Basing upon facts the Ancient Ties between Kalinga and Sri Lanka: A Story of Maritime Trade and Cultural Exchange
( by Lokanath Mishra)
In Sri Lanka, I have gone through several books and came to know certain historical facts about relationships between Odisha and Sri Lanka. Odisha previously known as Kalinga, an ancient Indian kingdom, and Sri Lanka, an island nation in the Indian Ocean, have shared a rich history of maritime trade, cultural exchange, and migration. The Sadhabas, a community of sailors and traders from Kalinga, played a significant role in establishing and maintaining these ties.
Kalinga, located in present-day Odisha, India, was a major maritime power in ancient India. Its strategic location on the eastern coast of India facilitated trade with Southeast Asia, Sri Lanka, and other parts of the Indian Ocean world. The Sadhabas, skilled sailors and navigators, sailed to Sri Lanka and other ports in the region, carrying goods such as textiles, spices, and metals.
As trade flourished, cultural exchange and migration between Kalinga and Sri Lanka increased. Many Sadhabas settled in Sri Lanka, marrying local women and establishing communities. They brought with them their language, customs, and traditions, which blended with the local culture. This cultural exchange had a lasting impact on Sri Lankan society, influencing its art, architecture, literature, and cuisine.
Historical records, such as the Mahavamsa, a Sri Lankan chronicle, and the Kalinga inscriptions, provide evidence of the close ties between Kalinga and Sri Lanka. Archaeological discoveries, including coins, pottery, and other artifacts, further confirm the extensive trade and cultural exchange between the two regions.
The Sadhabas’ legacy can still be seen in Sri Lanka today. Many Sri Lankan communities, such as the Karava and the Salagama, claim descent from the Sadhabas. The Sri Lankan language, Sinhala, has borrowed words and phrases from the Odia language spoken in Kalinga. The cultural and artistic traditions of Sri Lanka, including its music, dance, and art, show influences from Kalinga.
The relationship between Kalinga and Sri Lanka is a testament to the rich history of maritime trade and cultural exchange in the Indian Ocean world. The Sadhabas, with their seafaring skills and entrepreneurial spirit, played a significant role in establishing and maintaining these ties. Their legacy continues to shape the cultural, social, and economic fabric of Sri Lanka. Basing upon the information from Sadhabas, Rakta bahu attacked Shri Jagannath temple entering puri in sea route.
According to Buddhist legend, Princess Hemamala and her husband, Prince Dantha, did indeed bring the tooth of the Buddha to Sri Lanka. The role of the Sadhabas of Kalinga are very crucial in this regard.
As the story goes, Princess Hemamala, the daughter of King Guhasiva of Kalinga, was married to Prince Dantha, a nobleman from Kalinga. After the Buddha’s passing, the tooth was retrieved from his funeral pyre and brought to Kalinga. However, as the legend states, the tooth was in danger of being destroyed by those who sought to harm Buddhism.
To protect the relic, Princess Hemamala and Prince Dantha decided to smuggle it out of Kalinga through the help of sadhabas and bring it to Sri Lanka, where it would be safe. The princess hid the tooth in her hair, and the couple set sail for Sri Lanka along with sadhabas.
The Sadhabas of Kalinga accompanying Hemamala and Prince Dantha on their journey to Sri Lanka, the Sadhabas played a role in facilitating their travel.
As skilled sailors and navigators, the Sadhabas of Kalinga were instrumental in establishing and maintaining trade and cultural exchange between Kalinga and Sri Lanka. The Sadhabas provided transportation and logistical support to Hemamala and Prince Dantha, enabling them to bring the tooth of the Buddha to Sri Lanka.
The legend of Hemamala and the tooth of the Buddha has had a profound impact on Sri Lankan culture and history. The tooth is considered one of the most sacred relics in Buddhism, and its arrival in Sri Lanka marked the beginning of a new era in the island’s history.
The story of Hemamala and Prince Dantha’s bravery and devotion has inspired countless generations of Sri Lankans, and their legacy continues to be celebrated and honored to this day.