학술논문
Sri Lanka
Document Type
Reference Entry
Author
Silva, K. M. de, author; Wilson, Howard A., author; Deraniyagala, S. U., author; Bandaranayake, Senake, author; Silva, Roland, author; Silva, Nimal de, author; Raheem, Ismeth, author; Dohanian, Diran Kavork, author; Dharmasiri, Albert, author; Silva, Raja de, author; Gunasinghe, Siri, author; Elgood, Robert, author; Fynes, R. C. C., author; Lynch, Brendan, author; Simpson, Bob, author; Lakdusinghe, Sirinimal, author; Jayatilleke, K. Hemantha, author; Karunaratne, L. K., author; Gunawardane, W. Thelma T. P., author
Source
Oxford Art Online, 2003, ill.
Subject
Language
English
Abstract
[ Ceylon ] Island nation off the southern tip of India. The island has an area of 65,610 sq. km, measuring 435 km from north to south and 225 km from east to west, with a population of around 18 million. Sri Lanka (see fig. ) is separated from the main landmass of the Indian subcontinent by the Palk Strait and the Gulf of Mannar, which at their narrowest are only 35 km across; there is a chain of reefs and small islands, known as Adam’s Bridge, across the strait. The island’s proximity to the Indian landmass has meant that Indian influences—religious, cultural and political—have left their stamp on Sri Lanka’s development. Equally important, separation from India by a narrow sea has enabled Sri Lanka to evolve a distinctive culture and civilization of its own. The island’s strategic location on the trade routes of the Indian Ocean made it a stopping place for Greek and Roman vessels and later ships from Persia, the Arab lands, China and South-east Asia. In the 18th and 19th centuries Sri Lanka’s strategic location increased European interest in controlling its shores....