ] ''Lanka Viththi'' (Information on Lanka) was created in 1997 to provide Sinhala reading materials for the Sinhalese UK community. This particular monthly newspaper, the first of its kind outside Sri Lanka, celebrates its successful survival in abroad. Available:<ref>http://www.infolanka.com/org/diary/219.html.</ref> | |||
In 2006, a Sinhala ] called Kesara TV<ref name="companysearchesmadesimple">http://www.companysearchesmadesimple.com/company/uk/05842366/kesara%20tv%20limited/</ref> was set up in ] to provide the Sinhala-speaking people of the UK a TV channel in Sinhala.<ref>Lanka Newspapers. (2006). Sri Lankan launches Sinhala TV channel in UK. Available: http://www.lankanewspapers.com/news/2006/7/7632.html. Last accessed 28 March 2010.</ref>]. This development in entertainment industry had a short life which resulted in the dissolving of the company in 2009.<ref name="companysearchesmadesimple" /> | |||
Some of the Sinhalese community have been against the public display of support for the ] in the ] in ], ].<ref>Walter Jayawardhana. (2009). UK SINHALA ASSOCIATION PRESIDENT TELLS MAYOR OF LONDON THAT BANNED TERRORIST GROUPS SHOULD NOT RULE LONDON STREETS. Available: http://sinhale.wordpress.com/2009/04/10/uk-sinhala-association-president-tells-mayor-of-london-that-banned-terrorist-groups-should-not-rule-london-streets/. Last accessed 28 March 2010.</ref> Some of the Sinhalese community in the UK have faced violence from some British Sri Lankan Tamils over the ethnic conflict in the ]. Several Sinhala-owned ] shops in ] and a Sinhalese ] in ] were vandalised in 2009.<ref>http://www.thisislocallondon.co.uk/news/4394755.Sinhalese_chicken_shops_under_attack/</ref> | |||
;United States | |||
{{Main|Sri Lankan American}} | |||
The Sinhalese number about 12,000 in the ].<ref>Joshua Project. (2010). Sinhalese of United States Ethnic People Profile. Available: http://www.joshuaproject.net/peopctry.php?rop3=109305&rog3=US. Last accessed 3 April 2010.</ref> The ] contains the largest Sri Lankan community in the United States, receiving the highest legal permanent resident Sri Lankan immigrant population,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dhs.gov/files/statistics/publications/LPR10.shtm|title=Yearbook of Immigration Statistics: 2010 Supplemental Table 2|publisher=U.S. Department of Homeland Security|accessdate=7 June 2011}}</ref> followed by ] and the ]. | |||
==Genetic studies== | ==Genetic studies== | ||
{{See also|Genetic studies on Sinhalese}} | {{See also|Genetic studies on Sinhalese}} | ||
] of Sinhalese to other ethnic groups in the Indian Subcontinent according to an Alu Polymorphism analysis.]] | ] of Sinhalese to other ethnic groups in the Indian Subcontinent according to an Alu Polymorphism analysis.]] | ||
Studies looking at the origin of the Sinhalese have been contradictory. Older studies suggest a predominantly ] contribution followed by a significant ] contribution with no North Western Indian contribution,<ref name=pmid8543296>{{cite journal |author=Kshatriya GK |title=Genetic affinities of Sri Lankan populations |journal=Human Biology |volume=67 |issue=6 |pages=843–66 |date=December 1995 |pmid=8543296}}</ref><ref name="saha">{{cite journal |doi=10.1002/ajpa.1330760210 |title=Blood genetic markers in Sri Lankan populations—reappraisal of the legend of Prince Vijaya |year=1988 |last1=Saha |first1=N. |journal=American Journal of Physical Anthropology |volume=76 |pages=217–25 |pmid=3166342 |issue=2}}</ref> while more modern studies point towards a predominantly Bengali contribution and a minor Tamil and North Western Indian (] & ]) contribution.<ref name="gd">{{cite journal |doi=10.1002/ajpa.1330450112 |title=The legend of Prince Vijaya — a study of Sinhalese origins |year=1976 |last1=Kirk |first1=R. L. |journal=American Journal of Physical Anthropology |volume=45 |pages=91}}</ref><ref name="mastana">{{cite journal |author=Papiha SS, Mastana SS, Purandare CA, Jayasekara R, Chakraborty R |title=Population genetic study of three VNTR loci (D2S44, D7S22, and D12S11) in five ethnically defined populations of the Indian subcontinent |journal=Human Biology |volume=68 |issue=5 |pages=819–35 |date=October 1996 |pmid=8908803}}</ref><ref name="krep">http://www.krepublishers.com/06-Special%20Volume-Journal/T-Anth-00-Special%20Volumes/T-Anth-SI-03-Anth-Today-Web/Anth-SI-03-29-Mastana-S/Anth-SI-03-29-Mastana-S-Tt.pdf</ref> Multiple studies have found no significant genetic difference between the Sinhalese and the three other major ethnic groups in Sri Lanka (Sri Lankan Tamil, Indian Tamil and Sri Lankan Moor).<ref name="saha"/><ref>{{cite journal |author=Soejima M, Koda Y |title=Denaturing high-performance liquid chromatography-based genotyping and genetic variation of FUT2 in Sri Lanka |journal=Transfusion |volume=45 |issue=12 |pages=1934–9 |date=December 2005 |pmid=16371047 |doi=10.1111/j.1537-2995.2005.00651.x}}</ref><ref>D. F. Roberts, C. K. Creen, K. P. Abeyaratne, Man, New Series, Vol. 7, No. 1 (Mar., 1972), pp. 122-127, Published by: Royal Anthropological Institute of Great Britain and Ireland, Stable URL: http://www.jstor.org/stable/2799860 | Studies looking at the origin of the Sinhalese have been contradictory. Older studies suggest a predominantly ] contribution followed by a significant ] contribution with no North Western Indian contribution,<ref name=pmid8543296>{{cite journal |author=Kshatriya GK |title=Genetic affinities of Sri Lankan populations |journal=Human Biology |volume=67 |issue=6 |pages=843–66 |date=December 1995 |pmid=8543296}}</ref><ref name="saha">{{cite journal |doi=10.1002/ajpa.1330760210 |title=Blood genetic markers in Sri Lankan populations—reappraisal of the legend of Prince Vijaya |year=1988 |last1=Saha |first1=N. |journal=American Journal of Physical Anthropology |volume=76 |pages=217–25 |pmid=3166342 |issue=2}}</ref> while more modern studies point towards a predominantly Bengali contribution and a minor Tamil and North Western Indian (] & ]) contribution.<ref name="gd">{{cite journal |doi=10.1002/ajpa.1330450112 |title=The legend of Prince Vijaya — a study of Sinhalese origins |year=1976 |last1=Kirk |first1=R. L. |journal=American Journal of Physical Anthropology |volume=45 |pages=91}}</ref><ref name="mastana">{{cite journal |author=Papiha SS, Mastana SS, Purandare CA, Jayasekara R, Chakraborty R |title=Population genetic study of three VNTR loci (D2S44, D7S22, and D12S11) in five ethnically defined populations of the Indian subcontinent |journal=Human Biology |volume=68 |issue=5 |pages=819–35 |date=October 1996 |pmid=8908803}}</ref><ref name="krep">http://www.krepublishers.com/06-Special%20Volume-Journal/T-Anth-00-Special%20Volumes/T-Anth-SI-03-Anth-Today-Web/Anth-SI-03-29-Mastana-S/Anth-SI-03-29-Mastana-S-Tt.pdf</ref> Multiple studies have found no significant genetic difference between the Sinhalese and the three other major ethnic groups in Sri Lanka (Sri Lankan Tamil, Indian Tamil and Sri Lankan Moor).<ref name="saha"/><ref>{{cite journal |author=Soejima M, Koda Y |title=Denaturing high-performance liquid chromatography-based genotyping and genetic variation of FUT2 in Sri Lanka |journal=Transfusion |volume=45 |issue=12 |pages=1934–9 |date=December 2005 |pmid=16371047 |doi=10.1111/j.1537-2995.2005.00651.x}}</ref><ref>D. F. Roberts, C. K. Creen, K. P. Abeyaratne, Man, New Series, Vol. 7, No. 1 (Mar., 1972), pp. 122-127, Published by: Royal Anthropological Institute of Great Britain and Ireland, Stable URL: http://www.jstor.org/stable/2799860 | ||
</ref><ref>{{cite journal |author=Dissanayake V. H., Giles V., Jayasekara R. W., ''et al.'' |title=A study of three candidate genes for pre-eclampsia in a Sinhalese population from Sri Lanka |journal=The Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Research |volume=35 |issue=2 |pages=234–42 |date=April 2009 |pmid=19708171 |doi=10.1111/j.1447-0756.2008.00926.x}}</ref><ref>Ruwan J. Illeperuma, Samudi N. Mohotti, Thilini M. De Silva, Neil D. Fernandopulle, W.D. Ratnasooriya, Genetic profile of 11 autosomal STR loci among the four major ethnic groups in Sri Lanka, Forensic Science International: Genetics, Volume 3, Issue 3, June 2009, Pages e105-e106</ref><ref name="Vajira H.W. Dissanayake 2009, Pages 159-162">Vajira H.W. Dissanayake, Lakshini Y. Weerasekera, C. Gayani Gammulla, Rohan W. Jayasekara, Prevalence of genetic thrombophilic polymorphisms in the Sri Lankan population -- implications for association study design and clinical genetic testing services, Experimental and Molecular Pathology, Volume 87, Issue 2, October 2009, Pages 159-162</ref> | </ref><ref>{{cite journal |author=Dissanayake V. H., Giles V., Jayasekara R. W., ''et al.'' |title=A study of three candidate genes for pre-eclampsia in a Sinhalese population from Sri Lanka |journal=The Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Research |volume=35 |issue=2 |pages=234–42 |date=April 2009 |pmid=19708171 |doi=10.1111/j.1447-0756.2008.00926.x}}</ref><ref>Ruwan J. Illeperuma, Samudi N. Mohotti, Thilini M. De Silva, Neil D. Fernandopulle, W.D. Ratnasooriya, Genetic profile of 11 autosomal STR loci among the four major ethnic groups in Sri Lanka, Forensic Science International: Genetics, Volume 3, Issue 3, June 2009, Pages e105-e106</ref><ref name="Vajira H.W. Dissanayake 2009, Pages 159-162">Vajira H.W. Dissanayake, Lakshini Y. Weerasekera, C. Gayani Gammulla, Rohan W. Jayasekara, Prevalence of genetic thrombophilic polymorphisms in the Sri Lankan population -- implications for association study design and clinical genetic testing services, Experimental and Molecular Pathology, Volume 87, Issue 2, October 2009, Pages 159-162</ref> | ||
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Ethnic group
The Sinhalese (Sinhala:සිංහල ජාතිය Sinhala Jathiya) are an ethnic group native to the island of Sri Lanka. They constitute 75% of the Sri Lankan population and number greater than 15 million. The Sinhalese identity is based on language, historical heritage and religion. The Sinhalese speak Sinhala, an Indo-Aryan language, and are predominantly Theravada Buddhists, although a small percentage of Sinhalese follow branches of Christianity. The Sinhalese are mostly found in North central, Central, South, and West Sri Lanka. According to legend Mahavamsa they are the descendants of the exiled Prince Vijaya who arrived from East India to Sri Lanka in 543 BCE. However, the popular Sinhalese folklore and some references in Mahavamsa to times before Vijaya, indicate the Sinhalese are actually descendants of earlier inhabitants of Sri Lanka; (Raksha, Yaksha, Deva and Naga) who intermixed with Vijaya and the other Aryan invaders from India.
Etymology
The Sinhalese are also known as "Hela" or "Sinhala". These synonyms find their origins in the two words Sinha (meaning "lion") and Hela (meaning "pristine"). The name Sinhala translates to "lion people" and refers to the myths regarding the descent of the legendary founder of the Sinhalese people, the Prince Vijaya. The royal dynasty from ancient times on the island was the Sinha (Lion) royal dynasty and the word Sinha finds its origins here.Sri Lanka has got its old name "Sinhale" or "Heladiva" after Sinhalese who built up the civilisation of the island.The former names of the country "Serendib", "Seylan" and "Ceylon" have derived from the old name "Sinhale"
Another clarification for origin of Sinhala is from siw (four)-Hela (Pristine). Raksha, Yaksha, Deva, Naga were the four powerful hela tribes.
History
See also: History of Sri Lanka, Dipavamsa, Mahavamsa, and CulavamsaYear | Pop. | ±% |
---|---|---|
1881 | 1,846,600 | — |
1891 | 2,041,200 | +10.5% |
1901 | 2,330,800 | +14.2% |
1911 | 2,715,500 | +16.5% |
1921 | 3,016,200 | +11.1% |
1931 | 3,473,000 | +15.1% |
1946 | 4,620,500 | +33.0% |
1953 | 5,616,700 | +21.6% |
1963 | 7,512,900 | +33.8% |
1971 | 9,131,300 | +21.5% |
1981 | 10,979,400 | +20.2% |
1989 (est.) | 12,437,000 | +13.3% |
2001 | 13,876,200 | +11.6% |
2011 | 15,173,820 | +9.4% |
2001 Census was only carried out in 18 of the 25 districts. Source:Department of Census & Statistics Data is based on Sri Lankan Government Census. |
Pre History
The folklore of the Sinhalese people also speaks of many royal dynasties prior to the Sinhala royal dynasties: Manu, Tharaka, Mahabali, Raavana, etc. as per the oldest Indian epic poem Ramayan and consists many places in relation to this story such as Adam's Bridge (Rama Setu), Sita eliya and falls (where Princes Sita stayed and bathed) Ravana Falls (where King Ravana Bathed and enjoyed),
Ancient history
See also: House of Vijaya and Prince VijayaEarly recorded history of the Sinhalese is chronicled in two documents, the Mahavamsa, written in Pāli around the 4th century CE, and the much later Culavamsa (probably penned in the 13th century CE by the Buddhist monk Dhammakitti). These are ancient sources which cover the histories of the powerful ancient Sinhalese kingdoms of Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa which lasted for 1500 years. The Mahavansa describes the existence of fields of rice and reservoirs, indicating a well-developed agrarian society.
According to the Mahavamsa, the Sinhalese are descended from the exiled Prince Vijaya and his party of seven hundred followers who arrived on the island in 543 BCE. Vijaya and his followers were said to have arrived in Sri Lanka after being exiled from the city of Sinhapura in West Bengal, East India.
Early kingdoms
Main articles: Kingdom of Tambapanni and Kingdom of Upatissa NuwaraThe Kingdom of Tambapanni was founded by Prince Vijaya and his 700 followers after landing on the island, in a district near modern day Mannar which is believed to be the district of Chilaw, after leaving Suppāraka. It is recorded the Vijaya made his landing on the day of Buddha's death. Vijaya claimed Tambapanni his capital and soon the whole island come under this name. Tambapanni was originally inhabited and governed by Yakkhas, having their capital at Sirīsavatthu and their queen Kuveni. According to the Samyutta Commentary, Tambapanni was one hundred leagues in extent.
After landing in Tambapanni Vijaya met Kuveni the queen of the Yakkhas, who was disguised as a beautiful woman but was really a 'yakkini' (devil) named Sesapathi.
During the end of his reign Vijaya, who was having trouble choosing a successor, sent a letter to the city of his ancestors, Sinhapura, in order to invite his brother Sumitta to take over the throne. However Vijaya had died before the letter had reached its destination so the elected minister of the people Upatissa, the Chief government minister or prime minister and leading chief among the Sinhalese became regent and acted as regent for a year. After his coronation which was held in the Kingdom of Tambapanni, he left it building another one bearing his own name. While his was king, Upatissa established the new capital Upatissa Nuwara, in which the kingdom was moved to from the Kingdom of Tambapanni. When Vijaya's letter arrived Sumitta had already succeeded his father as king of his country, and so he sent his son Panduvasdeva to rule Upatissa Nuwara.
Upatissa Nuwara was seven or eight miles further north of the Kingdom of Tambapanni. It was named after the regent king Upatissa, who was the prime minister of Vijaya, and was founded in 505 BC after the death of Vijaya and the end of the Kingdom of Tambapanni.
Anuradhapura
Main article: Anuradhapura KingdomIn 377 BC, King Pandukabhaya (437–367 BC) moved the capital to Anuradhapura and developed it into a prosperous city. Anuradhapura (Anurapura) was named after the minister who first established the village and after a grandfather of Pandukabhaya who lived there. The name was also derived from the city's establishment on the auspicious asterism called Anura. Anuradhapura was the capital of all the monarchs who ruled from the dynasty.
Medieval history
See also: Medieval history of Sri LankaDuring the middle ages Sri Lanka was well known for its agricultural prosperity under the Parakramabahu in Polonnaruwa during which period the island was famous around the world as the rice mill of the east. Later in the 13th century the country's administrative provinces were divided into three independent kingdoms: Kingdom of Sitawaka, Kingdom of Kotte and the Kandyan kingdom. The invasion by Magha in the 13th century led to migrations by the Sinhalese to areas not under his control. This migration was followed by a period of conflict among the Sinhalese chiefs who tried to exert political supremacy. Parakramabahu VI in the 15th century was the only Sinhalese king during this time who could bring back the unity of the whole island. Trade also increased during this period, as Sri Lanka began to trade Cinnamon and a large number of Muslim traders were bought into the island.
In the 15th century a Kandyan Kingdom formed which divided the Sinhalese politically into low-country and up-country.
Modern history
The Sinhalese have a stable birth rate and a population that has been growing at a slow pace relative to India and other Asian countries.
Culture
Main article: Culture of Sri LankaSinhalese culture is a unique one dating as far back as 2600 years and has been nourished by Theravada Buddhism. Its main domains are sculpture, fine arts, literature, dancing, poetry and a wide variety of folk beliefs and rituals traditionally. Ancient Sinhalese stone sculpture and inscriptions are known worldwide and is a main foreign attraction in modern tourism. Sigirirya is famous for its frescoes. Folk poems were sung by workers to accompany their work and narrate the story of their lives. Ideally these poems consisted of four lines and, in the composition of these poems, special attention had been paid to the rhyming patterns. Buddhist festivals are dotted by unique music using traditionally Sinhala instruments. More ancient rituals like tovils (devil exorcism) continue to enthral audiences today and often praised and admired the good and the power of Buddha and gods in order to exorcise the demons.
Dress
Traditionally during recreation the Sinhalese wear a sarong (sarama in Sinhala). Men may wear a long-sleeved shirt with the sarong, while women wear a tight-fitting, short-sleeved jacket with a wrap-around called the cheeththaya. In the more populated areas, Sinhalese men also wear Western-style clothing — wearing suits while the women wear skirts and blouses. For formal and ceremonial occasions women wear the traditional Kandyan (Osaria) style, which consists of a full blouse which covers the midriff completely, and is partially tucked in at the front. However, modern intermingling of styles has led to most wearers baring the midriff. The Kandyan style is considered as the national dress of Sinhalese women. In many occasions and functions, even the saree plays an important role in women's clothing and has become the de facto clothing for female office workers especially in government sector. An example of its use is the uniform of air hostesses of Sri Lankan Airlines.
Cuisine
Main article: Sinhalese cuisineSinhalese cuisine is one of the most complex cuisines of South Asia. Due to its proximity to South India, the cuisine of Sinhalese shows some influence, yet is in many ways quite distinct. As a major trade hub, it draws influence from colonial powers that were involved in Sri Lanka and by foreign traders. Rice, which is consumed daily, can be found at any occasion, while spicy curries are favourite dishes for lunch and dinner. Some of the Sri Lankan dishes have striking resemblance to Kerala cuisine, which could be due to the similar geographic and agricultural features with Kerala. A well-known rice dish with Sinhalese is Kiribath, meaning "Milk Rice." In addition to sambols, Sinhalese eat "Mallung", chopped leaves mixed with grated coconut and red onions. coconut milk is found in most Sri Lankan dishes to give the cuisine its unique flavour.
Sri Lanka has long been renowned for its spices. The best known is cinnamon which is native to Sri Lanka. In the 15th and 16th centuries, spice and ivory traders from all over the world who came to Sri Lanka brought their native cuisines to the island, resulting in a rich diversity of cooking styles and techniques. Lamprais rice boiled in stock with a special curry, accompanied by frikkadels (meatballs), all of which is then wrapped in a banana leaf and baked as a Dutch-influenced Sri Lankan dish. Dutch and Portuguese sweets also continue to be popular. British influences include roast beef and roast chicken. Also, the influence of the Indian cooking methods and food have played a major role in what Sri Lankans eat.
The island nation's cuisine mainly consists of boiled or steamed rice served with curry. This usually consists of a "main curry" of fish or chicken, as well as several other curries made with vegetables, lentils and even fruit curries. Side-dishes include pickles, chutneys and "sambols". The most famous of these is the coconut sambol, made of ground coconut mixed with chili peppers, dried Maldive fish and lime juice. This is ground to a paste and eaten with rice, as it gives zest to the meal and is believed to increase appetite.
Language and Literature
Main articles: Sinhala language, Sri Lankan literature, and Sinhalese literatureThe Sinhalese speak Sinhala, also known as "Helabasa"; this language has two varieties, spoken and written. Sinhala is an Indo-Aryan language brought to Sri Lanka by northeast Indians who settled on the island in the 6th century BCE. Sinhala developed in a way different from the other Indo-Aryan languages because of the geographic separation from its Indo-Aryan sister languages. Sinhala was influenced by many languages, prominently Pali, the sacred language of Southern Buddhism, and Sanskrit. Many early Sinhala texts such as the Hela Atuwa were lost after their translation into Pali. Other significant Sinhala texts include Amāvatura, Kavu Silumina, Jathaka Potha and Sala Liheeniya. Sinhala has also borrowed words from other Indian languages and the colonial languages Portuguese, Dutch, and English.
Sandesha Kavyas written by Buddhist priests of Sri Lanka are regarded as some of the most sophisticated and versatile works of literature in the world. The Sinhala language was mainly inspired by Sanskrit and Pali, and many words of the Sinhala language derive from these languages. Today some English words too have come in as a result of the British occupation during colonial times, and the exposure to foreign cultures through television and Hollywood movies. Additionally many Dutch and Portuguese words can be seen in the coastal areas.
Folk tales like Mahadana Muttha saha Golayo and Kawate Andare continue to entertain children today. Mahadana Muttha tells the tale of a fool cum Pundit who travels around the country with his followers (Golayo) creating mischief through his ignorance. Kawate Andare tells the tale of a witty court jester and his interactions with the royal court and his son.
In the modern period, Sinhala writers such as Martin Wickremasinghe and G. B. Senanayake have drawn widespread acclaim. Other writers of repute include Mahagama Sekera and Madewela S. Ratnayake. Martin Wickramasinghe wrote the immensely popular children's novel Madol Duwa. Munadasa Cumaratunga's Hath Pana is also widely known.
Art and architecture
Main article: Architecture of Sri LankaMany forms of Sri Lankan arts and crafts take inspiration from the Island's long and lasting Buddhist culture which in turn has absorbed and adopted countless regional and local traditions. In most instances Sri Lankan art originates from religious beliefs, and is represented in many forms such as painting, sculpture, and architecture. One of the most notable aspects of Sri Lankan art are caves and temple paintings, such as the frescoes found at Sigiriya, and religious paintings found in temples in Dambulla and Temple of the Tooth Relic in Kandy. Other popular forms of art have been influenced by both natives as well as outside settlers. For example, traditional wooden handicrafts and clay pottery are found around the hill country while Portuguese-inspired lacework and Indonesian-inspired Batik have become notable. Its has many different and beautiful drawings.
Developed upon Indo-Aryan architectural skills in the late 6th century BCE Sinhalese people who lived upon greater kingdoms such as Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa have built so many architectural examples such as Ruwanwelisaya, Jetavanaramaya - second tallest brick building in the ancient world after Pyramid of Giza, and Abayagiriya - third tallest brick building in the ancient world. And also with the ancient hydraulic technology which is also unique to Sinhalese people to build ancient tanks, systematic ponds with fountains moats and Irrigational reservoirs such as Parakrama Samudra, Kawdulla and Kandalama. Sigirya which consider as the 8th wonder of the world is a combination of natural and man made fortress, which consists so many architectural aspects.
Music
Main article: Music of Sri LankaConcerning popular music, Ananda Samarakoon developed the reflective and poignant Sarala gee style with his work in the late 1930s/early 1940s. He has been followed by artists of repute such as Sunil Shantha, W. D. Amaradeva, Premasiri Khemadasa, Nanda Malini, Victor Ratnayake, Austin Munasinghe, T. M. Jayaratne, Sanath Nandasiri, Sunil Edirisinghe, Neela Wickremasinghe, Gunadasa Kapuge, Malini Bulathsinghala and Edward Jayakody.
Film and theater
Main article: Cinema of Sri LankaDramatist Ediriweera Sarachchandra revitalised the drama form with Maname in 1956. The same year, film director Lester James Peries created the artistic masterwork Rekava which sought to create a uniquely Sinhala cinema with artistic integrity. Since then, Peries and other directors like Vasantha Obeysekera, Dharmasena Pathiraja, Mahagama Sekera, W. A. B. de Silva, Dharmasiri Bandaranayake, Sunil Ariyaratne, Siri Gunasinghe, G. D. L. Perera, Piyasiri Gunaratne, Titus Thotawatte, D. B. Nihalsinghe, Ranjith Lal, Dayananda Gunawardena, Mudalinayake Somaratne, Ashoka Handagama, and Prasanna Vithanage have developed an artistic Sinhala cinema. Sinhala cinema is often made colourful with the incorporation of songs and dance adding more uniqueness to the industry.
Performing arts of the Sinhalese people can be categorised into few groups:
- Kandyan dance consist of 18 Wannam (dance routines) featuring behaviours of various animals such as elephant,eagle,cobra,monkey,peacock and rabbit,mainly performing in Annual Perahara pegent in Sri Dalada Maligawa Kandy.
- Pahatharata dance have significant dancing style which is using for cure illnesses and spiritual clarification.the main feature in this dances is dancer wear on Masks representing various Gods and Demons.and use elements such as fire and water to bless people.
- Sabaragamuwa dances have also a significant dancing style mainly to entertain people.
- Folk Music and Dances differ according to the casts of Sinhalese people and also some times in regional wise - mainly popular among small children,specially girls.These arts are widely performing during Sinhalese New year period.
Martial arts
Main article: Sinhalese martial artsAngampora is the traditional martial art of Sinhalese. It combines combat techniques, self-defense, sport, exercise and meditation. Key techniques observed in Angampora are: Angam, which incorporates hand-to-hand fighting, and Illangam, which uses indigenous weapons such as Velayudaya, staves, knives and swords. Its most distinct feature is the use of pressure point attacks to inflict pain or permanently paralyse the opponent. Fighters usually make use of both striking and grappling techniques, and fight until the opponent is caught in a submission lock that they cannot escape. Usage of weapons is discretionary. Perimeters of fighting are defined in advance, and in some of the cases is a pit. Angampora became nearly extinct after the country came under British rule in 1815, but survived in a few families until the country regained the independence.
Science and education
Main article: Education in Sri LankaThe Sinhalese have a long history of literacy and formal learning. Instruction in basic fields like writing and reading by Buddhist Monks pre-date the birth of Christ. This traditional system followed religious rule and was meant to foster Buddhist understanding. Training of officials in such skills as keeping track of revenue and other records for administrative purposes occurred under this institution.
Technical education such as the building of reservoirs and canals was passed down from generation to generation through home training and outside craft apprenticeships.
The arrival of the Portuguese and Dutch and the subsequent colonisation maintained religion as the centre of education though in certain communities under Catholic and Presbyterian hierarchy. The British in the 1800s initially followed the same course. Following 1870 however they began a campaign for better education facilities in the region. Christian missionary groups were at the forefront of this development contributing to a high literacy among Christians.
By 1901 schools in the South and the North were well tended. The inner regions lagged behind however. Also, English education facilities presented hurdles for the general populace through fees and lack of access.
- Medicine
It is believed that the Sinhala Medicine started in the Era of Great Hela King Ravana. King Ravana was an Emperor ruled in Sri Lanka. Traditional Sinhalese villages in early days had at least one chief Medical personnel called Weda Mahaththaya (Doctor). These people practice their clinical activities by inheritance. The Sinhala Medicine resembles some of Ayurvedic practices in contrast for some treatments they use Buddhist Chantings (Pirith) in order to strengthen the effectiveness.
According to the Mahavamsa, the ancient chronicle, Pandukabhaya of Sri Lanka (437 BC-367 BC) had lying-in-homes and Ayurvedic hospitals (Sivikasotthi-Sala) built in various parts of the country. This is the earliest documentary evidence we have of institutions specifically dedicated to the care of the sick anywhere in the world. Mihintale Hospital is the oldest in the world.
Religion
Main articles: Buddhism in Sri Lanka and Christianity in Sri LankaThe form of Buddhism in Sri Lanka is known as Theravada (school of elders). The Pali chronicles (e.g., the Mahavansa) claim that the Sinhalese as an ethnic group are destined to preserve and protect Buddhism. In 1988 almost 93% of the Sinhalese speaking population in Sri Lanka were Buddhist. Observations of current religious beliefs and practices demonstrate that Sinhalese as a religious community have complex worldview as Buddhists. Due to the proximity and on some occasions similarity of certain doctrines, there are many areas where Buddhists and Hindus share religious views and practices. This can lead to the opinion that Buddhists have adopted religious elements from Hindu traditions in their religious practices. Some of these practices may relate to ancient indigenous beliefs and traditions on spirits, worship of deities and godlings and some figures appear to demons. Some of these demonic figures are used in healing rituals and may be native to the island.
Prominent Sri Lankan anthropologists Gananath Obeyesekere and Kitsiri Malalgoda used the term "Protestant Buddhism" to describe a type of Buddhism that appeared among the Sinhalese in Sri Lanka as a response to Protestant Christian missionaries and their evangelical activities during the British colonial period. This kind of Buddhism involved emulating the Protestant strategies of organising religious practices. They saw the need to establish Buddhist schools for educating Buddhist youth and organising Buddhists with new organisations such as the Young Men's Buddhist Association, as well as printing pamphlets to encourage people to participate in debates and religious controversies to defend Buddhism.
There is a significant Sinhalese Christian community, in the maritime provinces of Sri Lanka. Christianity was brought to the Sinhalese by Portuguese, Dutch, and British missionary groups during their respective periods of rule. Sinhalese Christians mainly follow Roman Catholicism, followed by Protestantism. Their cultural centre is Negombo.
Religion is considered very important among the Sinhalese. According to a 2008 Gallup poll, 99% of Sri Lankans considered religion an important aspect of their daily lives.
Geographic distribution
Sri Lanka
Within Sri Lanka the majority of the Sinhalese reside in the South, Central and Western parts of the country. This coincides with the largest Sinhalese populations areas in Sri Lanka. Cities with a > 90% population include Hambantota, Galle, Gampaha, Kurunegala, Moneragala, Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa.
Diaspora
Main article: Sri Lankan diasporaSinhalese people have emigrated out to many countries for a variety of reasons. The larger diaspora communities are situated in the United Kingdom, Australia, United States Canada among others. In addition to this there are many Sinhalese, who reside in the Middle East, Southeast Asia and Europe, temporarily in connection with employment and/or education. They are often employed as guest workers in the Middle East and professionals in the other regions.
The largest population centres of Sinhalese people are mainly situated in Europe, North America and Australia. The city of Melbourne contains just under half of the Sri Lankan Australians. The 2011 census recorded 86,412 Sri Lanka born in Australia. There are 73,849 Australians (0.4 of the population) who reported having Sinhalese ancestry in 2006. The Sinhalese language was also reported to be the 29th-fastest-growing language in Australia (ranking above Somali but behind Hindi and Belarusian). Sinhalese Australians have an exceptionally low rate of return migration to Sri Lanka. In the 2011 Canadian Census, 7,220 people identified themselves as of Sinhalese ancestry, out of 139,415 Sri Lankans. There are a small amount of Sinhalese people in India, scattered around the country, but mainly living in and around the northern and southern regions. Sri Lankan New Zealanders comprised 3% of the Asian population of New Zealand in 2001.The numbers arriving continued to increase, and at the 2006 census there were over 7,000 Sri Lankans living in New Zealand. The Sinhalese number about 12,000 in the USA. The New York City Metropolitan Area contains the largest Sri Lankan community in the United States, receiving the highest legal permanent resident Sri Lankan immigrant population, followed by Central New Jersey and the Los Angeles metropolitan area. Many Sinhalese have migrated to Italy since the 1970s. Italy was attractive to the Sinhalese due to perceived easier employment opportunities and entry, compared to other European countries. It is estimated that there are 30,000-33,000 Sinhalese in Italy. The major Sinhalese communities in Italy are located in Lombardia (In the districts Loreto and Lazzaretto), Milan, Lazio, Rome, Naples, and Southern Italy (Particularly Palermo, Messina and Catania). Though Sinhala people in particular and Sri Lankans in general have migrated to the UK over the centuries beginning from the colonial times, the number of Sinhalese people in the UK cannot be estimated accurately due to inadequacies of census in the UK. The UK government does not record statistics on the basis of language or ethnicity and all Sri Lankans are classified into one group as Asian British or Asian Other.
Genetic studies
See also: Genetic studies on SinhaleseStudies looking at the origin of the Sinhalese have been contradictory. Older studies suggest a predominantly Sri Lankan Tamil contribution followed by a significant Bengali contribution with no North Western Indian contribution, while more modern studies point towards a predominantly Bengali contribution and a minor Tamil and North Western Indian (Gujarati & Punjabi) contribution. Multiple studies have found no significant genetic difference between the Sinhalese and the three other major ethnic groups in Sri Lanka (Sri Lankan Tamil, Indian Tamil and Sri Lankan Moor).
It is debatable whether the Sri Lankan population have genetic links to Far East Asian populations however due to their close links to North East India, there is a likelihood of some traces of East Asian genes.
See also
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Other references
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- Gunasekera, Tamara. Hierarchy and Egalitarianism: Caste, Class, and Power in Sinhalese Peasant Society (Athlone, 1994).
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- Wickremeratne, Ananda. Buddhism and Ethnicity in Sri Lanka: A Historical Analysis (New Delhi-Vikas Publishing House, 1995).
External links
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This tag does not indicate the copyright status of the attached work. A normal copyright tag is still required. See Misplaced Pages:Copyrights for more information.- CIA Factbook-Sri Lanka
- Department of Census and Statistics-Sri Lanka
- Ethnologue-Sinhala, a language of Sri Lanka
- CIA Factbook-Sri Lanka
- Sinhalese
- Who are the Sinhalese
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