Important Facts
Our ancient society was systematically
organized. As it was formed in a way in which
the power went down from the top, it urged
each other in the society to perform their
responsibilities properly.
The rulers in this country in the ancient time
acted to implement law and justice for the well-
being of the society. From ancient time our
ancestors were well aware of law and they tended
to act according to the law.
Ancient Sri Lankans had acted to handle
the economic affairs efficiently. As a medium
of economic exchange, they started the use of
metal coins. There was a special officer called
‘Roopadaka’ to keep the standard of moulding
metal coins.
There was a deep attention given to the respect
and the identity of women in the ancient Sri
Lankan society. Since she had many admirable
qualities, she was adored by the society. Our
ancient society had selected women to rule the
country too.
Our ancestors were healthy enough to build
a great civilization because their food habits
were properly organized. That food, which had
a local flavour, can be used even today to spend
a healthy life style.
Since our ancestors were farmers, they
maintained a good relationship with the natural
environment. Instead of destroying animals and
trees, there were even laws to deal with them in
an eco-friendly manner.
Activity- Describe how the tasks assigned to each
group in the social hierarchy contributed to
build a better society. - Point out the examples that the present
society could take from the ancient social
organization. - Describe how the old law and tradition
assisted to build a better society. - Point out how the environmental
conservation methods used in the past can be
applied to the present. - Point out the examples that can be taken
from the food habits of the past to prevent
being victims to diseases. - Point out the good relationships which
existed between each groups in the social
hierarchy which contributed to preserve the
old society.
Urbanization – The word urbanization is used to name the
process in which a village transfers itself into a city. It is a
complex process. In comparison to a city, a village is a
small human settlement. A village is formed when a limited
community gathers into a small space. Family bonds based
on relationships are a major feature in a village. A city
is a human settlement, which consists of a considerably big
population. The people, who live in it, maintain their relations
based on their professions. A village turns to be a city when
the capitalists are generated due to increasing production of
the village. The predominant features in the settlements , where
wealthy people live, are engaging in local and foreign trade
affairs, mastery in craftsmanship, having a ruling structure
and using a script system.
Social Stratification – Social stratification simply means
the differences in any society according to their wealth.
Proletariats middle class, capitalist class are the stratas in a
society.