The Mahavamsa (1908)

The Mahavamsa is a historical text written in the Pali language, which chronicles the history of Sri Lanka from the arrival of Prince Vijaya in 543 BCE to the reign of King Mahasena in the 4th century CE. The text was compiled by Buddhist monks in the 5th century CE and is considered one of the most important sources of Sri Lankan history. The 1908 translation of The Mahavamsa by Wilhelm Geiger is a comprehensive and scholarly edition that includes an introduction to the text, detailed footnotes, and an index. Geiger's translation is highly regarded for its accuracy and attention to detail, making it an essential resource for scholars and students of Sri Lankan history and Buddhism. The Mahavamsa is divided into 37 chapters and covers a range of topics including the establishment of Buddhism in Sri Lanka, the reigns of various kings, and the construction of important religious sites such as the Temple of the Tooth in Kandy. The text also includes a number of legends and myths, as well as descriptions of battles and political intrigue. Overall, The Mahavamsa is a fascinating and important historical text that provides a unique insight into the culture and society of ancient Sri Lanka. Geiger's translation is an essential resource for anyone interested in the history of Buddhism or South Asia.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.