The Indians who shaped our destiny

Oson celebrations, second only to those of Vesak as far as Sri Lankan Buddhists are concerned, honour an Indian who shaped our destiny more than any other in ancient history.

- BY DR UPUL WIJAYAWARDHANA

Though the celebrations concentrate more on the story of his dramatic arrival in Mihintale, exaggerated or otherwise, what is often forgotten is the manner in which Arahant Mahinda shaped our destiny. What perplexes me is how those who believe that the Buddha was born in Sri Lanka, not India, are able to include in their narrative the role of Arahant Mahinda. They cannot disregard him as fictitious because there is archaeological evidence, on top of the historical narrative, to confirm that he devoted the major part of his life to the betterment of the people of Lanka, never returning to the country of his birth where he could have been king. Though sceptics may question the inscription in Mihintale, as it is not contemporaneous, there is no doubt about the inscription in Rajagala monastery. This rock inscription, dated to around 200 BCE, written in Elu using the Early Brahmi script states: "This is the stupa of the elder Ittiya and the elder Mahinda, who came to this Island by its foremost good fortune." It is significant that this inscription mentions Arahant Ittiya, who accompanied Arahant Mahinda, as well as mentioning that it is the island's good fortune that they arrived.