Bhubaneswar, Nov. 6: India and Sri Lanka have always been linked historically. However, the island nation has managed to preserve those historical links between the two countries much better than its illustrious neighbours.

Now, however, projects are being undertaken to trace and document the ancient trade and cultural interaction between Odisha and Sri Lanka, said scholars at the Kalinga Lanka International Seminar that was inaugurated today at the PG Council Hall of Utkal University.

Efforts are being stepped up to retrace the shared history of erstwhile Kalinga and Lanka. It will help increase goodwill and commercial ties as well as cultural communication between the two regions, said scholars present at the event.

"There is abundant historical evidence of Kalinga's cultural and commercial exchanges with Sri Lanka the from 6th century BC. But further research is required," said historian K. K. Basa.

The scholars discussed the voyage of Sri Lankan king Vijaya to Kalinga, the Kalinga war and its impact on both Kalinga and Lanka, especially in politics and trade. They also discussed the reasons for the two regions drifting apart around the 11th-12th century. A comparison of boat building and maritime practices in the regions was also analysed.

"Buddhism had a major impact on both regions and we know that Fa Hien had travelled to Kalinga and then Lanka. So, it is quite possible that people from Kalinga used to go to Lanka and traders or monks from the island must have visited Kalinga. But not much research has been done yet and that's what this event is initiating," said veteran art historian B.D. Nandadeva from University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka.

A broad analysis and discussion on Buddhist theology in Odisha and Sri Lanka was a highlight of the event that was inaugurated today.