Ancient City of Polonnaruwa
Poḷonnaruwa · 2nd Sinhalese Capital
Polonnaruwa Period 1070–1232 CE (Chola 993–1070 preceding)·Sinhalese / Chola Tamil Buddhist and Hindu·🇱🇰 North Central Province, Polonnaruwa District, Sri Lanka
About
About Ancient City of Polonnaruwa
Second Sinhalese capital (1070–1232 CE) after Anuradhapura's sack, 12th c metropolis of Parakramabahu I with 3,400-ha Parakrama Samudra reservoir, Atadage Dalada Maligawa tooth relic temple, and Gal Vihara four colossal Buddhas (14 m reclining) carved from single granite cliff, integrating Tamil Chola and Sinhala architecture.
Why it mattersSecond Sinhalese capital (1070–1232 CE) after Anuradhapura's sack, 12th c metropolis of Parakramabahu I with 3,400-ha Pa
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Parakrama Samudra sedimentation rate after 800 years still?
- 02Gal Vihara Buddha chronology – single workshop or centuries?
Theories
- 01Sea of Parakrama as paradigm Sri Lankan tank irrigation continuity
- 02Dalada Maligawa as precedent for later Kandy tooth shrine
Theories are interpretations, not findings. The seal above tells you how much scholarly weight the place carries.
History
How it came to be
- Built
- 1070 Vijayabahu I capital; 1153–1186 Parakramabahu peak
- Period
- Polonnaruwa Period 1070–1232 CE (Chola 993–1070 preceding)
- Culture
- Sinhalese / Chola Tamil Buddhist and Hindu
- Purpose
- Reservoir-irrigated capital demonstrating hydraulic kingship
- Excavation
- Partially excavated
1070 Vijayabahu I capital; 1153–1186 Parakramabahu peak
Initial construction
c. 1403 CE
Rediscovery
On the ground
Structures & features
7.9400° N · 81.0010° E · 54 m · 3 mapped features
Gal Vihara rock Buddhas
rock cut templeFour 14 m Buddhas carved from single granite outcrop
7.9650° N · 80.9970° EParakrama Samudra tank (1220 ha)
reservoirCeylon's largest 12th c reservoir still irrigating
7.9200° N · 80.9800° EAtadage Tooth Relic House
templeFirst tooth temple with granite pillars
7.9440° N · 81.0030° E
Gallery