A valuable resource with a personal touch for both scholars and enthusiasts
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Having developed a popular online website on Lankan coins (coins.lakdiva.org.lk) I have frequently been urged to compile a book. However, I have remained focused on the digital domain, avoiding the intricate work of print layouts. It is, therefore, a welcome development that Eranda Adikaram has recently stepped forward with Coinage of Sri Lanka (Pre-Colonial Era).At the 100th anniversary of the Colombo Museum’s seminal publication The Coins and Currency of Ceylon by H. W. Codrington which is regarded as the primary guide for Lankan numismatics, Eranda’s work serves as a timely more readable introduction to the field for both the beginner and the more knowledgeable collector. Cataloging ancient coins is a challenge, given the complexities and gaps inherent in archaeological research. Without the context of excavation finds, coins that circulate primarily through trade risk being misclassified or regarded as speculative items. Eranda’s research, grounded largely in a personal collection, which originated from that of the prominent civil lawyer late Chula De Silva, stands out in this respect.
Eranda’s approach, using line drawings by his daughters for coins not available in his collection, is both creative and commendable. It engages the younger generation and lends a personal touch to an otherwise scholarly pursuit. The book offers a comprehensive and readable introduction to Lanka’s pre-colonial coinage, and while it is richly illustrated with photographs of historical sites, it eschews the trappings of a coffee table book. The coin images, printed in colour at 220 dpi are slightly larger than actual size, provide useful visual clarity, though some details remain obscured by corrosion. Unfortunately, the lack of a bibliography is a notable shortcoming, though Eranda compensates somewhat by providing provenance for rare coins via footnotes.
The book is structured into the following chapters:
Chapter 1: Punch Mark Coins – Provides an introduction guided by Gupta and Hardaker’s standard reference on the subject.
Chapter 2: Railed Swastika Copper and Lead Coins – Delving into this iconic symbol on Ancient Lankan coins.
Chapter 3: Copper Coins with Dots on the Reverse – Covering the aspects of numismatics of the early Anuradhapura era.
Chapter 4: Lakshmi Plaques – Highlighting these unique and interesting pieces.
Chapter 5: Bull and Fish Coins – and the associated Pallava, Pandya, and Chera coins used locally.
Chapter 6: Ruhuna Lead Tokens – Discussing finds from recent digs and replicas, which calls for quantitative metallurgical analysis using XRF technology.
Chapter 7: Seals and Sealings from Ruhuna – A specialized focus on an often-overlooked area.
Chapter 8: Imitative Roman Coins (Naimana) – Coins of the 4th and 5th centuries CE minted in Lanka.
Chapter 9: Medieval Gold Kahavanu – Discussion with images of coins and line drawings, guided by the book by O.M.R Sirisena. Sizes and weights should have been given for all the coins as the fractions are not to the same scale.
Chapter 10: Copper Massa Coins – with the Nagari names of the Kings and Queens from 11th to 13th Century from the Polonnaruwa and Dambadeniya Eras.
Chapter 11: Jaffna Coins – Setu and rarer coins cross-referenced with Prof. Pushparatnam’s work on Coins of Tamil rulers.
Chapter 12: Foreign Coins – Including Indian Gold, Silver, and Copper coins, as well as Chinese Copper Cash coins.
Eranda’s work is a well-crafted contribution to the study of Lankan numismatics. With a few Appendixes with trade and historical context the book provides both enthusiasts and scholars a valuable resource for understanding the island’s pre-colonial monetary systems.
I hope Eranda will consider putting his book to an online platform which would significantly enhance its accessibility and impact. In today’s digital age, most research is conducted online, with scholars and enthusiasts relying heavily on searchable content for quick reference and comprehensive exploration. Making the book available online would ensure that with higher resolution images, its valuable insights reach a wider audience, fostering greater engagement and understanding of Lanka’s numismatic heritage, while preserving the book’s legacy beyond the confines of a physical shelf.
Hardcover 260+ A4 size pages, illustrated in colour. Priced at Rs. 15,000, this book is available at Barefoot, Sarasavi, and Books.lk.
| Book Facts | |
| Coinage of Sri Lanka (Pre-Colonial Era) by Eranda Adikaram Reviewed by Dr Kavan Ratnatunga |
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