Ancient City of Polonnaruwa was the second capital of Sri Lanka after the destruction of Anuradhapura in 993. It comprises, besides the Brahmanic monuments built by the Cholas, the monumental ruins of the fabulous garden-city created by Parakramabahu I in the 12th century.Ancient city covered 3,293 square kilometers.This amazing town is a World Heritage Site.
After losing Anuradhapura kingdom Sri Lankan kings transferred to this new kingdom. King Vijayabahu I, was the first king of this ancient kingdom. In fact he rescued it from Indian invasion. It was the year 1070 as records say. However, the named “Hero of Polonnaruwa” is King Parakramabahu I. Most of the ruins presently remaining, belongs to his era.
In particular, King Parakramabahu I, made Parakrama Samudra tank and said, “Do not let even one drop of water to go to sea without using”. The largest tank he builds is Parakrama Samudraya tank. Furthermore, he made a total irrigation system to water the area.
Meanwhile the Indian invasion arose again in 1214 and Sri Lankan kings lost the the Kingdom. Then they were flew to Dambadeniya and built a kingdom there.Main structure we can see in the inner city of ancient Polonnaruwa is the King’s Palace (Vaijayanth Prasada). This was 7 steps eventually but remains only 3 steps at the present. At that time there was 16 rooms inside the palace.
In addition to kings palace there are lot of ruins still remaining in the ancient city. Moreover, we can identify two main cultures, Buddhist and Hindu.Gal Vihara is a Buddhist temple and Watadageya that is a structure build to cover a stupa. According to the Archeologist Professor H.C.P. Bell, this is the most valueable Watadageya in Sri Lanka.
