Episode notes
Welcome deep divers to Season 14! We're setting our compass for the island nation of Sri Lanka, known through history as Taprobane, the Island of Gems, or Second Eden. This tiny dot on the map holds an incredibly expansive, ancient, and complex past, profoundly shaping not only its own vibrant identity but also its pivotal position within South Asia and the global stage. This episode is a sweeping journey through its entire history, from the earliest whispers of human settlement right up to its very modern challenges. We draw on diverse sources, including archaeological findings, ancient chronicles like the Mahavamsa, scholarly histories, and colonial archives, to highlight what makes Sri Lanka so distinctive. We'll explore its crucial maritime location, its unique evolution of Buddhist traditions, its truly multi-ethnic makeup, and its enduring ...