Legend along Littoral Landscapes: Tales from the Muslim World

• by Ramla Wahab-Salman 
• - on 02/03/2016 

The island of Sri Lanka, since ancient times, has featured prominently in the navigational and spiritual cartography of the Muslim world. The word of Persian origin ‘Sarandip ’ (سرانديپ) has long captured the attention of historians of the Muslim world. It has also played a significant role in the historical imagination of writers and story tellers through the Perseo-Arab world of literature and legend.

The South and South East Asian region is home to the largest number of Muslims in the world. Therefore, it is unsurprising that the legends, history and practice of the Muslims of Sri Lanka can be understood in the context of a very South Asian form of Muslim practice. Ritual and legend surrounding once prominent sites along the Southern coastline are particular to the island’s geography, landscape and high levels of interaction with travellers anchoring along the ports of Sarandip.

Sailing to Sarandip was of spiritual significance and also held the potential of being a prosperous trading venture. Sailors who made the journey to the island of Sarandip were those taking the journey from the West to the East to China through the Spice Islands of South East Asia or those sailing from the Far East to the West.

Meadows of Gold and Mines of Gems

Among the most prominent sailors sailing from the West to the East is Al-Masudi. Also known as the Pliny of the East, Masudi wrote a 10th century historiographical account titled Meadows of Gold and Mines of Gems. This historical work attempts to trace a history of the world from Adam and Eve to Al Masudi’s time. In his work Masudi speaks of the funeral ceremony of a King of Sarandip in which the King is cremated in camphor, sandalwood and other prepared spices. He further comments on vernacular musical instruments of the island which produce on man effects as diverse as laughing and crying.                                                   Continue Reading →