Significance of the Service to Buddhist Scholarship rendered by the British Scholar Professor Rhys Davids during the British Colonial Period

Buddhism and Buddhist Culture in Sri Lanka suffered a ruthless set back by the mid-nineteenth century due to the withdrawal of state patronage and foreign missionary activities. Buddhism lost its pristine and perfect strength, self-respect and its real philosophical background. Then there was an urgent need of Buddhist revivalist movement with proper Buddhist education. At this juncture, three British Civil servants who were appointed to Sri Lanka, George Turnour, T.W. Rhys Davids and R.D. Childers took an unshakable interest in the study of Pali language and Buddhist Culture of Sri Lanka. Rhys Davids by his untiring effort introduced the significance of Pali language and Buddhist Doctrine to English speaking world. His indefatigable efforts contributed to the opening up of the eyes of scholars to the significance of studying Pali language and Buddhist Doctrine. This paper examines the intensive study, humane qualities and intellectual strength of Prof. Rhys Davids and points out that it was the remarkable advantage that Sri Lankans and the Buddhist academic world had during the British Colonial period.