Nissanka Latha Manadapaya – a unique structure of yesteryear – By Arundathie Abeysinghe Constructed during the reign of King Nissanka Malla (1187-1196) and named after him as Nissanka Latha Manadapaya *(Mandapaya meaning pavilion), this extraordinary unique structure is located near the western entrance of the *Dalada Maluwa quadrangle of Polonnaruwa District in North Central Province, Sri Lanka. *Polonnaruwa region comprises the oldest and most sacred Buddhist and historical monuments. Hence, the monument is considered as significant as it showcases how Buddhism influenced society during the *Polonnaruwa Kingdom. Some archaeologists are of the view that the Complex is also known as the ‘King’s Court.’ The structure is an elevated stone platform with several stone columns carved exquisitely and this type of columns are not found anywhere else in the country. These stone columns are not straight unlike most stone columns in many historic sites in Sri Lanka. These columns are curved ...
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Gal Potha (Stone Book) – inscription of yore By Arundathie Abeysinghe Gal Potha (Stone Book), a renowned inscription describing tasks of King Nissanka Malla (1187-1196) of *Polonnaruwa Kingdom, considered as an inscription of self-appraisal (of King Nissanka Malla) is a massive slab 8.2 meters long (26 feet 10 inches) and 1.4 meters broad (4 feet 7 inches). Gal Potha is placed between the eastern outer wall of *Hetadage and *Sathmahal Prasada. The text in the Inscription is written in three columns and contains over 4300 characters in 72 rows. The letters of the inscription have been gilded with molten iron. The stone slab is an inscription about King Nissanka Malla, his rule, his heroic and altruistic deeds including his contribution to develop Polonnaruwa Kingdom as well as his eligibility for assuming the position of a king. Scholars are of the view that Gal Pota had been done during the ...
THE CAMBODIAN CONNECTION – By Bernard VanCuylenburg From its inception by King Yashovarman in 889 AD, to its decline in the 14th century, Angkor in Cambodia was the capital of the powerful Khmer empire. The world famous temple complex of Angkor Wat built and extended by various Khmer kings between the 7th and eleventh centuries when this civilisation was at the height of its extraordinary creativity, is today a world heritage site. A few years ago during my travels in Cambodia I spent a few days at Angkor marvelling at these magnificient monuments of ancient glory in stone. Apart from wishing to drink deep of her archaeological splendour, my main reason for visiting Angkor was to travel about 900 years back in time and see this kingdom which had close cultural ties with ancient Sri Lanka specially during the Polonnaruwa period. When King Parakramabahu the 1st ascended the throne in ...
