Polonnaruwa

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**Ancient City of Polonnaruwa**^a
**UNESCO World Heritage Site**

State Party	Sri Lanka
Type	Cultural
Criteria	i, iii, vi
Identification	#201
Region^b	Asia-Pacific
Inscription History
Formal Inscription:	1982 6th Session
a Name as officially inscribed on the WH List b As classified officially by UNESCO

The second most ancient of Sri Lanka's kingdoms, Polonnaruwa was first declared the capital city by King Vijayabahu I, who defeated the Chola invaders in 1070 CE 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 I. The city Polonnaruwa was also called as Jananathamangalam during the short Chola reign.

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.

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went on to form more intimiate matrimonial alliances with stronger South Indian Kingdoms, until these matrimonial links superseded the local royal lineage and gave rise to the Kalinga invasion by King Magha in 1214 and the eventual passing of power into the hands of a Pandyan King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.

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.

The ancient city of Polonnaruwa has been declared a World Heritage site by UNESCO.

1 Kings and Queens of Polonnaruwa
2 Archeological ruins
3 Present Situation
4 See also
5 External links

[edit] Kings and Queens of Polonnaruwa

Vijayabahu I
Jaya Bahu
Vikrama Bahu
Parakrama Bahu, The Great
Nissankamalla I
Queen Lilavati

[edit] Archeological ruins

The Royal Palace at Polonnaruwa (Vejayanta Pasada)
The Council Chamber / Audience Hall
The Vatadage (Round House)
Moonstones
Thuparamaya (Image House)
Latha Mandapaya (Lotus Sanctuary)
Atadage (House of Eight Relics)
Gal Potha (Stone Book)
Gal Viharaya
Nelum Pokuna (Lotus Bath)
Satmahal Prasada (A square pyramidal tower in seven tiers)
Hatadage (The Shrine of Sixty Relics)
Lankathilake
Ran Kot Vehera (The Golden Pinnacle Dagaba)
Pabulu Vehera (Coral Shrine)
Kiri Vehera (Milk-white shrine)
Demala Maha Seya
Potgul Vihara (The Monastery)
Tivanka Image House
Alahana Pirivena (Alahana University)
Siva Devale (Siva Shrine)
Kumara Pokuna (Royal Bath)

Vatadage	Audience Hall	Satmahal Prasada	Rankoth Vehera
Ananda Thera standing by Lord Buddha, Gal Viharaya	The Hatadage (meaning House built in 60 days - by Nissanka Malla to house the Dantha Dathuwa)	King Parakramabahu Statue,But some archiologists’ thinking is that this is not King Parakramabahu but a scholar. On the top of the statue there is a carving to support his. There are other features in the statue that does not suggest it's a king.	The ruins of king Parakramabahu's royal palace in Polonnaruwa.

[edit] Present Situation

Near to the ancient city, there is a small town with several hotels (especially for tourists) and some glossary shops, and palaces 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, Royal Central College is situated at new town.

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 foriegn tourists. One recent scientific observation is that its climate changes. Historically Polonnaruwa had a tropical climate most of the year, although it was occationally chilly in December and January. But in recent years the rain and chillyness has been increased noticably. 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.

[edit] See also

[edit] External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to:

Polanaruwa

Main Cities Of Sri Lanka
Colombo \| Sri Jayewardenapura \| Anuradhapura \| Trincomalee \| Jaffna \| Kandy \| Polonnaruwa \| Galle \| Batticaloa \| Nuwara Eliya \| Negombo \| Kurunegala \| Badulla \| Dehiwala-Mount Lavinia \| Moratuwa