Archaeologists translate stone inscriptions from 1st century BC-by Leenah Wahab Source:Dailymirror An ancient lithic inscription found at the Dimbulagala Namal Pokuna is shedding new light on Sri Lanka’s socio-political and religious history during the pre-Christian era in the kingdom of Anuradhapura. This monumental discovery was discussed at an event titled ‘Sri Lanka’s History Renewed by Dimbulagala Inscription’ organised by the Press Council of Sri Lanka and was attended by Director General of the Department of Archaeology, Professor Thusitha Mendis, Professor Karunasena Hettiarachchi, Professor Ratnasiri Arangala and Dr. Arjuna Thantilage. The researchers recited anecdotes of how the group of archaeologists had to travel far onto a mountain, reading the inscriptions using a torch at night and drinking water they found in the forest for more than 1.5 months. The inscription, written in Early Brahmi script, consists of 23 identifiable characters, along with two non-Brahmi symbols, and is believed to ...
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King Kavanthissa: The Strategist Behind the Unification of Sri Lanka – By Nadeeka – eLanka King Kavanthissa was a significant figure in the history of Sri Lanka, reigning during a time of great political turmoil and laying the foundation for the rise of his son, Dutugemunu, who would become one of the most celebrated kings of Sri Lanka. Born into a period of division and strife, Kavanthissa’s reign was marked by his strategic acumen, diplomatic skill, and unwavering commitment to the unification of his kingdom. His legacy, though often overshadowed by the accomplishments of his son, is an essential part of Sri Lanka’s rich historical tapestry. Early Life: Kavanthissa was born into the royal family of the Kingdom of Ruhuna, a region in the southern part of Sri Lanka. From a young age, he was groomed for leadership, receiving training in military strategy, governance, and the cultural traditions of his ...
Sirisangabo: A Legacy of Devotion and Sacrifice – By Bhanuka – eLanka Sirisangabo, also known as Siri Megha Vanna, was born into a noble family in the Anuradhapura Kingdom around the early 3rd century CE. The Anuradhapura Kingdom, founded in the 4th century BCE, was one of the most significant and long-lasting civilizations in ancient Sri Lanka. It was a period marked by profound cultural and religious development, with Theravada Buddhism playing a central role in shaping the kingdom’s identity. Sirisangabo was known for his piety and deep spiritual inclinations from a young age. His upbringing in a Buddhist environment fostered his devotion to the teachings of the Buddha, and he often sought the company of monks and ascetics. This spiritual foundation would later influence his decisions and actions as a ruler. Ascension to the Throne Sirisangabo ascended to the throne in 252 CE, following the reign of his predecessor, ...
Kibulagala Rock – birthplace of Nandimithra – By Arundathie Abeysinghe Located on a rocky hill, the rock plateau, Kibulagala Rock is considered a momentous site due to inscriptions located on the summit of the plateau. Considered as the birthplace of the giant Nandimithra who was in *King Dutugemunu’s *Dasa Maha Yoda Sena (“Sena” meaning an army of soldiers), the breathtaking hamlet is located towards the end in the northern section of *Anuradhapura Kingdom. Due to the shape of the rock resembling the shape of a crocodile (kimbula in Sinhala), the rock is known as “Kibulagala” (meaning the rock in the shape of a crocodile). Kimbulagala Rock is historically and archaeologically significant due to cave inscriptions and dripstones. There are 13 cave inscriptions written in *Brahmi script from the 3rd century BC to the 1st century AD, including 23 caves with dripstones at the location. The two significant historical sites Erupothana ...
Jetavanaramaya: the third tallest ancient structure in the world! – By Silkroute Source : Silkroute linkedin Jetavanaramaya is a famous Buddhist temple located in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka. It is one of the largest stupas (domed structures) in the world and holds great historical and religious significance. Here are some key details about Jetavanaramaya: Location: Jetavanaramaya is situated in the ancient city of Anuradhapura, which is located in the North Central Province of Sri Lanka. Construction: The stupa was built during the reign of King Mahasena (273-301 AD) of the Anuradhapura Kingdom. It took nearly 15 years to complete and stands as a testament to ancient Sri Lankan engineering and architectural prowess. Dimensions: Jetavanaramaya stands approximately 122 meters (400 feet) in height, making it the tallest stupa in the world and the third tallest ancient structure in the world. The base of the stupa covers an area of about 2.3 hectares (5.7 acres). Architectural Features: The stupa ...
The economy During Sigiriya was the Capital of Ceylon. – By Dr Tilak S. Fernando Although I managed (the author of the book) to systematically detail different epochs of economic development in ancient Ceylon, it is impossible to forecast, in detail, during the Sigiriya reign. It is because it is impossible to categorise Sigiriya’s economy into various sections. The King murdered his father and all his subjects, and the Buddhist clergy despised the King, thereby the King had become a political problem. According to the chronicles, King Kasyapa collected wealth. He kept it in protected custody, but later, out of that fortune, he constructed a beautiful chamber out of gold and lived there as emperor Wesamuni. His wealth was considered by all the kings from the Anuradhapura era. According to folk stories, once he (Kasyapa 1) ordered the killing of all cooks and horse keepers to be killed as ...
“Kok Doowa Island” – paradise for avifauna aficianados – By Arundathie Abeysinghe A small rocky island located in the enormous *Parakrama Samudraya Reservoir in Polonnaruwa constructed by *King Parakramabahu (1153-1186) is a paradise for birdwatchers. During the nesting season of birds (from February to May) that coincides with the start of the monsoon, this tiny island turns home to thousands of nests, a birdwatchers’ paradise, a mesmerizing site… “Kok Doowa” meaning the ‘island of storks’ due to large numbers of birds, especially, storks (Ciconiidae) nesting on the rock, the island is visited not only by birds, but by elephants, especially those crossing Parakrama Samudraya. During the dry season, when the water levels of the reservoir decreases, visitors can walk across the water towards the island. Yet, when water levels are high, services of a fisherman’s boat to reach the island is necessary. The island has two summits, approximately 200 meters ...
An a island country located in the Indian Ocean ” Sri lanka” – By Malsha – eLanka Sri Lanka, officially the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, is an island country located in the Indian Ocean, off the southern coast of India. The country has a rich cultural heritage and a history that spans over 3,000 years. The capital and largest city of Sri Lanka is Colombo, which is located on the west coast of the island. The country has a population of approximately 21 million people, with Sinhalese being the largest ethnic group, followed by Tamil and Muslim communities. Sri Lanka is known for its beautiful beaches, lush tropical forests, and ancient Buddhist temples. It has eight UNESCO World Heritage sites, including the ancient city of Anuradhapura and the Sigiriya rock fortress. The economy of Sri Lanka is primarily based on agriculture, with tea, rubber, and coconut being some ...
Royal Palace Polonnaruwa – architectural marvel of yesteryear – By Arundathie Abeysinghe Source : wikipedia Considered as the ruins of the Royal Palace Polonnaruwa, this majestic palace constructed under the guidance of King Parakramabahu I (1153-1186) during his reign is an architectural marvel of yesteryear. This has been a seven-story palace comprising 1000 chambers. Located in *Polonnaruwa, the Palace was known as “Vijayotpaya” or “Vijayanta Prasada” (meaning the Palace of *God Sakra). As there had been seven stories, the building has also been called “Sathbumupaya” (in Sinhala). The remaining huge walls are over one meter thick and rise to approximately nine meters (30 feet). A section of the stairs and the foundation walls are indications of the size of the building. According to archaeological records, the Royal Palace would have been one of the tallest occupied buildings in the world during that time and its foundation is still impressive, approximately 1,000 ...
“Yathuru Pokuna” – amazing craftsmanship of Anuradhapura era – By Arundathie Abeysinghe Located in close proximity to *Jethawanaramaya Monastery in Anuradhapura, Yathuru Pokuna (meaning “Key Pond” in English) is a marvelous craftsmanship of our forefathers. There are three ponds known as “Yathuru Pokuna”, two in Jethawanaramaya Monastery Complex and one in *Maha Vihara Complex in close proximity to *Ruwanweliseya and the unique *Buddhist Railing. The design of “Yathuru Pokuna” (Key Pond) resembles a key. According to scholars, the Ponds have been utilized to obtain water for the rituals of the Bodhigara (Bo tree shrine) of Jethawanaramaya Monastery. According to *Mahawamsa, these ponds (also known as wells) would have been constructed during the era of King Agghabodhi II of *Anuradhapura Kingdom in the 7th century (608 to 618). These ponds are circular in shape and are not much deep. The walls of the ponds are constructed with bricks and steps ...
