CHAPTER I

INTRODUCTION
 \

1.1 Development of Archaeology in Sri Lanka

Archaeological investigations in Sri Lanka commenced in

the late 19th century, with emphasis on the ruins like

monuments and structures by the administrators of the

Colonial Government (Paranavithana, 1956: iii). After

establishing the Archaeological Survey of India in 1861,

the founders had obtained satisfactory results. Conse-

quently, the British Governor for the Island was interest-

ed in archaeological activities (Karunaratne, 1990: 3 ) . The

Government appointed an Archaeological Commission in 1869

for explorations, documentation and other archaeological

work (S. Deraniyagala, 1990b; 203). When the selected

important ruins at Anuradhapura were drawn by Smither in

1877, S.M. Burrows conducted small scale explorations and

excavations at Anuradhapura and Polonnaruva between 1884-

1885 (Bell, 1904a: 1-7). Subsequently, Parker, an engineer

of irrigations recorded the occurrence of the archeologi-

cal remains at Tissamaharamaya in the Southern Province

(Parker, 1885: 23-97).

When the Archaeological Survey of Ceylon was inaugurated in

1890 the first Commissioner, H.C.P. Bell carried out a

survey in the North Central and Central provinces. In

1891, he under took the earliest explorations at the cita-

del of Anuradhapura mainly for the clearance and conserva-

tion of the monuments of Dalage and Mahapali. However, the

excavations at the citadel were conducted in 1897 and 1898

(Bell, 1904b: 1-6; Paranavithana, 1936: 1-2), The rediscov-

ery of Sigiriya paintings, Samadhi image of Buddha and

some beautiful stone carvings at Anuradhapura are the

unique features at the beginning of the archaeological

research (Mitton, 1928: xii; Karunaratne, 1990: 3-4).

Like-wise prehistoric research including anthropological

and ethnological investigations were also began in the

late 19th century. E.E. Green" and J. Pole were the earliest

researchers in this field (S. Deraniyagala, 1992: 2 ) .

Sarasin and Sarasin, Swiss Anthropologists, who conducted

research on the Veddas of the Island, published their

findings on both ethnology and archaeology in 1892 and

1893 (S, Deraniyagala, 1992: 3 ) . Also C.G. Seligmann and

Z.B. Seligmann, German Anthropologists, have undertaken a

complete survey on the Veddas (S. Deraniyagala, 1992: 6-

7 ) . In the first decade of this century, Parker also cited

activities of modern Vedda and some archaeological aspects

with reference to the chronicles (Parker, 1981: 23-132).

After 1912, some excavations and explorations had been

 LEGEND
•A
Kandafodai® 4- P r e h i s t o r i c and Early Historic Sites

N ® Protohistoric Sites
>3 -f- P r e , Proto & Early Historic Sites
A Historic Sites

Ma tot a Kuchchaveli

Anuradhapura

Arnakallu
(+
Aligala-Galge
Sigin'ya-Talkotei ^Polonnanjwa
Ibbankatuwa ©

A l u - L e n a Attanagoda
"'• , Stripura-Lena
DorawakKanda +

Bell-Lena Afhula .[-Bell -Lena Kilulgaia

^.Rawana EUa.Lena
Bafatota Lena 4.
\ +Batadomba-Lena
Beli-Galge-:^:——^^ — - -l^ +Sarnc-inala Wewa
Fa-Hien-Lena+ T,,^..„:„ - H e l u l l a Galge /,, . ,
\
Ratnapura —^ 2 -/- Kabaragalge

, , I ^ Patirajawela
v-iicy p xP^ Ambalantota
lunZO 0 20 ^lO 60 km
I -' •— I I I

Fig 1.1 PREHISTORIC, PROTOHISTORIC AND EARLY HISTORIC

ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES
carried out by the Department in the other provinces,

however a major survey was held in the North Central

Province. For instance, E,R. Ayrton Commissioner of Ar-

chaeology excavated the ancient rampart on the eastern side

of the citadel in 1913 (Hocart, 1924: 48-53). Senarath

Paranavithana further continued the excavations at the

Mahapali and Daladage in the citadel in 1928-29 and 1932

-33 (Paranavithana, 1936: 1-37).

Later on P.E.P. Deraniyagala undertook research on

palaeontology, prehistory, zoology and general archaeology.

His palaeontological work has recorded the general distribu-

tion pattern of fossils in Sri Lanka. He also explored and,

excavated a large number of prehistoric sites and also

obtained the first ever C14 dates for the Bellan-bandi

Pallassa site in r956 (P. Deraniyagala, 1958: 259;

Senaratne, 1969: 23-25).

P.E.P. Deraniyagala as the acting Commissioner of Archae-

ology (1956-7) and P.C. Sestieri, a UNESCO Consultant

together conducted excavations at the Gedige area in the

citadel of Anuradhapura in 1957 and 1958. However, they

excavated only the upper levels of the deposits. A signif-

icant contribution in this period from them was the classi-

fication of pottery for the first time in the Island (P.

Deraniyagala, 1958: G-20-22 and 1959: G-26; S. Deraniyaga-

la, 1992b: 212-213).

Subsequently in 1960s, C.E. Godakumbura conducted excava-

tions at the western gate in the citadel (Godakumbura,

1960: 19-20). Since 1968 under the directions of S.U.

Deraniyagala, the Archaeology Department carried out

excavations in a very scientific way which included proper

excavations, dating, artifacts analysis, interpretations

of settlement patterns, subsistence and other aspects of

archaeology as it known today (S. Deraniyagala, 1990b: 204-

206). In 1969, S.U. Deraniyagala and K. de B. Codrington,

University of London, carried out excavations at the

Gedige area in the Citadel of Anuradhapura for the first

time in a systematic way relating to the pre, proto and

early historic periods in the Island (S. Deraniyagala,

1972: 52).

The explorations and excavations at Kantarodai in the Jaffna

Peninsula and at Pomparippu in the North western province

have been under taken by the Archaeological Department with

the Pennsylvania University in the late 1960s and the early

1970s. The Projects provided details of the associations

of early and proto historic cultures (Begley, 1967: 22;

1976: 191; 1981: 51; S. Deraniyagala, 1990b: 212-213).

In 1970s and 1980s the excavations at Botadomba-1ena,

Belilena at Kitulgala and Fa-Hien caves are important land

marks in Sri Lankan Archaeology, which provided valuable

results for researchers in biological anthropology, ar-

chaeobotany and archaeozoology, and also carbon 14 and

thermoluminescence dates (Fig.1.1; S. Deraniyagala, 1986:

1-2).

The UNESCO-Sri Lanka Cultural Triangle Project was

established in 1980 for the conservation of archaeological

monuments and excavations. The. project was supported by

Departments of Archaeology and History of the National

Universities (de Silva, 1990: 233), which also provided an

opportunity to undergraduates and graduates in involving

themselves in scientific research. The Central Cultural

Fund established thermoluminescence dating facilities

(Aberathne, 1990: 9 ) . The Department of Archaeology,

University of Peradeniya and the Institute of Fundamental

Studies (IFS) carried out archeometallurgy programme in the

middle of 1980s for the first time in the Island (Personal

Communication Seneviratne 1994).

The Citadel of Anuradhapura Archaeological project was ini-

tiated in 1984 by the Sri Lankan Archaeological Department

under the leadership of S.U. Deraniyagala and Sudharshan

Senev-iratne. Besides that, • a British Sub Project was

established under the Citadel Project in 1989, headed by

F.R. Allchin and Robin Coningham as field directors.

Salgaha Watta 2 (ASW2) at the Citadel has been excavated by

the Sub Project over several seasons (Coningham, 1991: 24).

The excavations at Manthai, (Mahatittha) an ancient port

were under taken In 1980, 1982 and 1984 under the co-

direction of S.U. Deraniyagala, and J. Carswell of the

Oriental Institute, University of Chicago (Carswell and

Pricket, 1984: 3-4; Pricket-Fernando, 1990: 115).

In 1986, the Postgraduate Institute of Archaeology (PGIAR)

was established under the direction of Seneke Bandara-

nayeke, which also provided some valuable contributions

to archaeological research including archaeometallurgy,

geo-archaeology archaeobotany, archaeozoology and anthro-

pology (Myrdal-Runebjer, 1990: 32). The Settlement archae-

ology, programme (SARCPS) at the Sigiriya-Dambulla region

has been conducted jointly by the Postgraduate Institute

of Archaeology with a Swedish team in 1987-1994. The

Ibbankatuva project has been undertaken by the Postgradu-

ate Institute of Archaeology in collaboration with a

German team (KAVA) in 1988-1990. The finds comprise the

pre. proto. earlv and medievaJ cultural aspects in. the

resion (Bandaranaveke. :1990: t: 1994 2: S. Deran ivagal a,

1990b: 212-13).

1.2 ArchaeozooloKJca1 Research in Sri Lanka

1.2.1 Prehistoric period

In the earlv vears of archaeo1oaical research in Sri Lanka,

an attempt has been made to study the, fauna 1 remains from

some of the archaeological sites. For instance, the cave

site of Nilgala near Bibile in the South-Eastern Sri Lanka

was excaA'ated bv P. Sarasin and F. Sarasin. who pointed out

stone age artifacts, potsherds, bones and shells at the

site. though main obiective was on the Vedda related

anthropological research (Sarasins, 1908: 9-10). The study

cateeories mammals, birds, reptiles and mollusca (Sara-

sins, 1907: 190). This work was reviewed in 1980 by S.U.

Deranivagala in considerable details including subsistence

activities of human population. (S. Deranivagala, 1980:

15 6).

Animal bones and other artifacts like potsherds. quartz

implements were reported from the Bendiya-ealge near

Bibile (Sarasin, 1908: 161-162: Selilgmann, 1911: 113:

Parker. 1981: 31). C. Hartly conducted a partial explora-

tion at the Beliealge. 12 miles from the Balangoda near

and a few bones of mammals from the cave (Hartly, 1911:

197-198).

Udupiyan cave above the Diyavinna Village near Balangoda

was investigated by P.E.P. Deraniyagala who identified some

animals and floral remains from the site as food refuse of

the stone age man. The animals represented include water

snails (Genus: Tanaliya) , tree snails (G: Avinella), Land

snails (G: Cyclophorus), Bivalves {G:Unio or Anodon), fish,

crabs, reptiles like star tortoise {Testudinates), land

monitor lizard i Varanus) and pythons and some birds.

Occasionally, the evidence of gaur/buffalo and elephant

was also found (P. Deraniyagala, 1939: 365-366).

P.E.P. Deraniyagala undertook excavations at the Ravanalla

cave on a hill slope in the intermediate peneplaine near

Bandarawela in Uva province and revealed mesolithic arti-

facts, human bones and faunal remains (P. Deraniyagala,

1953: 126). The cave site also gives evidence of bone tools

(P. Derarniyagala, 1955: 302), The Yakgiri-lena at Matugama

in the Western Province has yielded marine shells (P. Dera-

niyagala, 1953: 127). The Bambaragala cave lies to the

west of the Tanjan Tanna village near Balangoda, has

brought to light a small quantity of faunal remains in-

cluding bone tools (P. Deraniyagala, 1939: 369-370, 1943:

101) .

The Batadomba-lena is situated 4 mills away from Kuruvita in

Ratnapura, where initially excavations were conducted by

P.E.P. Deraniyagala in 1939. Its finds include stone

tools, pot sherds, fauna! remains and other artifacts. (P.

Deraniyagala 1939: 368). In the second attempt between

1980-1983, a large number of animal bones, bone tools,

human skeletal and floral remains along with geometric

microliths have been brought to light (S. Deraniyagala,

1986a: 18; Kennedy and et al., 1986: 78). The animals

identified at Batadomba-lena are elephant, gaur, water

buffalo, sloth bear, pig, sambar, spotted deer, barking

deer, chevrotain, porcupine, hare, giant squirrel, flying

squirrel, pangolin, civet cat, monkey, jungle fowl, python,

land monitor lizard, hard and soft shelled terrapins, star

tortoise, small species of fish, fresh water crabs and

molluscs (S. Deraniyagala, 1986a: 19; 1987: 100-104). A

majority of these animals may have contributed to sub-

sistence economy. The maximum number of animal bones were

represented by western purple faced monkey {Presbytis

senex nester) and dusky torque monkey (Macaca sinica

sinica) (Kelum, 1990: 2 ) . The remains of an extinct lion

were present in the context 4B and 5 which were dated

10
to ca. 13500 B.P. (S. Deraniyaga1 a. 1992: 697). The cave

site has yielded a number of carbon 14 dates ranging

between ca. 28.000 - 10,000 B.P. (S. Deraniyagala, 1992:

701) .

A few shells were found from the Kabara-galge above Kuku-

legama near Hangamuva in the Sabaragamuva Province (P.

Deraniyagala, 1955: 300). Alu-galge, a cave Site at Telulla

in Wellavaya was excavated over two seasons by P.E.P. Dera-

niyagala and unearthed a small collection of human- bones,

animal bones and bone tools. A few bone tools were

identified such as a pick (deer antler), a spatulate

(sambar bone) and a triangular pointed artifact (sambar

bone ?) (P. Deraniyagala, 1955: 299; 1956: 175). P.E.P.

Deraniyagala also states that the bone tool technology of

ancient man was more advanced than the modern Vedda {P.

Deraniyagala, 1955: 301).

Stripura cave is situated in the North of VavlKele in

Kandy and was represented by some shells and mammalian

bones (P. Deraniyagala. 1956b: 117-118). A few faunal

remains were also found at Batatota-lena situated about 5

mills from Kuruvita. Bellan-bandi Palassa, an open air site

in the Ratnapura District has yielded mesolithic artifacts,

human bones and faunal remains comprising mammals, aves,

11
reptiles, mollusca and also bone tools. According to the

excavator, these fauna at the site were related to sub-

sistence activities (P. Deraniyagala, 1956: 8; 1958: 257).

Bone tools like celts made of antler and an amygoloid

hand axe from the limb bone of elephant were present in

the collection (P. Der.aniyagala, 1960: 97-101). The excava-

tion was further expanded in 1961, which has also yielded

animal bones (P. Deraniyagala, 1963: 87; S. Deraniyagala

and Kennedy, 1972: 36-37).

H.S. Gunaratne excavated Be 11ena-atu1 a, a small cave at

Maniyamgama near Avissavella in the Colombo District. The

site has yielded prehistoric artifacts along with faunal

remains and bone tools (Gunaratne, 1971: 1). The

chronology of the site is from ca. 7900-8230 B.P. (S.Dera-

niyagala, 1992: 700).

The Beli-lena at Kitulgala. has also produced somewhat simi-

lar evidence as that of Batadomba-lena such as the geomet-

ric microliths, faunal, human and floral remains. The site,

which is dated from ca. 27,000 to 9000 BE, was excavated by

W.H. Wijayapala of the Sri Lankan Archaeology Department,

(S.Deraniyagala, 1992: 697-700). Alu-lena at Attanagoda in

Kegalle District was also excavated by W.H. Wijayapala,

which is dated to ca. 9700 BP. (S. Deraniyagala, 1992: 700).

12
The cave site has yielded geometric microliths with faunal

remains. The animal species at the Alu-lena are compara-

tively similar to the other wet zone prehistoric sites

such as Batadomaba-lena and Beli-lena at Kitulagala

(Wijayapala, 1987: 5 ) .

Fa-Hien cave at Yatigampitiya village in Bu1athsinhala,

Kalutara District was investigated by S.U. Deraniyagala in

1968. The excavations at Fa-Hien cave were carried out by W.

H. Wijayapala in 1986 and 1988. The cave site's chronology

is from ca. 34,000 to 5400 B.P. (S. Deraniyagala, 1992: 695-

696). Mesoiithic implements along with well preserved faunal

remains were reported (Wijayapala, 1987: 5 ) .

Aligala cave at Sigiriya in the Matale District was excavat-

ed by the Settlement Archaeological Project (SARCPS) under

the direction of Seneka Bandaranyeke and is dated to ca.

9000 to 1000 B.C. (Adikari, 1994: 5 ) . The Aligala excava-

tions have yielded geometric microliths, a few faunal remains

and bone tools (Chandraratne, 1989: 2; Karunaratne, 1990: 21-

22). A rock shelter at Dambulla has also been excavated by

the SARCPS project, from where faunal remains were recorded

(Karunaratne, 1990: 23-25).

The Doravakkanda cave in the Kagalle District indicated

13
a few paintings representing animals like elephant and other

un-categorised species (P. Deranivagla 1953). The cave was

excavated by W.H. Wijayapla in 1990-1991. have yielded pots-

herds, stone tools and faunal remains. The site appears to

be having some evidence of Neolithic Phase which is dated to

ca. 4500 B.P. (Wijayapala, 1992: 9-12).

P.E.P. Deraniyagala indicated some details on fossils which

have been discovered from gem pits in Ratnapura and the

archaeological excavations. The gem pits' artifacts were not

stratified. However they have been identified with the help

of comparative specimens of Indian fossils like Narmada and

Siwalik (S.Derarnivagal a. 1992: 14). It appears that his

work can be considered as valuable sources for Sri Lankan

archaeozoo1ogica1 studies. His research on fossils is highly

important for understanding the evolution of fauna in Sri

Lanka (S. Deraniyagala. 1980: 178). Some of the extinct

animals in Sri Lanka are Lion (Panthera leo sinhalevus).

Rhinoceros (Rinoceros sinhalevus). Hippopotamus {Hexapro-

todon sinhalevus). Elephant {Pa 1aco1oxodon namdicus sinha-

leyus). Pig { Sus sivalensis sinhaleyus. Gaur {Bibos f:aurus

sinhaleyus) etc. (P. Deranivagal a, 1944: 21-53; S. Dera-

niyagala. 1971: 11-16).

Prehistoric dune sand sites like Patirajawela at Bundala and

14
Hengahapugala dating from ca. 5260 to 2880 BP have been

represented by shell middens comprising lagoon habitat

shells like Pi la globosa, Potamides cingulatus (Meretrix

casta) (S. Deraniyagala, 1976: 20: 1990: 230). Arnakal-

lu. a red latosole dune sand site in the north-western

region dated between 2947 to 2854 BP has also yielded

shell deposits which included lagoon habitat shells {Area

granosa). It appears to be an Iron age site although it is

suspected as a mesolithic site (S. Deraniyagala, 1992: 701-

702). The Shell deposits at Kalametiya Kalapuva, Hungamuva,

Lunama Kalapuva, and Maha Sitraka Levaya dated from 5130 to

2270 BP, were also investigated (Katupota, 1994: 145).

1.2.2 Protohistoric and early historic period

The excavations at Tissamaharama in southern Province have

yielded faunal remains along with pottery, iron objects and

other artifacts. The identified animals like sambar, spotted

deer, buffalo, wild pig and monkey were considered as food

resources of man (Parker, 1885: 44)

A few bones, bone tools, ivory objects, and shells were

reported from the first ever excavations at Citadel of

Anuradhapura (Paranavithana, 1936: 22-24; 34).

The test pits excavated by P.E.P. Deraniyagala and P.C.

15
Sestieri at the Gedige area in the Citadel of Anuradhapur;

in 1957-58. in which a few horse bones were found (P. Dra-

niyagala, 1958: 195-196). Moreover the test pits were

selected for detailed in.vest igat ions in 1969 and re-

vealed large number of artifacts such as Black and Red

ware, Red ware, Black ware, tiles, stylus, floral and

faunal remains (S. Deraniyagala, 1972: 50). The faunal

remains from the excavations were studied by P.E.P. Dera-

niyagala who stated the presence of mammals, reptiles and

birds in the assemblage, also pointed out subsistence

activities at the site. For instance, a majority of bones

were bearing metal knives' marks. Hunting activities were

also prominent. He further stated that it is difficult to

determine whether some species of cattle, buffalo and pigs

had been domesticated (P. Deraniyagala, 1972: 155). The

problems concerned with the evolution of cattle and horse

in the Island have also been discussed (P. Deraniyagala,

1972: 156-157).

Once again the excavations at the Gedige area have been

resumed by W.H. Wijayapala in 1984 and S.U. Deraniyagala

in 1985 (S. Deraniyagala, 1986: 39). The excavations at

the Mahapali Danasala area at the Citadel in 1987 were

supervised by C. Raymond, and A. de Mel under the direc-

16
tion of S.U. Deraniyagala. They found proto and early

historic evidences alone with faunal remains (S. Deraniya-

gala, 1992: 720-723). A preliminary analysis of the faunal

assemblage from both the site. Gedige and Mahapali has been

done by the writer (Chandraratne. 1990a, 1990b: Seneiratne

et al, 1992). A part of the faunal material from Gedige

was studied by Karunaratne between 1986-88 (Karunaratne :-

personal communication). The Prehistoric Period of the site

is dated to ca. 3900 B.C.. the Protohistoric Period to

ca. 900-500 B.C. and the Early Historic Period to 100

A.D. (S.Deraniyapala. 1992: 723). The British Sub Project's

excavations at Salsahawatta 11 (ASW2) have yielded a

considerable number of faunal material and has been studied

(Coningham 1990: 41). The excavations at the rampart of the

Citadel were also represented about 237 fragments bones

(Mommose and Abe. 60-61 1996). A few ivory artifacts like

dice and cube shaped ob.iects were also present in the

collection (Mommose and Abe. 48: 1996).

The faunal remains from the excavations at Manthai were

initially studied by K.D. Thomas, University of London and

P.B. Karunaratne. former curator in entomology at the .

National Museum. who applied recent archaeozoologica1

methodology for the first time in Sri Lanka (Karunaratne:

17
personal communication). The details of faunal remains have

been indicated by Karunaratne, that the diet is based on

marine resources such as vertebrate fish, ray tails crabs,

shell, sea turtle, dolphin and a few other marine ani-

mals. Karunaratne states that " almost all these bones are

in fragmentary form. Many of these bear cut marks indicat-

ing a uniform butchering pattern, especially in the larger

animals such as cattle and goat. Very few bones are found

burnt in the assemblage". The identified domestic animals

are cattle, goat, pig, chicken, cat, and dog. Thirty five

species of wild animals were present in the collection

(Karunaratne, 1986: 1-2; Pricket-Fernando, 1990: 115).

Conch shell bangle (Xuncus/Turbine1 la pyrum) and shell

manufacturing waste were identified at the site, point

to the local production activities (Pricket-Fernando, 1990:

119). The late stone age is dated to ca. 1800 B.C. at

Manthai site (S. Deraniyaga1 a, 1992: 701), Carbon 14 dates

for the early middle historical Period are between ca.

128-410 B.C. (S. Deraniyagala, 1992: 732). During the

Manthai Project, a reference collection of modern skeletons

of animals was established by Karunaratne, who was working

under the supervision of S.U Deraniyagala at the Archaeo-

logical Office at Kotte, for archaeozoological work which

is the first attempt in the Island to organize archaeo-

18
zoological studies (Karunaratne: personal communication).

The UNESCO-Sri Lanka Cultural Triangle Project at Jetavana

•has yielded a large number of artifacts including ivory,

such as turned and curved ivory fragments, and beads of bone

or ivory artifacts. shell and tooth amulets which were

dated between 200 B.C. to A.D.300 (Ratnayeke, 1990: 45).

The Sigiriya Fort, an ancient capital (A.D, 477-495^ was

excavated by the Project of the Cultural Triangle under

the direction of Seneke Bandaranayeke (Bandaraneyake. 1984:

3). The site has yielded very few animal bones and shells,

however the animal bones have not been studied in detail

(Fernando, 1984: 181: Siritunga. 1984: 182). A burial site

at Ibbankatuva at Sigiriya has brought to light a variety of

artifacts including ivory or bone made beads (Bandaranayeke

and Somadeva, 1990: 3-4). The ash sample of the site was

represented by a few fragments of chank shells (Karunar-

atne, ,1990: 26). Talkote, in Sigiriya, excavations have

yielded a few faunal material, and the, species identified

are cattle or buffalo, land monitor, python and hard shell

terrapin (Karunaratne, 1990: 25).

1.3 Object ives

Archaeozoo logica1 studies in Sri Lanka prior to 1972 were

19
restricted to species identification which were carried

out by some European scholars and P.E.P. Deraniyagala,

P.B. Karunaratne conducted a systematic study of faunal

remains from the excavations at Manthai in 1980-84. Since

then he has been working on faunal remains till recently

and currently, one of his assistants, Jude Perera, is en-

gaged in archaeozoo lo.gica 1 work.

A large number of faunal material is available in Sri Lanka

for detailed archaeological research however, specialists

are a few. With this in mind, I have selected faunal re-

mains from the Anuradhapura Citadel Excavations for de-

tailed faunal research. It is also interesting to note that

the Citadel is the only site in Sri Lanka yielding succes-

sive deposits from Prehistoric to the Historical Period.

Application of recent archaeozoological methods on the

faunal assemblage of the Citadel would help in reconstruct-

ing past environment, subsistence pattern, socio-economic

condition and several social aspects of the bygone society.

The main objective of the present study is the subsistence

pattern based on animals of the Proto and Early Historic

Periods of Anuradhapura and comparing it with other known

archaeological sites of the Island.

20