Early Establishment of Buddhism in Northern Sri Lanka: The Case of Kantarodai, Jaffna

Ariane de Saxcé1* and Nimal Perera2

Recent excavations in the site of Kantarodai (Jaffna) have put to light early phases of the establishment of Buddhism in the north of Sri Lanka, going back to the second century BCE. This communication will explore the phases of urbanisation and development of the monastery of Kantarodai, in parallel with the settlement area of the mound. In comparison with written and epigraphic sources, we will show that for the first time archaeological evidence is made of the arrival of Buddhism in Sri Lanka via Jaffna. Parallels will be drawn with sites in Andhra and Orissa showing similar structures of votive miniature stupas. Secondly, this paper will address the question of the valorisation of these discoveries via the renovation of the Jaffna Museum, where a new wing will be dedicated to the site of Kantarodai. Digital methods as well as a new museography will be suggested for the enhancement of this site, which is an important place of cultural and touristic value for the north of Sri Lanka and for the history of Buddhism in South Asia.