History II -

Polonnaruwa Period (1017-1235 AD)

Polonnaruwa new center of administration located about 101 km from Anuradhapura no Sinhalese style monuments under Cholas Polonnaruwa did not have large population but center of monumental architecture destruction of palaces and shrines at Anuradhapura

remain in power more than six decades

Cholas conquered Ceylon end of 10th century

military garrison stationed here during Anuradhapura period Topa Veva tank built by king Upatissa ll (AD 522) weak kings came to power o name means city of Pulasti who was a famous sage

Mahawamsa records Anuradhapura period and Chulavamsa records Polonnaruwa

period

became place of importance by 6th century AD under name of Pulatthinagara o This will later be incorporated into Parakrama Samudra

Aggabodhi lV (AD 667-685) first Sri Lankan King to live in Polonnaruwa Mahinda V forced to flee from unpaid Malaysian troops authority of king had collapsed Royal province of Rajarata in north given over to mercenaries and central Ruhuna never pacified and continued to be trouble for Chola

Cholas captured Mahinda V in Ruhuna 24 years later

Mr.W. Karu Peiris Former Programme Officer National Heritage Commission

History:

and was exile to South India and he died there later. A Viceroy was appointed to Sri Lanka by the Chola Emperor and ruled the country from South India. The capital was shifted from Anuradhapura to Polonnaruwa and named it as Jananathapuram or Jananathamandalam. Sri Lanka was named as Mummudi Chola Mandalam. They plundered Anuradhapura city and damaged the Buddhist monuments also. South Indians ruled this country for about 62 years. Only the exploitation took place, but any developments happened during this period. International trade became government monopoly and taxes collected by contractors. These tax collectors abused system and taxes sometimes reached up to 50%. Buddhist institutions no longer benefitted from national taxes. Areas like Anuradhapura with its many monastic institutions fell into disarray. The Sinhala Kings who came to power after defeating of the Chola also continued to have Polonnaruwa as the capital. Polonnaruwa had a strategic value in security. Route to the South of the island could be controlled from there. It was farther away from the Western coast where invaders from South India landed. With the early constructions of large tanks in this area such as

Anuradhapura last king Mahinda V was defeated by South Indian Emperor Rajaraja in 993 AD

Polonnaruwa Period

Minneriya, Kaudulla, Topa Wewa, Giritale tank, Kantale tank etc., the center of agriculture shifted eastward from Anuradhapura.

A young prince by the name of Kirthi who came from Down South liberated Rajarata from the Cholas and became King as Vijayabahu I (1055-1110 AD).

Mr.W. Karu Peiris Former Programme Officer National Heritage Commission

History:

His 1st queen was the daughter of Jagathipala who came from Ayodhya in India and ruled in Ruhuna. His second queen was Thilokasundari from Kalinga in India. Further he arranged the marriage of his younger sister Mithra to the Pandian king against the Cholas. For the security of country King Vijayabahu had these relations with foreign countries, especially with Pandians. He brought the country about a period of stability, restored Buddhism, and rebuilt the dilapidated tanks and canals to uplift the irrigation system. The Panakaduwa copper plate inscription of King Vijayabahu praised for Lord Sithnarubim Budalna for giving help to hide in Deniyaya as a concealing place from enemies. Unfortunately most of his good works lost during 30 years of civil war following his death. There were 3 kings before King Parakramabahu came to power.

united south part of island in opposition to Cholas restored Sinhalese sovereignty continued Chola policy of using Polonnaruwa as administrative center restoration of Buddhism chief concern brought new life to literature and arts restoration of ancient edifices at same time Vijayabahu started building his base there started trading with Buddhist kingdoms to east (Burma and Sri Vijaya) Sri Vijaya had powerful navy that Cholas could not contain by this time Chalukyan dynasty had become serious threat to Cholas finally Vijabahu took Polonnaruwa and liberated the island (same year as Norman Invasions) devoted energies to rebuilding his country beginning with water works hundreds of tanks and canals repaired after years of neglect new areas of land became productive once more religious links with Burma, Thailand, Cambodia and Malaysia all of these areas where Theravada Buddhism prospered trade with Malaysia and Sumathra led to markets of China and silks, spices,perfumes, porcelains trade with Muslims to west to Aden, Ormuz and Arabian Gulf Sri Lanka already famous for its spices found in markets of Arab world famous for blue sapphires, spinal rubies, amethysts and garnets Sri Lankan elephants prized throughout Asia (tractors, bull-dozers, tanks and luxury cars of day) sent to Burma for proper monk in order to ordain local ones Polonnaruwa Period

The next great king was Parakramabahu I (1153-1186 AD).

Mr.W. Karu Peiris Former Programme Officer National Heritage Commission

History:

built triple circuit of walls around the city and strong Citadel within joined 5 earlier tanks and created second sea of Parakramabahu (Topa vewa, Eramudu vewa, Kalahala vewa, Dumbuthulu Vewa and Boo Vewa) Between the King Vijayabahu and the King Parakramabahu there were three kings, but they were not much important. The King Parakramabahu was the king of Dakkinadisa earlier and ruled from Parakramapura which is today known as Panduwasdevnuwara. His mother was Ratnawali who was a daughter of King Vijayabahu I and his father was Manabharana the exruler of Dakkinadesha. When Parakramabahu came to power, step by step he defeated the other provincial kings and brought the whole country under his rule and continued his capital as

Polonnaruwa Period

surpassed former leaders with magnificence in architectural achievements became master of Ceylon invaded South India several times and Burma as well Chulawamsa recorded series of victories but result was Pandian invasion of island exhibited great vision and ambition at early age came to throne as teenager and set about developing irrigation 1st territory between modern Kurunegala and southwest coast (northeast of Colombo) built new capital at Panduwas Nuwara reorganized government administration nationalized gem and pearl industry exported to Arab world through his ports at Kalpitiya, Colombo and Chilaw conquered Polonnaruwa in 1161AD and took control of entire island developed Dakkhina Desa along southwest coast drained its swamps and planted coconut palms now famous Coconut Triangle the highest number of village tanks in the island is found around Yapahuwa-Panduwas Nuwara area according to Chulawamsa he constructed or restored 38 tanks in Dakkhina Desa turned ancient of Anuradhapura into wildlife sanctuary restored many monuments in Anuradhapura restored Mihintale home of Buddhism on island perhaps greatest task to unite three orders of monks o before king Parakramabahus period wealth of monasteries had been squandered o surviving monks hopelessly divided Mahavihara, Abayagiri and Jethavana monks united into Nikaya Sangaha or Supreme Order inscription at Gal Vihara records attempt to settle these issues this unification of different orders insured preservation of Buddhism on island created seat of learning at Alahana Pirivena about time Padua and Oxford established

He arranged a consecration with the help of chief monk Dimbulagala Kashyapa Thera and rid the sanga of indiscipline monks. A large number of buildings both religious and secular were built during his time. Thivanka Image house, Galvihara or Uttararama, Alahana Pirivena (which is a world heritage site), his palace- Vaijayantha prasada, his council chamber- Raja Vaishya Bhujanga Mandapa, the Kumara pokuna, Deepa Uyana and Vatada ge, Baddhasima Prasada and Kirivehera are some of them. He repaired edifices such as the Lova Maha Paya, built by earlier kings. He built great irrigation works such as Parakrama Samudra and other canal systems. He believed that not a single drop of rain water allow to flow into the sea without being used. This King engaged himself in foreign wars in Burma and South India. In this period Sri Lanka was known as the granary of the East because of the abundance and prosperity. He did much but with a great cost. The country could not afford such ambitious schemes so it declined after his reign. death of king led to administrative collapse of country last powerful ruler of island no major irrigation works for another 700 years only two kings after him able to rule entire island (Parakramabahu ll and Parakramabahu Vl) indications of high taxes and discontent in later years of his reign overreached (fell by trying to achieve more than is possible) himself by sending fleet against Burma & S. India series of weak rulers followed and disruptive factions appeared at court new series of invasions, appearance of malaria and perhaps even climate change sent Gen. Lankapura to Pandian territory in 1169 took city of Madhura but became embroiled ( ) in Indian politics for years after him drain on his resources and ended in defeat his death in 1186 Polonnaruwa Period Mr.W. Karu Peiris Former Programme Officer National Heritage Commission

Polonnaruwa. His reign was a period of peace. Buddhism was restored to its pristine glory, purity and unity.

History:

Nissanka Malla (1186-1196 AD)

born in allied Buddhist kingdom of Sri Vijaya (Sumathra). He was able to stop the decline for a short period. Within the nine years of his reign he did much. Polonnaruwa continued alliance with Pandyas until end of 12th century. He built a palace by the side of Parakrama Samudra and also his council chamber. Today we can see the megalithic pillars and the throne in the shape of a lion. Each pillar represented the position of the officer. There is an inscription saying that the Vata Daage was built by King Nissanka Malla, but historians believe this was built the great King Parakramabahu and Nissanka Malla did some renovations only. He built Hatadage, the Tooth Relic Temple, Rankoth Vehera, Nissanka Latha Mandapaya etc. He visited many places in Sri Lanka including Sri Paada Kanda (Adams Peak). His inscriptions are found almost all over the country, but some making impossible claims. He died in 1196 and son Veerabahu was assassinated the next day.

After him there were 12 kings and queens within a period of 17 years. This was a period of problems and a period of Dark Ages with few sources to describe events. South Indians invaded three times and in 1210 said to have destroyed entire social structure of religious organization. Pirate admiral Magha from Sumatra or Malaysia or Kalinga was worst of all. He attacked Sri Lanka in 1214 with 24,000 soldiers and conquered the island. Country was defenseless and he devastated the whole island. Sri Lanka went through the worst period of its history. Maghas invasion of Ceylon in 1214 credited with downfall of civilization. Barbaric tyrant who ruled for 25 years depleted islands remaining resources Ceylon never recovered from Magha destroyed the temples and plundered them seized lands, insulted Buddhist monks, tortured and harassed opponents Blood and Iron policy implemented throughout the country to protect his power he was contemporary to Genghis Khan Polonnaruwa capital survived until 1236 under 19 kings, when city finally abandoned drift to southwest of kingdoms begins in the 13th century (1236 AD onwards) Polonnaruwa Period

Mr.W. Karu Peiris Former Programme Officer National Heritage Commission

History:

Polonnaruwa General
medieval capital of Sri Lanka and one of most beautiful historical sites home of two most important kings in Sri Lankan history, Vijabahu I and Parakramabahu the Great

The significance of this historical city was that the unanimous attitude of Sinhala and Tamil nations as well the harmony of Buddhism and Hinduism which amalgamated very well during this period. According to Dr. Shiran Deraniyagala this could be proved through the archaeological evidences. Even today also these two religions mingled together. Buddhist and Hindu monuments could be seen within same locations in this ancient city. Kings came to be regarded as aspirants to Buddha hood. Early periods, the Kings were treated as gods. The king was assisted by a Council of Ministers. The country was divided into certain parts and ruled under Epas and Yapas (provincial leaders). During the prominent kings periods country was centrally controlled than other periods. The King Parakramabahu appointed governors to the provinces. The revenue was derived mainly from agriculture. Some foreign trades also prevailed. Buddhism had a set back during Cholas occupation and during the reigns of the lesser kings. Hindu influence crept in. Rituals and ceremonies (According to the real Buddhism these activities are known as Seelabbathaparamasa, or falsehood practices) recorded a growth. The King Parakramabahu unified the three Buddhist sects to one. Hindu shrines were built. Vilgam Vihara was a Tamil Buddhist Temple. Polonnaruwa period was the prime days of Sanskrit learning in Sri Lanka. Sanskrit was used in inscriptions too. Pali and Sanskrit languages influenced Sinhala Literature. The highly appreciated books, Ama watura and Dharmapradeepika were written in this period.

Sculpture and Inscriptions:

Examples for sculptures are the so called statue of the King Parakramabahu at Pothgulvehera, intricately carved stone Buddha statues at Gal Vihara, brick and stucco statues of Thuparama, Lankatilaka, Thivanka Image house. The council of chambers built by King Parakramabahu and the King Nissanka Malla etc. The most well known inscriptions of Polonnaruwa period are the Panakaduwa copper plate, Ambagamuwa, (off the Nawalapitiya-Ginigathhena Road) Polonnaruwa slab inscriptions, the King Parakramabahus rock inscription at Gal Vihara, Velaikkara Tamil inscription, Galpotha of Nissankamalla and a pillar inscription at Padaviya.

Mr.W. Karu Peiris Former Programme Officer National Heritage Commission

History:

Polonnaruwa was buried under the earth and encroached by the dense forest until 19th century for 700 years. The British did the excavations. The first person who revealed the information about Polonnaruwa was Lt. Fargon in 1820 AD. Another 50 years later an army officer Berch and Lt. Stuart photographed the ruins. Later H. M. Burrows, H.C.P. Bell and Dr. Paranavithana started the excavations.

Polonnaruwa Period