The use of money and global trade relations during the reign of King Elara in Sri Lanka: Archaeological evidence from the ancient Sri Lanka

Introduction

In the study of trade relations and the use of money in ancient Sri Lanka, the period of King Elara (205-161 BC) is a period that receives special attention. King Elara, who came from the Chola dynasty of South India, ruled Anuradhapura for 44 years, and his reign can be considered a period when multiple trade relations were established in Sri Lanka. This article presents an in-depth study of the use of money, Greco-Roman relations, and trade relations with South India and China during the time of King Elara.

King Elara and the Contemporary World Situation

By the time of King Elara's rule, the major powers in the world were the Roman Empire, the Han Dynasty in China, the Greco-Bactrian Empire, the Indo-Greek Empire, and the Chola, Pandya, and Chera empires in South India. All these powers, although located thousands of kilometers apart, were connected to each other through trade routes such as the Silk Route and the Spice Route. Sri Lanka was an important hub in this global trade network.

Use of Money and Coins during the Elara Dynasty

According to archaeological evidence, the main types of money used in Sri Lanka during the Elara Dynasty were:

Kahapana: The main monetary unit made of gold and silver

Masaka: Copper coins

Kakani: Coins of small value

In addition to these, foreign coins were also accepted in trade in Sri Lanka. In particular, Graeco-Bactrian, Indo-Greek, and Roman coins have been found in archaeological excavations.

Archaeological excavation sites of this period include ancient settlements, rivers, streams, and cultivated fields such as paddy fields used for agriculture. Foreign coins found include:

Antialcidas coins

Antialcidas (c. 115–95 BC) was a Graeco-Bactrian king. His coins have been found in Sri Lanka, indicating trade links through India. These coins bear the king's image on one side and usually gods such as Zeus on the other. These Graeco-Bactrian coins were found near the palace of Keerthi Sri Nishshankamalla.

Menander I coins

Menander I (c. 165–130 BC) was an Indo-Greek king. His coins have been found in Sri Lanka, reflecting Buddhist contacts between the two countries and Indo-Sri Lankan trade. His coins bear the image of the king on one side and often a goddess or Buddha on the other. These coins have been found in the Mannar region.

Antoninus Pius coins

Antoninus Pius (138-161 AD) was an emperor of the Roman Empire. The discovery of his coins in Sri Lanka confirms Roman-Ceylonese trade relations. ‘Pliny the Elder’ mentions Roman trade with Sri Lanka (Taprobane) in his "Naturalis Historia". Roman coins have been found mainly in the areas of Manthivu (Mannar), Kalpitiya and Trincomalee.

Graeco - Roman Trade Relations

Evidence of trade relations between Sri Lanka and the Graeco-Roman world during the reign of King Elara is found in the following forms:

Commodities

The main commodities sent from Sri Lanka to the Graeco-Roman world were:

• Spices like cinnamon, pepper, and cardamom

• Ivory

• Pearls and gems

• Fragrances

• Precious woods like ebony and teak

The main commodities imported to Sri Lanka from the Graeco-Roman world were:

• Glassware (Greek and Roman products)

• Gold and Silver coins

• Metal weapons and instruments

• Cinnabar

• Roman crystal (dishes, cups, saucers, water jugs, glasses) 

Trade Centers

The main trading centers in Sri Lanka were ports such as Manthai (Mannar area), Gokanna (Trincomalee), Mahathiththa (Matikotuwa), and Godawaya (Galle). Of these, Manthai (Manthota) in the Mannar area was a major port for Greek and Roman traders.

South Indian influence

Since King Elara came from the Chola dynasty of South India, the trade and cultural ties with South India were intensified.

Usage of money

There is evidence that coins of the Satavahana dynasty of South India were also used in Sri Lanka. Coins of South Indian kings such as Sangrama Satakarni have been found in excavations in the Anuradhapura area.

Commodities

Main items imported to Sri Lanka from South India:

• Traditional Terracotta figures

• Metal statues

• Fragrances

• Delicate clothes

• Ayurvedic medicines

Main items exported from Sri Lanka to South India:

• Ivory

• Gemstones

• Spices

• Fragrances

• Scented Wood

Cultural exchange

Since King Elara came from the Chola dynasty, under him South Indian styles influenced Sri Lankan art, establishment, and usage of money. South Indian techniques are particularly evident in the creation of Gold and Silver Kahapana coins.

China's influence

Relations with the Han Dynasty

According to records from the Han Dynasty (206 BC - 220 AD), they had trade relations with "Sihala" (Sri Lanka). Chinese historians record that a delegation from China visited Sri Lanka in 97 AD.

Exports and imports

Main items sent from Sri Lanka to China:

• Spices (especially Cinnamon)

• Pearl

• Ivory

• Sinhala essential oil

Main items imported from China to Sri Lanka:

• Silk fabrics

• Crockery

• Metalware

• Ornamental objects

Use of Chinese currency

Although Chinese coins (Wu Zhu) have been found in excavations in Sri Lanka, there is little evidence that they were used as the main currency during the reign of King Elara. Trade with China was likely based on the barter system.

Study of gold ducat coins

This 3.20g gold ducat coin, although not directly from the Elara period, is an important piece of evidence for the history of trade in Sri Lanka. Ducat coins were first introduced in Venice, Italy, in the 13th century and were used extensively during the Portuguese-Dutch eras in Sri Lanka. However, evidence suggests that the use of gold coins in Sri Lanka dates back as far as the Elara period.

Socio-economic impact of the trade

This international trade during the reign of King Elara had significant social and economic impacts on Sri Lanka:

1. Economic development: The inflow of gold, silver, and other valuable materials into the country through foreign trade.

2. Urbanization: Growth of port cities like Manthai (Mannativu, Mahathittha) and Gokanna.

    THE DEVOUT ELARA’s (KING ELLALAN) THISSAWEWA (THISSAWEWA TANK ANURADHAPURA)

Extracted from a palm leaf book believed to have been written during the Polonnaruwa period……..

3. Cultural Influence: The incorporation of Greek, Roman, Indian and Chinese cultural features into Sri Lankan art, religion and lifestyle.
   
   

4. Foreign technology: Introduction of new technologies for the production of metal, glass, and ceramic floor tiles.
   
   

Conclusion

A study of the use of money and global trade relations during the reign of King Elara shows that Sri Lanka acted as an important center of world trade from its very early days. The archaeological evidence mentioned here - coins of Antialcidas, Menander I and Antoninus Pius, ducat coins - attest to the active trade that Sri Lanka conducted with the Graeco-Bactrian, Indo-Greek, Roman, South Indian and Chinese civilizations.