| Polonnaruwa | |
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| Royal Palace | |
| Nickname(s): පුලතිසිපුර | |
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Polonnaruwa
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| Coordinates: | |
| Country | Sri Lanka |
| Province | North Central Province, Sri Lanka |
| Polonnaruwa | Before 1070 AD |
| Government | |
| • Mayor | |
| Area | |
| • Total | 3,293 km2 (1,271.4 sq mi) |
| • Land | 3,077 km2 (1,188 sq mi) |
| • Water | 216 km2 (83.4 sq mi) 6.59%% |
| Population (2001) | |
| • Total | 359,000 |
| • Density | 117/km2 (303/sq mi) |
| Time zone | Sri Lanka Standard Time Zone (UTC+5:30) |
| Ancient City of Polonnaruwa * | |
|---|---|
| Country | 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 |
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Polonnaruwa (Sinhalese - පොළොන්නරුව, Tamil - பொலநறுவை, previously "ஜனநாதமண்டலம்") was an ancient kingdom in Sri Lanka.
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 AD to reunite the country once more under a local leader.
The Ancient City of Polonnaruwa has been declared a World Heritage Site.
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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. 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 so 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 that are 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 an 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 moat 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 intimate 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 Kalinga 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.
The city Polonnaruwa was also called as Jananathamangalam during the short Chola reign.
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.
Near 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 6 km away from the town and the main road. The largest school in the district, Polonnaruwa 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 green environment, amazing ancient constructions, Parakrama Samudraya (a huge lake built in 1200), 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 chilliness has been increased noticeably. Although this is surprising to some people, it is more enjoyable for tourists. However, there is a setback: sometimes paddy field farmers suffer whenever there is too much rain..
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