Difference between revisions of "Polonnaruwa" - New World Encyclopedia

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{{Infobox World Heritage Site
 
{{Infobox World Heritage Site
 
|Name        = Ancient City of Polonnaruwa
 
|Name        = Ancient City of Polonnaruwa
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==History==
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The Ancient City of '''Polonnaruwa,''' designated a [[World Heritage Site]] by [[UNESCO]] in 1982, provides an enlightening view of life in [[Sri Lanka]]'s capital city from 1070 C.E. to 1310 C.E.. The seat of power for the Polonnaruwa Kingdom, the king [[Parākramabāhu I]] designed and built the city utilizing techniques of [[irrigation]] and [[reservoirs]]. Parākramabāhu I understood the importance of water to sustaining his kingdom, and made effective irrigation a priority. The kingdom needed the ability to withstand invasions from a succession of southern [[India]] dynasties. Powerful Indian navies and armies supported campaigns outside the India subcontinent. The kings of the [[Anuradhapura Kingdom]] moved their capital inland to Polonnaruwa in the hopes of averting being taken over by invading [[Chola Dynasty|Chola]] armies. The Chola Dynasty was a Tamil dynasty that ruled primarily in southern India until the thirteenth century.
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The second most ancient of [[Sri Lanka]]'s kingdoms, '''Polonnaruwa''' was first declared the capital city by King Vijayabahu I, who defeated the [[Chola dynasty|Chola]] invaders in 1070 C.E. to reunite the country once more under a local leader. While Vijayabahu's victory and shifting of Kingdoms to the more strategic Polonnaruwa is considered significant, the real Polonnaruwa Hero of the history books is actually his grandson, [[Parakramabahu|Parakramabahu I]]. The city Polonnaruwa was also called as ''Jananathamangalam'' during the short Chola reign.<ref>''World and its peoples: Eastern and southern Asia''. 2007. (New York: Marshall Cavendish), p. 351</ref>
 
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===Golden Age of Polonnaruwa===
 
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{{Infobox Settlement
 
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| name = Polonnaruwa
 
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| Other names =
 
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| image_skyline = Gal Vihariya - 2.jpg
 
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| subdivision_name = [[Sri Lanka]]
 
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| subdivision_type1 = Province
 
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| subdivision_name1 = [[North Central Province|North Central Province, Sri Lanka]]
 
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| government_foonotes =
 
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| government_type =
 
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| leader_title = [[Mayor]]
 
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| leader_name =
 
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| established_title = Polonnaruwa
 
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| established_date = Before 1070 C.E.
 
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| area_water_km2 = 216
 
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| population_total = 359,000
 
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| population_density_km2 = 117
 
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It was his reign that is considered the Golden Age of Polonnaruwa, when trade and agriculture flourished under the patronage of the King, who was adamant that no drop of water falling from the heavens was to be wasted, and each be used toward the development of the land; hence, irrigation systems far superior to those of the Anuradhapura Age were constructed during Parakramabahu's reign, systems which to this day supply the water necessary for paddy cultivation during the scorching dry season in the east of the country. The greatest of these systems, of course is the Parakrama Samudraya or the Sea of Parakrama, a tank so vast that it is often mistaken for the ocean. It is of such a width that it is impossible to stand upon one shore and view the other side, and it encircles the main city like a ribbon, being both a defensive border against intruders and the lifeline of the people in times of peace. The Kingdom of Polonnaruwa was completely self-sufficient during King Parakramabahu's reign.<ref>Walter Nubin. 2002. ''Sri Lanka: current issues and historical background'' (New York: Nova Science Publishers), p. 103. </ref>
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A great deal of the credit for establishing the Polonnaruwa kingdom, and the capital city of Polonnaruwa, as a powerful dynasty goes to [[Parākramabāhu I]]. Resisting the powerful Chola dynasty required planning and organizing. For nearly 300 years, the strategy of an inland capital at Polonnaruwa worked until around 1300 C.E. when invasions from [[Southern India]] could no longer be resisted. The [[Sinhalese]] kings moved the capital to [[Yapahuwa]] and Polonnaruwa, like so many capitals in ancient India and Sri Lanka, was abandoned.
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{{toc}}
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[[Buddhism]] played an important role in the culture of Polonnaruwa. Gal Vihare, a rock temple to [[Buddha]] in Polonnaruwa, was constructed by Parākramabāhu I during the 1100s. His craftsmen carved four huge [[Buddha statues]] into a [[granite wall]]. One Buddha figure posed in reclining position measures {{convert|46|ft|m}} long and a standing Buddha statue measures {{convert|23|ft|m}} tall. Another statue in the shrine Parākramabāhu depicts Buddha's chief disciple, Ananda. One of the Buddha statues is said to display an expression of sorrow, an expression uncharacteristic for Buddha depictions.
  
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However, with the exception of his immediate successor, Nissankamalla I, all other monarchs of Polonnaruwa, were slightly weak-willed and rather prone to picking fights within their own court. They also went on to form more intimiate matrimonial alliances with stronger [[South India]]n Kingdoms, until these matrimonial links superseded the local royal lineage and gave rise to the [[Kalinga]] invasion by King [[Magha]] in 1214 and the eventual passing of power into the hands of a Pandyan King following the [[Arya Chakrawarthi]] invasion of [[Sri Lanka]] in 1284. The capital was then shifted to [[Dambadeniya]].<ref>John Faithful Fleet. 1882. ''The dynasties of the Kanarese districts of the Bombay presidency from the earliest historical times to the Muhammadan conquest of A.D. 1318''. [Ames Library pamphlet collection, 97:6]. (Bombay: Government Central Press), p. 59. </ref>
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==History==
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===Founding===
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Today the ancient city of Polonnaruwa remains one of the best planned Archeological relic sites in the country, standing testimony to the discipline and greatness of the Kingdom's first rulers. Its beauty was also used as a backdrop to filmed scenes for the [[Duran Duran]] music video ''[[Save a Prayer]]'' in 1982.
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Polonnaruwa, the second of [[Sri Lanka]]'s kingdoms, became the capital city in 1070 C.E. under the rule of King Vijayabahu I. He defeated the invading [[Chola dynasty|Chola]] armies, reuniting the country. During Chola's short reign, Polonnaruwa had been called ''Jananathamangalam''.<ref>''World and its Peoples: Eastern and Southern Asia'' (New York: Marshall Cavendish, 2001), p. 351</ref> While historians consider Vijayabahu's victory, and the shifting of Kingdoms to the more strategic Polonnaruwa, significant, his grandson, Parākramabāhu I receives much credit for building Polonnaruwa.
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The ancient city of Polonnaruwa has been declared a [[World Heritage site]] by [[UNESCO]].
 
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==Gal Vihare==
 
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[[Image:Gal Vihariya - 2.jpg|thumb|right|250px|[[Ananda]] Thera (center) standing by Lord Buddha (partly visible at right, reclining) at Gal Vihare]]
 
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The '''Gal Vihare''' is a rock temple of the [[Gautama Buddha|Buddha]] situated in [[North Central Province (Sri Lanka)|north-central]] [[Sri Lanka]]. It was constructed in [[Polonnaruwa]] in the 12th century by [[Parakramabahu the Great]]. His architects excavated the shrine and left an inscription describing their work.<ref name='jb-32-igbc'>{{cite book| last =Jones-Bateman| first =R| title =An illustrated guide to the buried cities of Ceylon| publisher =Queen's Hotel, Kandy| date =1932| location =Kandy| id = {{OCLC|363716}}}}</ref>
 
  
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The central attraction of the shrine are four large statues of the Buddha, which were carved into the face of a granite boulder by Parakramabahu's architects. These include a recumbent statue of the Buddha measuring 46 ft. and a standing statue which is 23 ft. in height.<ref name='tm-pol'> {{cite web|url=http://www.slmts.slt.lk/polonnaruwa.htm |title=The Medieval Capital of Polonnaruwa |accessdate=2007-07-24 |work=Sri Lanka Ministry of Tourism }}</ref>
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===Parākramabāhu I===
 +
Parākramabāhu I's reign marked the Golden Age of Polonnaruwa, when trade and agriculture flourished under his patronage. The king directed that rain water would be used to irrigate crops, directing the creation of irrigation systems superior to those of the [[Anuradhapura]] Age. Those irrigation systems still supply the water for paddy cultivation during the dry season in the eastern part of the country. The largest of those systems, the [[Parakrama Samudraya]] or the Sea of Parakrama, constitutes a tank that people often mistaken for a sea. The tank has a width such that a person standing on one shore can not view the other side. It encircles the main city, serving as both a defensive border against intruders and the main source of water during peace time. The Kingdom of Polonnaruwa enjoyed complete water self-sufficiency during King Parākramabāhu's reign.<ref>Walter Nubin, ''Sri Lanka: Current Issues and Historical Background'' (New York: Nova Science Publishers, 2002), 103. </ref>
  
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There is also a standing figure on a lotus throne inside the shrine which has been identified by some historians to be that of [[Ananda]], the Buddha's chief disciple, weeping over the recumbent figure of the Buddha who has just attained [[Nirvana]].
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With the exception of his immediate successor, Nissankamalla I, the other monarchs of Polonnaruwa had been less effective leaders, suffering from dissension within their courts. They formed matrimonial alliances with the stronger [[South India]]n Kingdoms, those matrimonial links superseded the local royal lineage. That gave rise to King [[Kalinga Magha]]'s invasion in 1214. That invasion set the stage for a Pandyan King to take the throne following the [[Arya Chakrawarthi]] invasion of [[Sri Lanka]] in 1284, the capital shifting to [[Dambadeniya]].<ref>John Faithful Fleet, ''The Dynasties of the Kanarese Districts of the Bombay Presidency from the Earliest Historical Times to the Muhammadan Conquest of A.D. 1318''(Bombay: Government Central Press, 2002) 59. </ref>
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there is a standing figure on a lotus throne, which has been identified by some to be that of Ananda, the Buddha's disciple, weeping over the recumbent figure of the Buddha who has attained Nirvana.<ref name='jb-32-igbc'/> However some, including Dr. Andreas Nell disagree, suggesting the figure is that of the Buddha, and the expression of sorrow is due to [[wear]] caused by the elements.<ref name='jb-32-igbc'/>
 
  
 +
===Polonnaruwa Kingdom===
 +
The '''Polonnaruwa Kingdom''' existed from eighth century until 1310 C.E. After ruling the kingdom for over 1200 years as the [[Anuradhapura Kingdom]], Sri Lankan kings decide to move their capital to [[Polonnaruwa]], hoping that the distance further inland from [[Anuradhapura]] would allow more time to organize defenses in times of foreign invasion. Polonnaruwa had previously been an important settlement in the country as it commanded the crossings of the [[Mahaweli Ganga]] towards Anuradhapura.
 +
[[Image:Mahaweli_Ganga_by_Gampola.jpg‎|thumb|220px|Mahaweli Ganga by Gampola]]
  
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{{Buddhism2}}
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Most of the remains of Polonnaruwa date from after the 1150s, as the extensive civil wars that preceded Parākramabāhu I's accession to the throne devastated the city. The Polonnaruwa Kingdom had been abandoned in the fourteenth century, and the seat of government for the [[Sinhalese people|Sinhalese]] kings moved to Yapahuwa. Although many factors contributed to that, south [[India]]'s ability to launch invasions upon the city had been the leading cause for the abandonment of Polonnaruwa as the capital city of Sri Lanka.
  
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== Kings and Queens of Polonnaruwa ==
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=== Kings and Queens of Polonnaruwa ===
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[[Image:Polonnaruwa district.svg|thumb|right|220px|Sri Lanka, Polonnaruwa district]]
 
 
* Vijayabahu I
 
* Vijayabahu I
 
* Jaya Bahu  
 
* Jaya Bahu  
 
* Vikrama Bahu
 
* Vikrama Bahu
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* Parakrama Bahu, The Great
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* Parākramabāhu Bahu, The Great
 
* Nissankamalla I
 
* Nissankamalla I
 
* Queen Lilavati
 
* Queen Lilavati
  
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==Polonnaruwa Archaeological Site==
 +
===Gal Vihare===
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[[Image:Gal Vihariya - 2.jpg|thumb|right|250px|[[Ananda]] Thera (center) standing by Lord Buddha (partly visible at right, reclining) at Gal Vihare]]
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The '''Gal Vihare''' refers to a rock temple of the [[Gautama Buddha|Buddha]] in [[Polonnaruwa]]. [[Parākramabāhu I]] constructed the temple in the twelfth century, his architects excavating the shrine and leaving an inscription describing their work.<ref name='jb-32-igbc'>R. Jones-Bateman, ''An Illustrated Guide to the Buried Cities of Ceylon'' (Kandy: Queen's Hotel, 1932, OCLC 363716).</ref> Four large statues of the Buddha, carved into the face of a granite boulder by Parākramabāhu's architects, constitute the central attraction of the shrine. Those include a recumbent statue of the Buddha measuring forty six feet and a standing statue twenty three feet in height.<ref name='tm-pol'>Sri Lanka Ministry of Tourism, [http://www.slmts.slt.lk/polonnaruwa.htm The Medieval Capital of Polonnaruwa.] Retrieved August 4, 2008.</ref>
  
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==Other Archeological ruins in the Polonnaruwa District==
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Historians have identified a standing figure on a lotus throne located in the shrine Parākramabāhu I as [[Ananda]], the Buddha's chief disciple, weeping over the recumbent figure of the Buddha who has just attained [[Nirvana]].<ref name='jb-32-igbc'/> Some historians, including Andreas Nell suggest that the expression of sorrow on the Buddha's had been created by the natural elements ware upon the stone.<ref name='jb-32-igbc'/>
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* [[Dimbulagala]]
 
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* [[Madirigiriya]]
 
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* [[Namal Pokuna]]
 
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* [[Silumina Saya]]
 
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* [[Maduru Oya]]
 
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* [[Thoppigala]]
 
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* [[Kalahagala]]
 
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* [[Alahara]]
 
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* [[Girithale]]
 
  
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==Present Situation==
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===Other Archeological ruins in the Polonnaruwa District===
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* [[Dimbulagala Raja Maha Vihara|Dimbulagala]]
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* Madirigiriya
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* Namal Pokuna
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* Silumina Saya
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* Maduru Oya
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* Thoppigala
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* Kalahagala
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* Alahara
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* Girithale
  
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Near to the ancient city, there is a small town with several hotels (especially for tourists) and some glossy shops, and places to fulfill day to day needs. There are government institutions in a newly built area called “new town,” about 6km away from the town and the main road. The largest school in the district, [[Polonnaruwa Royal Central College]] is situated at new town.
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==Tourism and local economy==
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A small town has built up around the archeological site of Polonnaruwa engaged in tourism. Government institutions stand in a newly built area called “New Town,” about six kilometers away from the town on the main road. The largest school in the district, [[Polonnaruwa Royal Central College]] operates in New Town.
  
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Polonnaruwa is the 2nd largest city in north central province. But it is known as one of the '''cleaner''' and more '''beautiful''' cities in the country. The greeny environment, amazing ancient constructions, '''Parackrama Samudraya''' (a huge lake built in 1200 A.C.), attractive tourist hotels and most importantly nice people with hospitality, always attracted local and foreign tourists. One recent scientific observation is that of its climate changes. Historically Polonnaruwa had a tropical climate most of the year, although it was occasionally chilly in December and January. But in recent years the rain and chillyness has been increased noticeably. Although this is surprising to some people, it is more enjoyable for tourists. But sometimes '''paddy field farmers''' suffers when there is too much rain.<ref>Richard Plunkett, Brigitte Ellemor, and Verity Campbell. 2003. ''Sri Lanka'' (Melbourne, Vic: Lonely Planet), p. 234f. </ref>
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Polonnaruwa is the second largest city in North Central Province, considered one of the cleaner and ascetically pleasing cities in the country. The green environment, amazing ancient constructions, '''Parackrama Samudraya''' (a huge lake built in 1200 C.E.), well-rated tourist hotels and friendly local people attract domestic and international visitors. Historically, Polonnaruwa has had a tropical climate most of the year although occasionally experiencing chilly weather in December and January. Recently an increase in rain fall and lower temperatures have been measured. Visitors to Polonnaruwa tend to appreciate the cooler weather although paddy field farmers suffer when their fields experience flooding.<ref>Richard Plunkett, Brigitte Ellemor, and Verity Campbell,  ''Sri Lanka'' (Melbourne, Vic: Lonely Planet, 2003), 234f. </ref>
  
 
==Gallery==
 
==Gallery==
 
<center>
 
<center>
 
<gallery>
 
<gallery>
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Image:Gal Vihariya - 2.jpg|The Upright statue of the Buddha. The Gal Vihariya in Polanaruwa had all three postures of the Buddha carved out of a single rock. A World Heritage site.
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<!--Image:Gal Vihariya - 2.jpg|The Upright statue of the Buddha.—>
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Image:Gal Vihariya - 3.jpg|The Recumbent statue of the Buddha. The Gal Vihariya in Polanaruwa carved out of a single rock.
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Image:Gal Vihariya - 3.jpg|The Recumbent statue of the Buddha. The Gal Vihariya in Polanaruwa had all three postures of the Buddha carved out of a single rock.
 
Image:Polanaruwa ruins.jpg|Polanaruwa ruins: What's left of an ancient library and reading room, at Sri Lanka's second capital city.
 
Image:Polanaruwa ruins.jpg|Polanaruwa ruins: What's left of an ancient library and reading room, at Sri Lanka's second capital city.
 
Image:Polonnaruwa-jardins1.jpg|Garden at Polonnaruwa
 
Image:Polonnaruwa-jardins1.jpg|Garden at Polonnaruwa
 
Image:Polonnaruwa-temple18.jpg|Temple at Polonnaruwa
 
Image:Polonnaruwa-temple18.jpg|Temple at Polonnaruwa
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Image:Polonnaruwa-temple20.jpg|Buddha statue at a templein Polonnaruwa
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Image:Polonnaruwa-temple20.jpg|Buddha statue at a temple in Polonnaruwa
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Image:Polonnaruwa-panta.jpg|Tank in Polonnaruwa constructed for the ancient city's water supply.
 
</gallery>
 
</gallery>
 
</center>
 
</center>
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==See also==
 
==See also==
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* [[Sigiriya]]
 
* [[Sigiriya]]
 
* [[Mahawamsa]]
 
* [[Mahawamsa]]
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* [[Gal Vihare]]
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* [[Dambulla cave temple]]
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* [[Tamil people]]
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* [[Sri Lanka]]
  
 
==Notes==
 
==Notes==
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==References==
 
==References==
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* Abeysinghe, Abeyratna Banda. 1998. Guide to Polonnaruwa. Panadura: Dimuthu Printers. ISBN 9789558096000.
+
* Abeysinghe, Abeyratna Banda. 1998. ''Guide to Polonnaruwa.'' Panadura: Dimuthu Printers. ISBN 9789558096000.
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* Balasooriya, Jayasinghe (2004). ''The Glory of Ancient Polonnaruva''. Sooriya Printers, Polonnaruva. ISBN 955-8158-01-1 (Archeological ruins)
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* Balasooriya, Jayasinghe. 2004. ''The Glory of Ancient Polonnaruva''. Sooriya Printers, Polonnaruva. ISBN 955-8158-01-1.
−
* Basnayake, H. T., and Uda Hettige. 2007. Polonnaruwa civilization. Colombo: Godage International Book Publishers. ISBN 9789552074752.
+
* Basnayake, H. T., and Uda Hettige. 2007. ''Polonnaruwa Civilization.'' Colombo: Godage International Book Publishers. ISBN 9789552074752.
−
* Fleet, John Faithful. 1882. The dynasties of the Kanarese districts of the Bombay presidency from the earliest historical times to the Muhammadan conquest of A.D. 1318. [Ames Library pamphlet collection, 97:6]. Bombay: Government Central Press. OCLC 30609559.
+
* Fleet, John Faithful. 1882. ''The Dynasties of the Kanarese Districts of the Bombay Presidency from the Earliest Historical Times to the Muhammadan Conquest of A.D. 1318.'' Bombay: Government Central Press. OCLC 30609559.
−
* Nubin, Walter. 2002. ''Sri Lanka: current issues and historical background''. New York: Nova Science Publishers. ISBN 9781590335734.
+
* Nubin, Walter. 2002. ''Sri Lanka: Current Issues and Historical Background''. New York: Nova Science Publishers. ISBN 9781590335734.
−
* Plunkett, Richard, Brigitte Ellemor, and Verity Campbell. 2003. Sri Lanka. Melbourne, Vic: Lonely Planet. ISBN 9781740594233.
+
* Paranavitana, Senarat and Cyril Wace Nicholas. 1961. ''A Concise History of Ceylon''. Ceylon University Press, Colombo. OCLC 465385.
−
* ''World and its peoples: Eastern and southern Asia''. 2007. New York: Marshall Cavendish. ISBN 9780761476351.
+
* Plunkett, Richard, Brigitte Ellemor, and Verity Campbell. 2003. ''Sri Lanka.'' Melbourne, Vic: Lonely Planet. ISBN 9781740594233.
 +
* ''World and its Peoples: Eastern and Southern Asia''. 2007. New York: Marshall Cavendish. ISBN 9780761476351.
  
 +
==External links==
 +
All links retrieved November 24, 2022.
 +
 +
* [http://whc.unesco.org/pg.cfm?cid=31&id_site=201 Ancient City of Polonnaruwa].
 +
* [http://www.lankalibrary.com/heritage/temples/galvihara.htm Galvihara - a unique display of rock art].
  
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==External links==
 
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{{commonscat|Polanaruwa}}
 
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* [http://www.liccavi-earth.com/Liccavi/Search.aspx?lat=7.94011&lon=81.00032&zoom=9 Detailed map of Polonnaruwa and Sri Lanka]. Retrieved August 4, 2008.
 
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* [http://discover.lankanest.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=72&Itemid=78.html/ Discover Sri Lanka - More information & images about Polonnaruwa]. Retrieved August 4, 2008.
 
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* [http://discover.lankanest.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=71&Itemid=78.html/ Discover Sri Lanka -  Historical background of Polonnaruwa]. Retrieved August 4, 2008.
 
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* [http://discover.lankanest.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=49&Itemid=78.html/ Discover Sri Lanka -  Old City of Polonnaruwa]. Retrieved August 4, 2008.
 
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* [http://www.slmts.slt.lk/polonnaruwa.htm The Medieval Capital of Polonnaruwa]. Retrieved August 4, 2008.
 
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* [http://thecolombo.com/data/polonnaruwa.htm Polonnaruwa]. Retrieved August 4, 2008.
 
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* [http://whc.unesco.org/pg.cfm?cid=31&id_site=201 Ancient City of Polonnaruwa]. Retrieved August 4, 2008.
 
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* [http://www.globalheritagefund.org/sites/apac/index.html Polonnaruwa Ancient City, Sri Lanka]. Retrieved August 4, 2008.
 
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* [http://www.polonnaruwa.org/index.htm Ancient City of Polonnaruwa - World Heritage]. Retrieved August 4, 2008.
 
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* [http://www.hindu.com/mag/2006/06/25/stories/2006062500460800.htm "Discovering Polonnaruwa" - an article in The Hindu]. Retrieved August 4, 2008.
 
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* [http://www.lankalibrary.com/heritage/temples/galvihara.htm Galvihara - a unique display of rock art]. Retrieved August 4, 2008.
 
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* [http://www.srilankatourism.org/ Official website of the Sri Lanka Tourism Board]. Retrieved August 4, 2008.
 
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* [http://www.geocities.com/place.names/index.html A list of traditional names of cities in Sri Lanka]. Retrieved August 4, 2008.
 
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* [http://www.tourslanka.com/Polonnaruwa.htm Places of interest in polonnaruwa]. Retrieved August 4, 2008.
 
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Latest revision as of 08:40, 24 November 2022

Ancient City of Polonnaruwa*
UNESCO World Heritage Site
Lord Buddha entering Parinibbana at the Gal Vihara in Polonnaruwa. The Gal Viharaya in Polonnaruwa has four large images of the Buddha carved out of a single rock.
State Party Flag of Sri Lanka Sri Lanka
Type Cultural
Criteria i, iii, vi
Reference 201
Region** Asia-Pacific
Inscription history
Inscription 1982  (6th Session)
* Name as inscribed on World Heritage List.
** Region as classified by UNESCO.

The Ancient City of Polonnaruwa, designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1982, provides an enlightening view of life in Sri Lanka's capital city from 1070 C.E. to 1310 C.E. The seat of power for the Polonnaruwa Kingdom, the king Parākramabāhu I designed and built the city utilizing techniques of irrigation and reservoirs. Parākramabāhu I understood the importance of water to sustaining his kingdom, and made effective irrigation a priority. The kingdom needed the ability to withstand invasions from a succession of southern India dynasties. Powerful Indian navies and armies supported campaigns outside the India subcontinent. The kings of the Anuradhapura Kingdom moved their capital inland to Polonnaruwa in the hopes of averting being taken over by invading Chola armies. The Chola Dynasty was a Tamil dynasty that ruled primarily in southern India until the thirteenth century.

A great deal of the credit for establishing the Polonnaruwa kingdom, and the capital city of Polonnaruwa, as a powerful dynasty goes to Parākramabāhu I. Resisting the powerful Chola dynasty required planning and organizing. For nearly 300 years, the strategy of an inland capital at Polonnaruwa worked until around 1300 C.E. when invasions from Southern India could no longer be resisted. The Sinhalese kings moved the capital to Yapahuwa and Polonnaruwa, like so many capitals in ancient India and Sri Lanka, was abandoned.

Buddhism played an important role in the culture of Polonnaruwa. Gal Vihare, a rock temple to Buddha in Polonnaruwa, was constructed by Parākramabāhu I during the 1100s. His craftsmen carved four huge Buddha statues into a granite wall. One Buddha figure posed in reclining position measures 46 feet (14 m) long and a standing Buddha statue measures 23 feet (7.0 m) tall. Another statue in the shrine Parākramabāhu depicts Buddha's chief disciple, Ananda. One of the Buddha statues is said to display an expression of sorrow, an expression uncharacteristic for Buddha depictions.

History

Founding

Polonnaruwa, the second of Sri Lanka's kingdoms, became the capital city in 1070 C.E. under the rule of King Vijayabahu I. He defeated the invading Chola armies, reuniting the country. During Chola's short reign, Polonnaruwa had been called Jananathamangalam.[1] While historians consider Vijayabahu's victory, and the shifting of Kingdoms to the more strategic Polonnaruwa, significant, his grandson, Parākramabāhu I receives much credit for building Polonnaruwa.

Parākramabāhu I

Parākramabāhu I's reign marked the Golden Age of Polonnaruwa, when trade and agriculture flourished under his patronage. The king directed that rain water would be used to irrigate crops, directing the creation of irrigation systems superior to those of the Anuradhapura Age. Those irrigation systems still supply the water for paddy cultivation during the dry season in the eastern part of the country. The largest of those systems, the Parakrama Samudraya or the Sea of Parakrama, constitutes a tank that people often mistaken for a sea. The tank has a width such that a person standing on one shore can not view the other side. It encircles the main city, serving as both a defensive border against intruders and the main source of water during peace time. The Kingdom of Polonnaruwa enjoyed complete water self-sufficiency during King Parākramabāhu's reign.[2]

With the exception of his immediate successor, Nissankamalla I, the other monarchs of Polonnaruwa had been less effective leaders, suffering from dissension within their courts. They formed matrimonial alliances with the stronger South Indian Kingdoms, those matrimonial links superseded the local royal lineage. That gave rise to King Kalinga Magha's invasion in 1214. That invasion set the stage for a Pandyan King to take the throne following the Arya Chakrawarthi invasion of Sri Lanka in 1284, the capital shifting to Dambadeniya.[3]

Polonnaruwa Kingdom

The Polonnaruwa Kingdom existed from eighth century until 1310 C.E. After ruling the kingdom for over 1200 years as the Anuradhapura Kingdom, Sri Lankan kings decide to move their capital to Polonnaruwa, hoping that the distance further inland from Anuradhapura would allow more time to organize defenses in times of foreign invasion. Polonnaruwa had previously been an important settlement in the country as it commanded the crossings of the Mahaweli Ganga towards Anuradhapura.

Mahaweli Ganga by Gampola

Most of the remains of Polonnaruwa date from after the 1150s, as the extensive civil wars that preceded Parākramabāhu I's accession to the throne devastated the city. The Polonnaruwa Kingdom had been abandoned in the fourteenth century, and the seat of government for the Sinhalese kings moved to Yapahuwa. Although many factors contributed to that, south India's ability to launch invasions upon the city had been the leading cause for the abandonment of Polonnaruwa as the capital city of Sri Lanka.

Kings and Queens of Polonnaruwa

  • Vijayabahu I
  • Jaya Bahu
  • Vikrama Bahu
  • Parākramabāhu Bahu, The Great
  • Nissankamalla I
  • Queen Lilavati

Polonnaruwa Archaeological Site

Gal Vihare

Ananda Thera (center) standing by Lord Buddha (partly visible at right, reclining) at Gal Vihare

The Gal Vihare refers to a rock temple of the Buddha in Polonnaruwa. Parākramabāhu I constructed the temple in the twelfth century, his architects excavating the shrine and leaving an inscription describing their work.[4] Four large statues of the Buddha, carved into the face of a granite boulder by Parākramabāhu's architects, constitute the central attraction of the shrine. Those include a recumbent statue of the Buddha measuring forty six feet and a standing statue twenty three feet in height.[5]

Historians have identified a standing figure on a lotus throne located in the shrine Parākramabāhu I as Ananda, the Buddha's chief disciple, weeping over the recumbent figure of the Buddha who has just attained Nirvana.[4] Some historians, including Andreas Nell suggest that the expression of sorrow on the Buddha's had been created by the natural elements ware upon the stone.[4]

Other Archeological ruins in the Polonnaruwa District

  • Dimbulagala
  • Madirigiriya
  • Namal Pokuna
  • Silumina Saya
  • Maduru Oya
  • Thoppigala
  • Kalahagala
  • Alahara
  • Girithale

Tourism and local economy

A small town has built up around the archeological site of Polonnaruwa engaged in tourism. Government institutions stand in a newly built area called “New Town,” about six kilometers away from the town on the main road. The largest school in the district, Polonnaruwa Royal Central College operates in New Town.

Polonnaruwa is the second largest city in North Central Province, considered one of the cleaner and ascetically pleasing cities in the country. The green environment, amazing ancient constructions, Parackrama Samudraya (a huge lake built in 1200 C.E.), well-rated tourist hotels and friendly local people attract domestic and international visitors. Historically, Polonnaruwa has had a tropical climate most of the year although occasionally experiencing chilly weather in December and January. Recently an increase in rain fall and lower temperatures have been measured. Visitors to Polonnaruwa tend to appreciate the cooler weather although paddy field farmers suffer when their fields experience flooding.[6]

Gallery

  • The Recumbent statue of the Buddha. The Gal Vihariya in Polanaruwa had all three postures of the Buddha carved out of a single rock.

  • Polanaruwa ruins: What's left of an ancient library and reading room, at Sri Lanka's second capital city.

  • Garden at Polonnaruwa

  • Temple at Polonnaruwa

  • Buddha statue at a temple in Polonnaruwa

  • Tank in Polonnaruwa constructed for the ancient city's water supply.

See also

Notes

  1. ↑ World and its Peoples: Eastern and Southern Asia (New York: Marshall Cavendish, 2001), p. 351
  2. ↑ Walter Nubin, Sri Lanka: Current Issues and Historical Background (New York: Nova Science Publishers, 2002), 103.
  3. ↑ John Faithful Fleet, The Dynasties of the Kanarese Districts of the Bombay Presidency from the Earliest Historical Times to the Muhammadan Conquest of A.D. 1318(Bombay: Government Central Press, 2002) 59.
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 R. Jones-Bateman, An Illustrated Guide to the Buried Cities of Ceylon (Kandy: Queen's Hotel, 1932, OCLC 363716).
  5. ↑ Sri Lanka Ministry of Tourism, The Medieval Capital of Polonnaruwa. Retrieved August 4, 2008.
  6. ↑ Richard Plunkett, Brigitte Ellemor, and Verity Campbell, Sri Lanka (Melbourne, Vic: Lonely Planet, 2003), 234f.

References
ISBN links support NWE through referral fees

  • Abeysinghe, Abeyratna Banda. 1998. Guide to Polonnaruwa. Panadura: Dimuthu Printers. ISBN 9789558096000.
  • Balasooriya, Jayasinghe. 2004. The Glory of Ancient Polonnaruva. Sooriya Printers, Polonnaruva. ISBN 955-8158-01-1.
  • Basnayake, H. T., and Uda Hettige. 2007. Polonnaruwa Civilization. Colombo: Godage International Book Publishers. ISBN 9789552074752.
  • Fleet, John Faithful. 1882. The Dynasties of the Kanarese Districts of the Bombay Presidency from the Earliest Historical Times to the Muhammadan Conquest of A.D. 1318. Bombay: Government Central Press. OCLC 30609559.
  • Nubin, Walter. 2002. Sri Lanka: Current Issues and Historical Background. New York: Nova Science Publishers. ISBN 9781590335734.
  • Paranavitana, Senarat and Cyril Wace Nicholas. 1961. A Concise History of Ceylon. Ceylon University Press, Colombo. OCLC 465385.
  • Plunkett, Richard, Brigitte Ellemor, and Verity Campbell. 2003. Sri Lanka. Melbourne, Vic: Lonely Planet. ISBN 9781740594233.
  • World and its Peoples: Eastern and Southern Asia. 2007. New York: Marshall Cavendish. ISBN 9780761476351.

External links

All links retrieved November 24, 2022.



Sri Lankan cities
CapitalsFlag of Sri Lanka
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Anuradhapura · Trincomalee · Jaffna · Kandy · Polonnaruwa · Galle · Batticaloa · Boralesgamuwa · Nuwara Eliya · Negombo · Kurunegala · Badulla · Dehiwala-Mount Lavinia · Moratuwa · Matara · Maharagama · Ratnapura
World Heritage Sites in Sri Lanka

Anuradhapura · Galle and its Fortifications · Golden Temple of Dambulla · Kandy · Polonnaruwa · Sigiriya · Sinharaja Forest Reserve

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