UNESCO adds Sri Lanka’s ‘Mahavamsa’ to Memory of the World International Register

By Salman Akhtar

UNESCO has inscribed ‘Mahavamsa,’ an extensive historical document from Sri Lanka, onto its Memory of the World (MoW) International Register for 2023, enlarging the register with 64 new items of documentary heritage.

 ‘Mahavamsa,’ which means ‘The Great Chronicle,’ provides a detailed historical account of Sri Lanka from the 6th Century BCE to 1815 CE, marking it one of the longest continuous historical records globally. Its inclusion in the MoW Register underlines its world significance and outstanding universal value.

 ‘Mahavamsa’ stands out as a first of its kind in South Asia, signifying a mature historiographic tradition. This invaluable document offers a chronologically organised presentation of Sri Lanka’s history, starting from the 6th century BCE. 

The accuracy of the information contained in the text has been verified through numerous archaeological studies in Sri Lanka and India, further strengthening its credibility.

The document not only serves as an indispensable historical resource for South Asia but also encapsulates critical data regarding the lifetime of Buddha, Emperor Asoka, and the emergence of Buddhism as a global religion.

 ‘Mahavamsa’ has been instrumental in spreading Buddhism in Southeast Asia and has uniquely contributed to defining Emperor Asoka’s identity in Indian history. Its influence is not just limited to religious or historical aspects, but also extends to cultural, linguistic, and scholarly domains.

The fact that several copies of ‘Mahavamsa’ exist in numerous countries and that the text has been translated and transliterated into many Southeast Asian and European languages bears testament to its vast historical, cultural, literary, and linguistic importance.

The UNESCO’s Memory of the World Register recognises documentary heritage of world significance and outstanding universal value. The International Advisory Committee recommends items for the register, which are then endorsed by the Director-General of UNESCO. The addition of ‘Mahavamsa’ to the register is a significant recognition of Sri Lanka’s rich historical and cultural heritage. (Source: https://bnn.network/history/unesco-adds-sri-lankas-mahavamsa-to-memory-of-the-world-international-register/)