| The objective of this research is to examine the metallurgical and socio-political aspects of ancient iron smelting in the Kiri Oya Basin (KOB), Dry Zone of Sri Lanka. I used various archaeological methods, sub-disciplines of anthropology that included the study of historical sources and oral traditions. I concentrated on the settlement patterns from the 3rd century B.C. to the 10th century A.D., the period represented by the inscription evidence in the KOB.;I directed the settlement pattern survey that identified 112 archaeological sites. There are four major categories: ancient iron smelting sites, village habitations/settlements, religious centers, and places interlinked with the hydraulic network. Using survey data, I investigated three major topics: how the iron smelting centers were distributed in settlements; how the ancient settlement pattern in Sri Lanka described in the ancient chronicles (Buddhist monasteries, the surrounding settlement and the hydraulic irrigation network had an interconnected relationship) illustrating in the KOB settlements; and how we can trace political and religious legitimacy throughout the settlement.;I directed excavation at four different sites to identify the chronological order in the KOB settlements, to describe the material culture and its relevant social strata, to date the period that the smelting activities went on, and to reveal the metallurgical characteristics. My archival research was the basis for my description of ancient iron smelting technology and its connection with the socio-political organization.;The research results indicate that the iron smelting activities that were using an advanced bloomery process with magnetite ore were mainly conducted in the 4th century A.D., prior to King Kasyapa's reign in the 5 th century A.D. This study enabled me to trace the authority of the centralized political system over the settlement, the inter-connectivity of Buddhist monasteries with the settlements and different social stratifications that existed over the landscape. The material culture of the KOB settlements highlighted three main periods of activity: 3rd century B.C. to 2nd century A.D.; 2nd century to 5 th century A.D.; 7th century to 10th century A.D. |
