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Anuradhapura is a sacred town to the Sinha Buddhist majority of Sri Lanka, located 205 km from Colombo. Settled as early as the 6C BC, it became capital of the island in 380 BC, and grew to have religious importance after the introduction of Buddhism in the late 3C BC. At its zenith it may have covered an area of 25 sq km. It was repeatedly attacked from southern India, and the capital finally moved to Polonnaruwa in the late 8C AD.
Because the monsoon rains in this part of Sri Lanka are sometimes highly irregular, Anuradhapura was always dependent upon large scale irrigation works, which were started as early as the 4C BC. |
The Thuparama Dagoba is said to contain the right collar bone of Buddha. The oldest such dagoba in Sri Lanka, it was heavily restored in the 19C. |
The Ruvanvelisaya Dagoba, built during the reign of King Dutugemunu (r 161 - 137 BC). The dome is 80m in diameter and 55m high. |
Those who have been to these parts know these monkeys are a thorough nuisance. Hang on to your keys and small change! |
The small but well stocked Archaeological Museum is one of the best in Sri Lanka. |
Remains of the Brazen Palace, built under Dutugemunu but rebuilt many times. It once had nine stories and accommodation for 1000 monks. |
Another view of the Brazen Palace, with the Ruvanvelisaya Dagoba in the background. |
Example of one of the small tanks used for irrigation and supply of domestic water. |
In the vicinity of Anuradhapura are many fine former planters' houses. |
Typical countryside between Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa in the central part of the island. |
Polonnaruwa was the residence of the Singhalese kings from Anuradhapura in the 4C AD, although it only become their capital much later, in the 8C. The Cholas (a group from southern India) conquered the Sinhala it in the early 11C, and kept Polonnaruwa as their capital. The Sinhala recaptured it in 1056, from which point it became a focal point for Singhalese culture until its abandonment when the water tanks went dry in 1288.
The Vatadage or Hall of the Relic, built in the 12C to house the tooth relic now in Kandy. |
Another view of the Vatadage, looking toward the Adatage, which according to legend was built in a day! |
Detail of stone work in the Vatadage. |
The Siva Devale, a Hindu temple built in the 13C and dedicated to Vishnu. A number of fine bronzes have been found inside. |
Detail of stone work; shown here is a carving of the Buddha. |
Part of what may have been the Audience Hall in the Royal Palace. The previous photos are all buildings which were within the grounds of this palace. |
Monks going to worship in one of the many temples still in use within the ruins of Polonnaruwa. |
Looking over fields from atop the rim of the Topawewa, one of the tanks (reservoirs) built to supply water to the ancient city. |
Map courtesy of Mapquest. |
