POLONNARUWA

Polonnaruwa Sri Lanka‘s medieval capital was established as the city of the land in 11^th century A.D.
Polonnaruwa replaced Anuradhapura as the capital city of Sri Lanka, Because of the invasion of south India.
It was the capital of Sri Lanka from 11 AD to 13 AD.
The important kings of, Polannaruwa period are, King Wijayabahu the first, King Maha Parakramabahu the first and King Nissankamalla.
When the South Indian Kings ruling the country, the Prince called Keerthi of the Sri lanka formed an army and came to attack. The South Indian King who occupied Anuradhapura. He defeated the South Indian King and become the King of Sri Lanka as Wijebahu the First.
He did not have time to develop the country but he united the country.  Later the King had chance to the develop the country Wijebahu built his palace In Anuradhapura and he shifted the capital to Polonnaruwa.
During Polonnaruwa period lot of developments took place. in irrigation paddy cultivation and agricultural Products.

Because of this foreign trade was done between South Asia, Arab and China. The most important King during this period was King Maha Parakramabahu the first he ruled tire country from 1153 AD to 1186 AD. During his period he built 165 dams 3000 canals, 163 major and 2376 minor tanks. Of all these the biggest tank was Parakrama Samadra.He was very interested in irrigation work and architecture.  He united Sri Lanka in 1153 AD.  He died in 1186 AD.  After his death the Sinhalese kingdom began to break n due to civil war and foreign attacks.
At the end of 13 century the glory of Sri Lanka faded. For 70 years Sri Lanka was ruled by Cholas from South India.

During the period of three Kings Buddhism was unified and helped the Sanga to perform Katikawatha at Gal Vihara. The three Kings built monuments such as Ata dage Wata dage, Hata Dage. Thuparama, Nissankalatha mandapaya, Lankathilaka, Manik Vihara, Kiri Vehera, Gal Vihara, - Rankoth Vihara, Thivanka Pilimage, Pabalu Vehera, Siva Devala, Sath Mahal prasadaya and Demala Maha Seya

Statue of Parakramabahu the 1st

The most important king during the Polonnaruwa period who ruled from 1153- 1186 A.D. During his period lots of development took place in irrigation, architecture, paddy cultivation, and agricultural products. Relationships with foreign countries were tightened and trading was done between South Asia, Arab and China.
He built or restored 165 dams, 3000 canals, 163 major and 2376 minor tanks.
His golden saying “let not even one drop of water goes to the sea without serving the agriculture and mankind” still remembered by Sri Lankans.
According to historians The yoke in the hand is to say that he had a great consideration on agriculture. some says he holds a cord which is a symbol of royalty.

Gal Viharaya

Images of Gal Viharaya are the most impressive sculptures found at Polonnaruwa built in 12th century A.D. by King Parakramabahu the 1st.The great Buddha images of different postures are carved in one granite rock.
The first is a samadhi image in meditation posture while the second is inside a cave and the third standing buddha image with crossed arms and the fourth is a recumbent buddha image depicting the passing away.
The third standing buddha image is highly appreciated as it indicates Buddha’s great mercy and sorrows also see the ability of the artist who made the black patch going over the nose and avoided going over the eyes.

Palace of King Parakramabahu the 1st

King Parakramabahu was one of the greatest developers in Sri Lanka, who rained from Polonnaruwa making it his royal capital during (1153-1196 AD)
The place of Parakramabahu is found to be in the place called the inner city (citadel). The extent of the inner city is about 25 acres, enclosed by a high wall. The place was named " Vijayantha Pasada", after the palace of God Indra. The chronicle describes it as a seven storied building with thousand (1000) chambers

Gal Potha (Stone Book)

Stone book of King Nissankamalla (1187-1196 A.D.)
The largest slab inscription of SriLanka.20 tons in weight, 3 pages, 27 lines, 8m in lenth and 3m in width.belived to have brought from Mihintale using elephants and logs.
It describes the places king visited, connection had with foreign countries, about wars and rules & regulations to be abyed by even after his death.

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