Fa-Hien cave

Fa Hien Cave, also Pahiyangala Cave, is situated in the district  of Kalutara, Western Province, Sri Lanka and according to a rural legend, named after an alleged resident during historical times, namely Buddhist monk Fa-Hien.

Fa-hien cave also one of the largest cave in srilanka.It had been inhabited by prehistoric humans, known as “Balangoda man” from as early as 48000 years before the present up to at least 4500 BP scientific excavations conducted by the department of archaeology have provided information about these humans who were ancestors of the present day Wanniyala-aththo.

Human skeletons were found in deposit dated to over 38000 BP. They belonged to modern humans, Homo sepiens-sepiens and represent the earliest such humans that have been discovered so far in the whole of south Asia.The tool that they used were mostly small and made of quartz. Several bone tools were also found. Evidence of the animals that were hunted has been found in the excavations. While a wide range of fauns had been consumed,most of these were small mammals,such as Monkeys and squirrels, while remains of larger animals such as Deer and pig were not uncommon. There is evidence of salt having been brought in about 20000 years ago from over 100Km away.

Seashells,shark bones and shark teeth have been found,as well as ashell necklaces from the earliest cultural layers.They indicate that personal adorment was practiced by 'Balangoda Man' from over 38000 BP, representing some of the earliest such evidence in the world.

'Fa-hien lena' is one of global importance for understanding the physical and cultural evolution of modern humans Asia.