Sri Lanka, Polonnaruva period, 1 Kahavanu – ND

Description

The Polonnaruva period in Sri Lanka refers to an important historical period that covered from the eleventh century to the thirteenth century. During this time, the city of Polonnaruva became the capital of the country and was a significant political, cultural and religious center. The city of Polonnaruva was founded by King Vijayabahu I in the eleventh century, but was under the reign of Parakramabahu and that reached its peak. Parakramabahu I was a ruler known for its centralized government and its achievements in the construction of infrastructure, such as reservoirs and irrigation systems, which allowed agricultural development and economic flowering in the region. During the Polonnaruva period, an important cultural and architectural heritage was also developed. Buddhist temples and monuments, such as the temple of the tooth and Gal Hahara relic, were built with elaborate architectural designs and intricate sculptures, highlighting the influence of Buddhism in the region. However, the Polonnaruva period also faced external threats, such as the invasions of southern India by the Chola dynasty. The Chola managed to briefly loot and control parts of Polonnaruva, but the Cingalesa dynasty could eventually resume control of the region. At the end of the thirteenth century, the power and influence of Polonnaruva began to decline due to invasions and internal instability. The capital was transferred again, this time to the city of Dambadeniya, marking the end of the Polonnaruva period. Despite its decline, the Pollonnaruva period left a lasting legacy in Sri Lanka. The advances in the construction of infrastructure, agricultural development and cultural and religious achievements had a significant impact on the history and identity of Sri Lanka. Many of the monuments and temples built during this time are considered world heritage sites and are still popular tourist destinations today.