Thonigala Rock Inscriptions (Anamaduwa)

Two pre-Christian inscriptions known as Thonigala Rock Inscriptions (Sinhala: තෝනිගල ශිලා ලේඛන) are found inscribed on a low rock called Tonigala situated near Paramakanda Viharaya in Anamaduwa in Puttalam District, Sri Lanka. 

Inscriptions

There are two long and large rock inscriptions at the site. The letters of both inscriptions are about a foot long and have been cut an inch deep in the rock, forming triangular grooves (Muller, 1883; Parker, 1909). The two inscriptions are located on the same rock group about 100 m away from each other. Some parts of the second inscription have been destroyed by an attempt made to blast the rock by some officers of the Public Work Department in search of imaginary treasures (Paranavitana, 1970). Those parts are said to be on the inscription until 1936 (Paranavitana, 1970).

 

Tonigala Rock Inscription - I
Reign: Gamini Abhaya; 

Period: 1st century A.D.
Language & script: Old Sinhala; Early Brahmi
Transcript: Parumaka Abaya puta parumaka Tisaha vapi Acagirika-Tisa pavatahi agata.....>>
Content: The tank of the chief Tissa, son of the chief Abhaya was donated to the Sangha of the four quarters present and absent, in the monastery of Acchagirika Tissa Pabbata. The great King Gamini Abhaya dedicated Acchanagaraka and Tavirikiya - nagaraka (two villages) to the monastery. These donations, the chief Abhaya, caused to be dedicated by the king to the Sangha of the four quarters, present and absent.

Period: 1st century A.D.
Language & script: Old Sinhala; Early Brahmi

Transcript: Parumaka Abaya puta parumaka Tise niyate ima vapi Acagirika Tisa Pavatahi agata anagata catu.....>>

Content: This tank has been donated by chief Tissa, the son of chief Abhaya to the Sangha of the four quarters present and absent, in the monastery of Acchagirika Tissa Pabbata. Two places named Accha - nagaraka and Tavirikiya - nagaraka have also been donated. The monastery was dedicated (to the Sangha) by the chief Tissa, son of the chief Abhaya.

Reference: Paranavitana, 1970.

The persons mentioned in the inscription are two: Tisa, son of Abhaya and Gamini Abhaya. On account of the form of the character, which is the oldest we meet in Ceylon, I take this Gamini Abhaya to be either Dutthagamini, 161-137 B.C., or Wattagamini, 88-76 B.C.; but the title Dewanapiya, beloved of the gods, rather points to the latter; he was the youngest of three sons of King Saddhatissa, the brother and successor of Dutthagamini.

Citation: Muller, 1883. p.25.

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