The article attempts to explore the shape of preservation of information in Sri Lanka, from the Early Iron Age (1000-800 BC) to the beginning of Colonial Rule. Under the qualitative approach, the historical research method is employed in the study, while content analysis was used as a research tool to determine the presence of certain words, themes, or concepts within given qualitative data. Based on my focus, primary sources and secondary data were used to elicit data. Buckland's concept about information-asthing was used to streamline the demarcations made by different collections handled.The perspective of the study is limited to the published translations and transcriptions of inscriptions, literary sources, and copper plate charters. Themes and concepts such as selection of media, extending the life span of information, changing the format, or keeping the same information in different formats, and reformatting for information preservation emerged from the literature review and content analysis. Substantiations prove that effective preservation of information has ever been in flow in Sri Lankan history. Well before the cultural institutions were established under colonial rule, ancient Sri Lankans were familiar with the concepts of libraries, archives, and museums.Information was converted, reformatted, and duplicated through different media consciously, while foreign invasions, internal conflicts, natural and man-made disasters as well as the introduction of printing challenged the existence of the indigenous system of information preservation. The study will provide a rich foundation for Archaeology, history, and Information Science students and scholars to understand what happened in the past to determine and expand their research horizons. The research highlights gaps and avenues for future research in this genre.
The article attempts to explore the shape of the preservation of information in Sri Lanka, from the Early Iron Age (1000-800 BC) to the beginning of Colonial Rule. Under the qualitative approach, the historical research method is employed in the study, while content analysis was used as a research tool to determine the presence of certain words, themes, or concepts within given qualitative data. Based on my focus, primary sources and secondary data were used to elicit data. Buckland's concept of information-as-thing was used to streamline the demarcations made by different collections handled. The perspective of the study is limited to the published translations and transcriptions of inscriptions, literary sources, and copper plate charters. Themes and concepts such as the selection of media, extending the life span of information, changing the format, or keeping the same information in different formats, and reformatting for information preservation emerged from the literature review and content analysis. Substantiations prove that effective preservation of information has ever never been in flow in Sri Lankan history. Well before the cultural institutions were established under colonial rule, ancient Sri Lankans were familiar with the concepts of libraries, archives, and museums.Information was converted, reformatted, and duplicated through different media consciously, while foreign invasions, internal conflicts, natural and man-made disasters as well as the introduction of printing challenged the existence of the indigenous system of information preservation. The study will provide a rich foundation for Archaeology, history, and Information Science students and scholars to understand what happened in the past to determine and expand their research horizons. The research highlights gaps and avenues for future research in this genre.
Palm Leaf Manuscripts faced the threat of deliberate as well as unintentional destruction since ancient times. Custodian individuals and personnel protected the collections from natural and manmade disasters by adhering to the traditional conservation and preservation methods that prevailed for generations. However, the advent of printing, absence of patronage, lack of know-how, less priority paid, and attitudinal changes led Palm Leaf Manuscript collections to deteriorate fast, especially after the beginning of colonial administration. Hence, this study is carried out to identify the condition of the Palm Leaf Manuscript available at the Medavela Rajamaha Vihara based on the nature and extent of the degradation and deterioration. To investigate the collection of qualitative data collection techniques such as survey method and observations was employed to draw data. Palm Leaves as a natural organic material, has been deteriorated owing to several factors. Chemical, physical, and biological degradation, caused by improper storage, incorrect climatic conditions, inappropriate handling, and damage instigated by pests are among the many circumstances that caused the condition of these manuscripts. Safeguarding the collection is suggested by adhering to both modern and traditional techniques. Future research avenues are open for documentation, conservation, and preservation of the collection.
Budding literature across the world explores the antecedents of Information Professionals in historical societies while there is a paucity of knowledge on them in ancient Sri Lankan context. Therefore, the study attempts to explore the nature of history of Information Professionals in ancient Sri Lanka employing a qualitative approach through content analysis of primary sources such as inscriptions. The study brings to light a silhouette of professionals engaged in preserving information from the early historic period to the end of the Kandyan kingdom. These officials were mentioned as scribes, chief secretaries, registrars and record keepers such as Lapana, Kanapedika, Mahale, Muk-hi, Mukaveti, Sanhas Sivatta Nayinarun, and Sannissiwatte Kulaperumal. Most importantly, they were members of the Royal Council.Duties of these officers involved noting down the orders of the Kings, keeping copies in different formats for future reference, setting up inscriptions/manuscripts/charters, and being accountable for recording, attesting, publicizing and provision of access to the information.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
customersupport@researchsolutions.com
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
Copyright © 2024 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.