An Archaeological Study of the Firearms Used in Sri Lanka During the Colonial Period (From the Collections of Several Museums)

Abstract

The use of firearms was established as a significant type of weapon in the Sri Lankan society only a few centuries after introducing firearms. The fire lance was born in China in the tenth century. It has been manufactured by adding the essential characteristics a firearm should have. After that, the firearm spreaded worldwide, passing through different eras and facing several technological ages. The Portuguese arrived in Sri Lanka in the early 16th century. They introduced firearms to the island during their colonization efforts, which began in the 16th century. The Portuguese used firearms as part of their military technology and tactics. Before the introduction of firearms by European colonial powers, Sri Lanka had indigenous weapons and warfare techniques. The main types of weapons Sri Lankan forces owned were bows, swords, and spears. In the face of the imperialist invasions, the rulers of Sri Lanka started using firearms to increase their army and military power. Since then, as a foreign weapon, the firearm has been used as a primary weapon in Sri Lankan society. This study's main problem is" What characteristics unique to the Sri Lankan society were used when producing firearms during the colonial period in Sri Lanka?”. This study aims to identify the types of firearms regarding the technology they used in Sri Lanka through literary and archaeological sources. Field and nonfield surveys have been conducted to collect data. In the non-field poll, the information required for the study has been obtained through primary and secondary sources of information through library references. The field survey has done a formal type of archaeological data acquisition as many domestic and foreign firearms used during the imperialist period. Furthermore, interviews, photography, drawing plans, measurements, and comparative observation were done. In conclusion, firearms have been created using unique features for engravings, symbols, shapes, and designs. The evolution of firearms used in Sri Lanka includes several stages. In the production of firearms such as Ginithuwakkuwa (ගිණිතුවක්කුව), Kodithuwakkuwa (කොඩිතුවක්කුව) and Mahathuwakkuwa (මහතුවක්කුව), were not limited to war. Still, they have been changing by the usage over time. They are using characteristics unique to the Sri Lankan society. It can be suggested to put all these weapons in a proper archaeological classification and to display and preserve them in one place.