Anjaligala Viharaya

Anjaligala Viharaya (Sinhala: අංජලීගල විහාරය) is a Buddhist temple situated in Anjaleegala in Hambantota District, Sri Lanka.

History

The history of Anjaligala Viharaya is obscure. However, the site contains a large number of ruins including four inscriptions engraved on the natural rock-boulders and two dilapidated building structures (Somadeva, 2006).  Of the four inscriptions, three are dated to the first century A.D. and the fourth is dated to the fourth century A.D. (Somadeva, 2006).

Anjaligala rock inscription of King Sri Meghawarna (303-331 A.D.)

Period: 4th century A.D.             Script: Later-Brahmi             Language: Old Sinhala

Content: This inscription has been established in connection with a royal commemoration ceremony. It reveals details of renovations carried out to this monastery located in the northern quarter of Mahagama. A donation of Kahavanu for the upkeep of the monks has been given by King Sri Meghavarna also. The full reading of the inscription is impossible due to its worn condition.

Reference: The information board at the site by the Department of Archaeology and the Ministry of National Heritage

References

1) Somadeva, R., 2006. Urban origins in southern Sri Lanka. Doctoral thesis in Archaeology at Uppsala University. pp.96,100,134.

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Talaguru Vehera (Hambantota)

Talaguru Vehera (Sinhala: හම්බන්තොට තලගුරු වෙහෙර) is a Buddhist monastery site located in Veherakema in Hambantota District, Sri Lanka. The Nimalawa Aranya Senasanaya is situated near this site.

History

Some ancient references to this temple can be found from the historical literature in the country. The chronicle Mahavamsa mentions a Buddhist monastery named Tuladhara (or Tulakara) Pabbata Vihara situated in the ancient Ruhuna Principality in the 2nd century B.C. (Somadeva, 2006). As recorded in the chronicle, it was founded by the ruler Kakavannatissa, the father of King Dutugemunu [(161-137 B.C.) Nicholas, 1963]. According to Nicholas, the ancient Tulahara Pabbata Vihara which is described in Mahavamsa could be the monastery called Talaguru Vehera situated at the present location (Nicholas, 1963; Somadeva, 2006).

This identification is further strengthened by a few rock inscriptions found within the temple premises. Written in late-Brahmi characters of about the 3rd century A.D., two inscriptions indited on the rock near the ruined Stupa clearly reveal the ancient name of the present monastery as Talakara-pava Vihara (Paranavitana, 2001).

The site

The ruins of two ancient buildings are found at the site (Somadeva, 2006). On the summit of the rock, where the inscriptions are found, there is a mound of ancient bricks probably remains of a Stupa (Somadeva, 2006).

References

1) Nicholas, C. W., 1963. Historical topography of ancient and medieval Ceylon. Journal of the Ceylon Branch of the Royal Asiatic Society, New Series (Vol VI). Special Number: Colombo. Royal Asiatic Society (Ceylon Branch). p.62.

2) Paranavitana, S., 2001 (Edited by Dias, M.). Inscriptions of Ceylon: Vol. II. Part II. Archaeological Survey Department, Sri Lanka. pp.263-266.

3) Somadeva, R., 2006. Urban origins in southern Sri Lanka. Doctoral thesis in Archaeology at Uppsala University. pp.121-122.

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Nimalawa Aranya Senasanaya

Nimalawa Aranya Senasanaya (Photo credit: Harsha Goonawardana, Google Street View)

Nimalawa Aranya Senasanaya (Sinhala: නිමලව ආරණ්‍ය සේනාසනය) is a Buddhist forest monastery located in Veherakema in Hambantota District, Sri Lanka. The ancient Talaguru Vehera is situated near this site.

History

There are two caves with drip-ledges and inscriptions in the monastery premises (Somadeva, 2006). These monuments are considered as firm clues about the existence of the site as a Buddhist monastery since the arrival of Buddhism in Sri Lanka in or around 250 B.C. (Somadeva, 2006). The early-Brahmi inscriptions found from and around the Nimalawa monastery have been published by S. Paranavitana under the title "Veherakema" (Paranavitana, 1970).

Presently the caves at this site have been converted into the residential quarters of the Buddhist monks.

References

1) Paranavitana, S., 1970. Inscription of Ceylon (Vol. I). Department of Archaeology Ceylon. p.52.

2) Somadeva, R., 2006. Urban origins in southern Sri Lanka. Doctoral thesis in Archaeology at Uppsala University. pp.120-121.

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Suduhumpola Raja Maha Viharaya

Suduhumpola Raja Maha Viharaya, also known as Sri Narendrarama Viharaya (Sinhala: සුදුහුම්පොල රජමහා විහාරය), is a Buddhist temple situated in Suriyagoda village in Kandy District, Sri Lanka.

History

The history of this temple runs back to the 18th century. It is said that this temple was established by Munwatte Rajakaruna Wijewardhana Navaratna Wasala Mudiyanse Ralahami at the request of King Kirti Sri Rajasinghe [(1747-1782 A.D.) Abeyawardana, 2004; Withanachchi, 2018]. The completed temple was bestowed to Ven. Kaduwela Nagasena Thera and his pupillary succession in 1771 (Abeyawardana, 2004; Withanachchi, 2018).

The temple also provided facilities to the monks who came to Kandy for the Upasampada Vinaya Karma (Withanachchi, 2018). Ven. Wariyapola Sri Sumangala Thera, the Anunayaka of Asgiri Maha Viharaya of Siyam sect. is said to have served the Tooth Relic of the Buddha while staying at this temple (Rajapakse, 2016; Withanachchi, 2018).

Image house

The image house of this temple can be identified as the main monument with archaeological value. A large seated Buddha statue in the Virasana posture depicting Dyana Mudra is found inside the image house (Abeyawardana, 2004). Paintings belonging to the Kandyan art tradition adorn the inner walls of the image house. Artists from South India are said to have involved in the temple works (Withanachchi, 2018).

A protected site

The image house of Suduhumpola Raja Maha Vihara situated in the Suduhumpola Grama Niladhari Division in the Gangawata Koralaya, Divisional Secretary’s Division is an archaeological protected monument, declared by a government gazette notification published on 21 October 2010. 

Attribution

1) LankaPradeepa.com would like to thank Mohan Lakshitha for providing the necessary photographs required for this article. All the photos are published here with the permission of the author.

 

References

1) Abeyawardana, H.A.P., 2004. Heritage of Kandurata: Major natural, cultural and historic sites. Colombo: The Central Bank of Sri Lanka. p.31.
2) Rajapakse, S., 2016. Pauranika Sthana Ha Smaraka: Mahanuwara Distrikkaya (In Sinhala). Archaeological Department of Sri Lanka. ISBN:955-9159-34-8. pp.29-32.
3) The Gazette of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka. No: 1677. 21 October 2010. p.1750.
4) Withanachchi, C.R., 2018. Madyama palate Rajamaha Viharasthana (In Sinhala). Report on the ancient Buddhist temples in the Central Province of Sri Lanka which were royally sponsored during the Kandy period. pp.11-12.

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Dimbula Raja Maha Viharaya

Dimbula Maliyadeva Raja Maha Viharaya is a Buddhist temple situated in Methagama village in Nuwara Eliya District, Sri Lanka.

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History

According to folklore, this temple has got its name because of its association with Arhat Maliyadeva Thera, the last Arhat of Sri Lanka (Wijesinghe, 2015). Although it is said that Maliyadeva Thera rested at this place under a Dimbul tree, no evidence is there to prove that belief (Wijesinghe, 2015; Withanachchi, 2018).

 

This temple was an important religious place during the 15th century as its name is mentioned in the "Nampotha", an ancient Sinhalese text that lists the principal Buddhist temples in Sri Lanka (Withanachchi, 2018). According to the text called Kothmale Puravrutha, there had been five wooden Buddha images covered with mortar kept in this temple (Abeyawardana, 2004). Of these five statues, three are still preserved in the Viharaya (Abeyawardana, 2004). 

 

The 50 ft. long image house contains a number of statues including a large Buddha statue (Withanachchi, 2018). Among them, the two statues depicting King Kosol and ‘Ane Pindu Situ Thuma’ are considered rare (Withanachchi, 2018).

References

1) Abeyawardana, H.A.P., 2004. Heritage of Kandurata: Major natural, cultural and historic sites. Colombo: The Central Bank of Sri Lanka. p.229.

2) Wijesinghe, T.K., 2015. Pauranika Sthana Saha Smaraka: Nuwara Eliya Distrikkaya (In Sinhala). Department of Archaeology (Sri Lanka). ISBN: 955-9159-36-4. pp.74-75.

3) Withanachchi, C.R., 2018. Madyama palate Rajamaha Viharasthana (In Sinhala). Report on the ancient Buddhist temples in the Central Province of Sri Lanka which were royally sponsored during the Kandy period. p.28.

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Holy Emmanuel's Church, Hanguranketha

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Holy Emmanuel's Church (Sinhala: හඟුරන්කෙත ශුද්ධ එමානුවෙල් දේවස්ථානය) is a church situated in Hanguranketha, in Nuwara Eliya District, Sri Lanka. It is considered one of the oldest churches established in the district (Abeyawardana, 2004; Wijesinghe, 2015).

History

Although it is mentioned on the church building that it was built in 1886, the history of the establishment of this church runs back to the year 1815 (Abeyawardana, 2004; Wijesinghe, 2015).

Folklore

During the early 19th century, the ancient route between Kandy and Nuwara Eliya was fallen through Hanguranketha (Abeyawardana, 2004; Wijesinghe, 2015). People used this route only during the daytime as there were robbers operating at night (Abeyawardana, 2004; Wijesinghe, 2015). One day a Catholic priest travelling on horseback on this route stayed overnight at the spot where the present church is located as his horse refused to proceed (Abeyawardana, 2004). On the next day, the priest commenced his journey and found a dead body of a wayfarer who had travelled at night murdered by robbers (Abeyawardana, 2004). By thinking of the spot where he spent the night as a sanctuary, the priest later constructed the present church there (Abeyawardana, 2004; Wijesinghe, 2015).

A protected monument

St. Emmanuel's church in the Kottala Grama Niladhari Division in the Divisional Secretariat Division of Hanguranketha is an archaeological protected monument, declared by a government notification published on 6 July 2007.

References

1) Abeyawardana, H.A.P., 2004. Heritage of Kandurata: Major natural, cultural and historic sites. Colombo: The Central Bank of Sri Lanka. p.253.
2) The Gazette of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka. No: 1505. 6 July 2007. p.548.

3) Wijesinghe, T.K., 2015. Pauranika Sthana Saha Smaraka: Nuwara Eliya Distrikkaya (In Sinhala). Department of Archaeology (Sri Lanka). ISBN: 955-9159-36-4. pp.23-25.

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Morapaya Ambalama

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The Morapaya Ambalama is an old wayside rest situated in Morapaya in Nuwara Eliya District, Sri Lanka.

History

Ambalamas are traditional resting places built by locals to accommodate wayfarers who were travelling to distant places. They were also used as a place for people to gather, hold meetings and serve as a public place in society. During the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries, Ambalamas were spread all over the country.  The Morapaya Ambalama is one such building believed to have been built about 110 years ago (Wijesinghe, 2015).

The structure

The square-shaped Ambalama is relatively small (20 ft.x20 ft.) and consists of a single open space surrounded by a short wall (Wijesinghe, 2015). The four-sided roof is held by nine pillars.

References

1) Wijesinghe, T.K., 2015. Pauranika Sthana Saha Smaraka: Nuwara Eliya Distrikkaya (In Sinhala). Department of Archaeology (Sri Lanka). ISBN: 955-9159-36-4. p.33.

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Wilwala Raja Maha Viharaya

Wilwala Raja Maha Viharaya is a Buddhist temple situated in Wilwala village in Nuwara Eliya District, Sri Lanka.

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History

According to folklore, this temple is believed to have been constructed by Queen Henakanda Biso Bandara, the consort of King Wikramabahu III [(1357-1374 A.D.) Wijesinghe, 2015; Withanachchi, 2018]. However, the rock inscription found within the temple premises belonging to the reign of King Vijayabahu V of Dambadeniya [(1335-1341 A.D.) Wijesinghe, 2015; Withanachchi, 2018].

The temple & the inscription

A Buddha statue under the shade of a Makara Thorana (a dragon arch) is found inside the drip-ledged cave (Withanachchi, 2018). The statues in the image house are said to be made of wood coated with plaster (Wijesinghe, 2015). The Stupa of the temple is 1.87 m tall (Withanachchi, 2018).

The rock inscription

The inscription contains five lines of writings and has been dated in the 11th year of a king styled Sirisangabo Sri Vijayabahu who is identified with Vijayabahu V [(1335-1341 A.D.) Ranawella, 2014]. It records that the king assigned certain lands as a perpetual grant to a monastery named ......galvihara (Ranawella, 2014).

A protected site

The old image house and the rock inscription of Wilwala Raja Maha Vihara situated in Wilwala village in the Divisional Secretary’s Division of Udahewaheta are archaeological protected monuments, declared by a government gazette notification published on 1 November 1996. 

References

1) Ranawella, S., 2014. Archaeological Survey of Ceylon: Inscriptions of Ceylon: Vol. VII. Department of Archaeology. ISBN: 978-955-9159-62-9. pp.83-84.

2) The Gazette of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka. No: 948. 1 November 1996.

3) Wijesinghe, T.K., 2015. Pauranika Sthana Saha Smaraka: Nuwara Eliya Distrikkaya (In Sinhala). Department of Archaeology (Sri Lanka). ISBN: 955-9159-36-4. pp.30-31.

4) Withanachchi, C.R., 2018. Madyama palate Rajamaha Viharasthana (In Sinhala). Report on the ancient Buddhist temples in the Central Province of Sri Lanka which were royally sponsored during the Kandy period. p.26.

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Madanwala Raja Maha Viharaya

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Madanwala Raja Maha Viharaya is a Buddhist temple situated in Madanwala village near Hanguranketha in Nuwara Eliya District, Sri Lanka.

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History

The history of this temple runs back to the Period of Dambadeniya (Abeyawardana, 2004; Withanachchi, 2018). A broken stone pillar containing an inscription of the 9-10th century A.D. have been placed along with other rocky antiquities close to the cave of the temple.

Madanwala Pillar Inscription

Period: 9-10th centuries A.D.               Script: Medieval Sinhala               Language: Medieval Sinhala

Content: This records about a person named Sena, a caretaker of the royal bedroom and another person from the Elahera Kadawat area. It is mentioned that jungles were being cleared for preparing paddy fields for consumption and therefore, personal stock of cattle should be protected by the owners. (Since only a part of the inscription remains today, it is difficult to extract the whole meaning of this recording).

Reference: The information board at the site by the Department of Archaeology

Kings such as Wimaladharmasuriya II (1687-1707 A.D.), Veera Parakrama Narendrasinghe (1707-1739 A.D.) have contributed to the development of this temple (Withanachchi, 2018).

Artefacts

The Buddha image

There is a magnificent seated image of the Buddha in Madanwala Viharaya (Abeyawardana, 2004; Withanachchi, 2018). The statue is 0.308 m in height and has been accommodated on a seat accompanied by a Makara Thorana (a dragon arch). According to folklore, this is one of the four Buddha statues that had emerged from the funeral pyre of the Buddha (Abeyawardana, 2004). The other three images are said to be at Vattarama Viharaya, Pusulpitiya Viharaya and Diddeniya Viharaya.

 

Two alms-bowls

There are two large bowls in the Vihara premises and they are believed to have been used as containers to offer alms (Wijesinghe, 2015). The person named Hanguranketha Dukgannarala is said to be the one responsible for the offering of daily alms to this temple (Abeyawardana, 2004; Wijesinghe, 2015). The word "Maha Wahala" is found engraved on these bowls (Abeyawardana, 2004; Wijesinghe, 2015).

 

A protected site

The cave temple and the Avasa-geya of Madanwala Raja Maha Vihara situated in Madanwala village in the Divisional Secretary’s Division of Udahewaheta are archaeological protected monuments, declared by a government gazette notification published on 1 November 1996. 

References

1) Abeyawardana, H.A.P., 2004. Heritage of Kandurata: Major natural, cultural and historic sites. Colombo: The Central Bank of Sri Lanka. p.247.

2) The Gazette of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka. No: 948. 1 November 1996.

3) Wijesinghe, T.K., 2015. Pauranika Sthana Saha Smaraka: Nuwara Eliya Distrikkaya (In Sinhala). Department of Archaeology (Sri Lanka). ISBN: 955-9159-36-4. pp.46-48.

4) Withanachchi, C.R., 2018. Madyama palate Rajamaha Viharasthana (In Sinhala). Report on the ancient Buddhist temples in the Central Province of Sri Lanka which were royally sponsored during the Kandy period. p.26.

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Wegama Raja Maha Viharaya

Wegama Raja Maha Viharaya (Sinhala: වෑගම රජමහා විහාරය) is a Buddhist temple situated in Wegama village in Nuwara Eliya District, Sri Lanka.

History

This temple is believed to have been constructed by Queen Henakanda Biso Bandara, the consort of King Wikramabahu III [(1357-1374 A.D.) Abeyawardana, 2004; Withanachchi, 2018]. According to the inscription found in the temple, some lands have been donated to this temple in 1585, during the reign of King Rajasinghe I (1581-1593 A.D.). Kings such as Rajasinghe II (1629-1687 A.D.), Wimaladharmasuriya II (1687-1707 A.D.), Veera Parakrama Narendrasinghe (1707-1739 A.D.), and Kirti Sri Rajasinghe (1747-1782 A.D.) have contributed to the development of this temple (Abeyawardana, 2004; Wijesinghe, 2015).

When the British dispatched forces into Kandyan Territory in 1803, the Tooth Relic of the Buddha is said to have moved to this Vihara for protection (Wijesinghe, 2015; Withanachchi, 2018).

The only statue of Queen Henakanda Biso Bandara in the country was placed in this Viharaya. However, some vandals who searched for imaginary treasures in that statue had destroyed it in 2007.

A protected site

The image house with ancient paintings and the inscription of Wegama Raja Maha Vihara situated in Wegama village in the Divisional Secretary’s Division of Udahewaheta are archaeological protected monuments, declared by a government gazette notification published on 1 November 1996.

References

1) Abeyawardana, H.A.P., 2004. Heritage of Kandurata: Major natural, cultural and historic sites. Colombo: The Central Bank of Sri Lanka. p.252.
2) The Gazette of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka. No: 948. 1 November 1996.
3) Wijesinghe, T.K., 2015. Pauranika Sthana Saha Smaraka: Nuwara Eliya Distrikkaya (In Sinhala). Department of Archaeology (Sri Lanka). ISBN: 955-9159-36-4. pp.19-21.
4) Withanachchi, C.R., 2018. Madyama palate Rajamaha Viharasthana (In Sinhala). Report on the ancient Buddhist temples in the Central Province of Sri Lanka which were royally sponsored during the Kandy period. p.26.

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Suriyagoda Raja Maha Viharaya

Suriyagoda Raja Maha Viharaya, also known as Sri Narendrarama Viharaya (Sinhala: සූරියගොඩ රජමහා විහාරය), is a Buddhist temple situated in Suriyagoda village in Kandy District, Sri Lanka.

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History

The history of this temple runs back to the Kingdom of Kotte (Rajapakse, 2016). It is said that this temple was established by Suriyagoda Wijesundara Seneviratna Wijekoon Rajakaruna Attanayaka Bandara, a mentor of King Parakramabahu VI [(1412-1467 A.D.) Abeyawardana, 2004; Senanayaka, 2018]. It was later renovated and renamed "Narendraramaya" by King Sri Narendrasinghe [(1706-1739 A.D.) Abeyawardana, 2004]. Ven. Weliwita Sri Saranankara Thera (1698-1778 A.D.), the famous scholarly monk who became the Sangharaja of the country, entered the Buddhist order at this temple (Abeyawardana, 2004; Rajapakse, 2016; Withanachchi, 2018).

Some of the buildings of this temple are said to have been burnt by the Portuguese (Abeyawardana, 2004).

 

Tempita Viharaya

Tempita Viharas (the temples on pillars) were a popular aspect of many Buddhist temples during the Kandyan Period. These structures were usually built on a wooden platform resting on bare stone pillars or stumps which are about 1-4 feet tall. The roof is generally made of timber and held by wooden stumps. The walls are usually made of wattle and daub and they form the main enclosed shrine room containing the Buddhist sculptures and murals belonging to the Kandyan style. Some Tempita Viharas have narrow verandas and ambulatories circulating the main enclosed space. The construction of these buildings started in the 17th century and lasted until the end of the 19th century (Wijayawardhana, 2010).

Suriyagoda Tempita Viharaya

The Tempita Viharaya shrine at Suriyagoda Viharaya is considered an ideal example of Kandyan architecture (Abeyawardana, 2004). It has been built upon 8 pillars about 0.77 m tall (Abeyawardana, 2004). The shrine is 4 m in length and 2.46 m in width and a small open hall has been attached in front of it (Abeyawardana, 2004). A seated Buddha statue under the shade of a Makara Thorana (a dragon arch) is found inside the shrine room.

The Stupa and the Chapter House of the temple have been built in front of this Tempita Viharaya.

A protected site

The ancient Suriyagoda Raja Maha Viharaya situated in Suriyagoda village in the Divisional Secretary’s Division of Yatinuwara is an archaeological protected monument, declared by a government gazette notification published on 1 October 1953.

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Attribution

1) LankaPradeepa.com would like to thank Vishwa Sri Jayasinghe for providing the necessary photographs required for this article. All the photos are published here with the permission of the author.

 

References

1) Abeyawardana, H.A.P., 2004. Heritage of Kandurata: Major natural, cultural and historic sites. Colombo: The Central Bank of Sri Lanka. p.90.

2) Rajapakse, S., 2016. Pauranika Sthana Ha Smaraka: Mahanuwara Distrikkaya (In Sinhala). Archaeological Department of Sri Lanka. ISBN:955-9159-34-8. pp.83-84.

3) Senanayaka, P., 2018. Senkadagala Mahanuwara pradeshaye peranima Bauddha Vihara Arama (In Sinhala). Samodhana, The Journal of Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities. Vol.7 (1). pp.55-83.

4) The gazette notification. No: 10593. 1 October 1953. 

5) Wijayawardhana, K., 2010. Sri Lankawe Tampita Vihara (In Sinhala). Dayawansa Jayakody & Company. Colombo. ISBN: 978-955-551-752-2. p.12.

6) Withanachchi, C.R., 2018. Madyama palate Rajamaha Viharasthana (In Sinhala). Report on the ancient Buddhist temples in the Central Province of Sri Lanka which were royally sponsored during the Kandy period. pp.10-11.

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Hendeniya Raja Maha Viharaya

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Hendeniya Raja Maha Viharaya (also known as Sendeniya Viharaya or Galgane Viharaya) is a Buddhist temple situated in Hendeniya village in Kandy District, Sri Lanka.

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History

The temple is popular for its three image houses belonging to three periods, namely Gampola Period, Kandyan Period, and the modern period [(after 1948) Abeyawardana, 2004; Withanachchi, 2018]. Built inside a drip-ledged cave, the image house of the Gampola Period is believed to have been constructed by Henakanda Biso Bandara, the consort of King Wikramabahu III [(1357-1374 A.D.) Abeyawardana, 2004; De Silva & Chandrasekara, 2009; Rajapakse, 2016; Senanayaka, 2018; Withanachchi, 2018]. A carved stone door-frame with traditional Sinhalese designs is found at the entrance of it (De Silva & Chandrasekara, 2009). Inside the image house is a plastered image of the seated Buddha made of stone (Withanachchi, 2018). Evidence of there to prove that this temple received the patronage of King Senasammata Vikramabahu [(1469-1511 A.D.) Abeyawardana, 2004].

The Kandyan Period image house is found to the west of the Gampola image house. It is said to have been built by Prince Wasala Bandara Samantha, the son of King Sri Rajadhi Rajasinha [(1781-1798 A.D.) De Silva & Chandrasekara, 2009]. However, according to other sources, it has been built in 1812 by the last king of Sri Lanka, Sri Vikrama Rajasinghe [(1798-1815 A.D.) Abeyawardana, 2004; Withanachchi, 2018]. The image house has been built on a low granite podium decorated with carvings (De Silva & Chandrasekara, 2009). A round Sandakada Pahana (moonstone) of Kandyan style is found at the entrance of the podium. Painting and sculptures belonging to the Kandyan tradition are found inside the image house.

 

The modern image house has been built inside a cave by a Buddhist monk named Ambanwela Gunaratne Thera about 50 years ago (Abeyawardana, 2004).

References

1) Abeyawardana, H.A.P., 2004. Heritage of Kandurata: Major natural, cultural and historic sites. Colombo: The Central Bank of Sri Lanka. pp.78-79.

2) De Silva, N.; Chandrasekara, D.P., 2009. Heritage Buildings of Sri Lanka. Colombo: The National Trust Sri Lanka, ISBN: 978-955-0093-01-4. pp.48,70.

3) Rajapakse, S., 2016. Pauranika Sthana Ha Smaraka: Mahanuwara Distrikkaya (In Sinhala). Archaeological Department of Sri Lanka. ISBN:955-9159-34-8. pp.63-64.

4) Senanayaka, P., 2018. Senkadagala Mahanuwara pradeshaye peranima Bauddha Vihara Arama (In Sinhala). Samodhana, The Journal of Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities. Vol.7 (1). pp.55-83.

5) Withanachchi, C.R., 2018. Madyama palate Rajamaha Viharasthana (In Sinhala). Report on the ancient Buddhist temples in the Central Province of Sri Lanka which were royally sponsored during the Kandy period. p.14.

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Dorawaka Cave

Some evidence of the neolithic period along with a few prehistoric petroglyphs has been discovered in a rock cave named Dorawaka Kanda (or Ethgale Galge) located in Dorawaka village in Kegalle District, Sri Lanka.

Evidence of the Neolithic period

Microliths, pottery and some grains have been discovered from excavations done at Dorawaka Kanda cave and scholars have dated them to a period of 6,000 BP (Kelum & Wickremasinghe, 2014).

Petroglyphs

Petroglyphs are considered a primitive art form made by prehistoric people (Senanayaka & Rammungoda, 2010). These include various rock engravings executed on the face of a rock or a cave wall using some form of sharp instruments such as stone, bone or metal implements (Senanayaka & Rammungoda, 2010). Petroglyphs have been recorded from a few places in Sri Lanka such as Dorawaka, Urakanda, Danigala, Hakbelikanda, Navagala, Molagoda, Budugala, and Dimbulagala (Senanayaka & Rammungoda, 2010).

Petroglyphs at Dorawaka

Dorawaka petroglyphs are found in a natural cave situated within a rubber cultivation land. The cave is formed by two large slabs of rock, supported one by the other. It is 55 ft. in height with a floor space of 82 ft. by 14 ft. (Browning, 1919).

The drawings have been executed on the inner side of the taller slab, about 6.5 ft. above the ground (Browning, 1919). They are rough and obscure, but the figures of an elephant and its calf can be identified (Browning, 1919). It is suggested that the drawings are of Veddah origin (Browning, 1919).

 

A protected site

The prehistoric cave in Dorawaka village in the Warakapola Divisional Secretary’s Division is an archaeological protected monument, declared by a government gazette notification published on 22 November 2002.

Attribution

1) Dorawaka rock cave දොරවක ලෙන by Kasun Perera 18 is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.

References

1) Browning, G. F. R., 1919. Some Rock Drawing at Dorawaka in Kegalla District. Ceylon Antiquary and literary Register, Vol.IV. Part IV. pp.226-227
2) Kelum, M.A., Wickremasinghe, H., 2014. Action Plan for Conservation & Sustainable Use of Palaeobiodiversity in Sri Lanka. Biodiversity Secretariat, Ministry of Environment & Renewable Energy. ISBN: 978-955-0033-57-7. pp.21,30.
3) Senanayaka, J., Rammungoda, U.R., 2010. Petroglyphs of Urakanda - Sri Lanka : A preliminary account. Sirinimal Lakdusinghe Felicitation Volume. pp.247-253.

4) The Gazette of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka. No: 1264. 22 November 2002.

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Rock Paintings and Engraving Sites in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka has a number of rock painting and a few engraving sites scattered over four specific ecozones, viz; (i) semi-arid lowlands; (ii) dry lowlands; (iii) wet lowlands; and (iv) intermediate dry lowlands (Somadeva et al., 2019). Although these sites were not much explored or studied, several scholars such as H.C.P. Bell, C.G. Seligmann, B.Z. Seligmann, G.F.R. Browning, J. Still, F. Lewis, G.F.R. Browning, P.E.P. Deraniyagala, S. Karunaratna, L.A. Aditya, A.T. Rambukwella, B.D. Nandadeva, and R. Somadeva have made valuable efforts to find out and document their historical and archaeological values (Browning, 1919; Seligman et al., 1911; Somadeva et al., 2019; Still, 1910).

The list of rock paintings and engraving sites in Sri Lanka

This is an incomplete list prepared by "Lanka Pradeepa".

 

No.	Site	Remarks	References
1	Alugalge (Ampara District)	Rock paintings. Includes the figures of human, animal (leopard, peacock), lines, and other symbols (wheel)	Kelum & Wickremasinghe, 2014 Somadeva et al., 2019
2	Andiyagala (Anuradhapura District)	Rock paintings. Includes figures of human and other symbols (sun)	Kelum & Wickremasinghe, 2014 Still, 1910
3	Arangodagala (Polonnaruwa District)	Rock paintings. Includes figures of human (man, woman), animal (monkey, deer, centipede or leaf), and other symbols (lotus of sun, bow & arrow, flowers)	Kelum & Wickremasinghe, 2014
4	Bambaragastalawa (Ampara District)	Rock paintings. Includes unidentified animal figures	Somadeva et al., 2019
5	Billewa (Anuradhapura District)	Rock paintings. Includes the figures of human, animal (sambur, peacock), and other symbols	Kelum & Wickremasinghe, 2014 Still, 1910
6	Bogoda (Anuradhapura District)		Somadeva et al., 2019
7	Budugala (Ratnapura District)	Includes the figures of human faces, animal (lion), and other symbols (Swastika, trident)	Kelum & Wickremasinghe, 2014 Somadeva et al., 2019
8	Budunnehela (Monaragala District)	Rock paintings. Includes the figures of human, animal (deer, tusker, elephant), and other symbols (beehives, hungotu, hoop, arrow)	Kelum & Wickremasinghe, 2014
9	Danigala (Polonnaruwa District)	Rock engravings	Sumanarathna et al., 2020
10	Dimbulagala (Polonnaruwa District)	Includes a figures of human, and other symbols	Kelum & Wickremasinghe, 2014
11	Dikgalge (Ampara District)		Somadeva et al., 2019
12	Dorawakakanda (Kegalle District)	Rock engravings. Includes the figures of human, animal (elephant and calf), lines, and other symbols	Browning, 1919
13	Gamakandagalge (Ampara District)	Rock paintings. Figure of a hangout or maludema (a vessel for collecting honey)	Kelum & Wickremasinghe, 2014 Seligman et al., 1911
14	Ganegama (Monaragala District)	Rock paintings. Includes the figures of animal (elephant, crocodile, crawling animal), and Brahmi scripts	Kelum & Wickremasinghe, 2014 Somadeva et al., 2019
15	Gonagolla (Ampara District)	Rock paintings. Includes the figures of hunter, deer, stag and deer juveniles	Kelum & Wickremasinghe, 2014 Somadeva et al., 2019
16	Hakbelikanda (Kurunegala District)	Rock engravings. Includes fihures of human, animals (pangolin, deer), various lines	Kelum & Wickremasinghe, 2014
17	Havala Eliya (Hambantota District)		Somadeva et al., 2019
18	Henanigala (Ampara District)	Rock paintings. Includes the figures of human, animal, and other shapes	Kelum & Wickremasinghe, 2014 Somadeva et al., 2019
19	Hingurana (Ampara District)		Somadeva et al., 2019
20	Hulannuge (Ampara District)	Rock paintings. Includes the figures of human, animal, and other symbols	Somadeva et al., 2019
21	Kadurupokuna (Ampara District)	Rock paintings. Includes the figures of animal (elephant, and unidentified)	Kelum & Wickremasinghe, 2014 Somadeva et al., 2019
22	Kandegala (Polonnaruwa District)		Somadeva et al., 2019
23	Kongarayankulam (Vavuniya District)	Includes the figures of human and animal	Somadeva et al., 2019
24	Kiripokunahela (Ampara District)	Rock paintings. Includes the figures of animal (elephant)	Kelum & Wickremasinghe, 2014 Somadeva et al., 2019
25	Komarikalena (Anuradhapura District)	Rock paintings. Includes the figures of human, and animal (elephant, either a sambur doe, jackal or dog)	Kelum & Wickremasinghe, 2014 Somadeva et al., 2019
26	Konategodagalge (Batticaloa District)		Somadeva et al., 2019
27	Kondagalagalge (Ratnapura District)		Somadeva et al., 2019
28	Kotiyagala (Ampara District)		Somadeva et al., 2019
29	Kudumbigala (Ampara District)	Rock paintings. Includes the figures of human	Somadeva et al., 2019
30	Kurullangala (Badulla District)	Rock paintings. Includes drawings of animals (mainly birds), hand prints (only left hand), and abstract signs	Thantilage et al, 2016
31	Lenama (Ampara District)	Rock paintings. Includes the figures of human, and animal (elephants, pigs, bears, birds)	Kelum & Wickremasinghe, 2014
32	Lihiniyagala (Nuwara Eliya District)	Rock paintings. Includes the figures of human, and animals	Somadeva et al., 2019
33	Lunuathugalge (Monaragala District)		Somadeva et al., 2019
34	Mahalenama Eliya (Ampara District)	Various drawings	Somadeva et al., 2019
35	Malayadikanda (Ampara District)	Rock paintings. Includes the figures of human, animal, and other symbols	Somadeva et al., 2019
36	Mandagalage (Ampara District)	Rock paintings. Includes the figures of human, animal (elephant), and other symbols	Kelum & Wickremasinghe, 2014 Somadeva et al., 2019
37	Magul Maha Viharaya (Hambantota District)	Rock paintings. Hand impressions	Kelum & Wickremasinghe, 2014
38	Minademugalge (Ampara District)		Somadeva et al., 2019
39	Molagoda (Kegalle District)		Somadeva et al., 2019
40	Mudunalavagalge (Monaragala District)		Somadeva et al., 2019
41	Neelagirikanda (Ampara District)	Rock paintings. Includes figures of animal (deer, tortoise), and other symbols	Kelum & Wickremasinghe, 2014 Somadeva et al., 2019
42	Nella (Monaragala District)	Rock paintings. Includes figures of human, animal (deer), and other symbols (hangotu, beehives)	Somadeva et al., 2019
43	Nevgala (Monaragala District)	Rock paintings. Includes the figures animal (lion/tiger)	Kelum & Wickremasinghe, 2014 Somadeva et al., 2019
44	Panama Galge (Ampara District)	Rock paintings. Includes lines and other symbols	Somadeva et al., 2019
45	Pihillegodagalge (Ampara District)	Rock paintings. Includes figures of human (men, women), animal (leopard, monitor lizard), and other symbols (bow & arrow)	Kelum & Wickremasinghe, 2014 Seligman et al., 1911
46	Piyangala (Ampara District)	Rock paintings. Includes the figures of human (a group), animal (deer), and other geometric shapes	Kelum & Wickremasinghe, 2014 Somadeva et al., 2019
47	Pulukunawa (Batticaloa District)	Rock paintings. Includes the figures of human (two), animal (deer, elephant, dog), and other shapes (hangotu, beehive)	Kelum & Wickremasinghe, 2014
48	Punchikiriammagalge (Badulla District)	Rock paintings. Includes the figures of human, animal (elephant),	Kelum & Wickremasinghe, 2014 Seligman et al., 1911
49	Rajagala (Ampara District)	Rock paintings. Includes the figures of human, animal, and other symbols	Somadeva et al., 2019
50	Samangala (Ampara District)	Rock paintings. Includes the figures animal (pangolin, a deer, either a jackal or a dog), and other objects (hangotu)	Kelum & Wickremasinghe, 2014 Medhananda, 2003
51	Sangamankanda (Ampara District)	Rock paintings. Includes the figures of human, animal, lines, and other symbols	Somadeva et al., 2019
52	Tantirimale (Anuradhapura District)	Rock paintings. Includes the figures of human, animal (birds, bear, child, leopard, iguana), and other symbols (sun, moon)	Kelum & Wickremasinghe, 2014 Still, 1910
53	Thoppigala Narakamulla (Batticaloa District)	Rock paintings
54	Thelambukemagalge (Monaragala District)		Somadeva et al., 2019
55	Umagekanda (Ampara District)	Rock paintings. Includes the figures of human, and other symbols	Kelum & Wickremasinghe, 2014 Somadeva et al., 2019
56	Urakanda (Kegalle District)	Rock engravings. Includes triangular shapes, Siripatula	Senanayaka & Rammungoda, 2010
57	Ussagala (Monaragala District)	Rock paintings. Includes the figures of human, animal, and other geometric shapes	Kelum & Wickremasinghe, 2014 Somadeva et al., 2019
58	Valagampura (Ampara District)	Rock paintings. Includes the figures of human, animal (deer, elephant), and other symbols (hangotu, beehive)	Kelum & Wickremasinghe, 2014 Somadeva et al., 2019
59	Vettambugala (Ampara District)	Rock paintings. Includes the figures of human, animal (elephant, deer), lines, and other symbols	Somadeva et al., 2019

References

1) Browning, G. F. R., 1919. Some Rock Drawing at Dorawaka in Kegalla District. Ceylon Antiquary and literary Register, Vol.IV. Part IV. pp.226-227.

2) Kelum, M.A., Wickremasinghe, H., 2014. Action Plan for Conservation & Sustainable Use of Palaeobiodiversity in Sri Lanka. Biodiversity Secretariat, Ministry of Environment & Renewable Energy. pp.68-70.

3) Medhananda, Ven. Ellawala, 2003. Pacheena passa - Uttara passa: Negenahira palata ha uturu palate Sinhala bauddha urumaya (In Sinhala). Dayawansa Jayakody & Company. Colombo. ISBN: 978-955-686-112-9. pp.212-215.

4) Seligman, C.G., Seligman, B.Z., Myers, C.S. and Gunasekara, A.M., 1911. The veddas (Vol. 1). The University Press. pp.318-

5) Senanayaka, J., Rammungoda, U.R., 2010. Petroglyphs of Urakanda - Sri Lanka : A preliminary account. Sirinimal Lakdusinghe Felicitation Volume. pp.247-253.

6) Somadeva, R., Wanninayake, A., Devage, D., Fernando, R., 2019. A review of rock art studies in Sri Lanka. Expression N° 25. ISSN:2499-1341. pp.70-85. 

7) Still, J., 1910. Tantrimalai: Some archæological observations and deductions. The Journal of the Ceylon Branch of the Royal Asiatic Society of Great Britain & Ireland 22, no. 63. pp.73-10.

8) Sumanarathna, A.R., Aouititen, M., Taylor, B., Sameera, G. and Bandara, A., 2020. Fundamental inspection report- relevant to astrotourism, geotourism, and archaeological potentials: Vistas and unique opportunities of Dhanigala circular rock Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka. pp.2-50.

9) Thantilage, A.; Dissanayaka, R.A.; Bogahawatta, C.; Vithanage, I.; Senanayaka, J.; Wijesinghe, T.K.; Ekanayaka, E.M.L.S.S., 2016. An account of the recently discovered rock art site at Kurullangala in Ella, Sri Lanka. Laboratory of Cultural Material Analysis Publication Series-4. Postgraduate Institute of Archaeology, University of Kelaniya. pp.1-12.

 

This page was last updated on 18 January 2023

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Matara Fort

The Matara Fort (Sinhala: මාතර බලකොටුව; Tamil: மாத்தறைக் கோட்டை) is an ancient fort situated in Matara District, Sri Lanka. It has been erected on the land between the sea and the estuary of the Nilwala Ganga River.

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History

Although the fort at Matara is believed to have been built by the Portuguese during the period of Dharmapala of Kotte (1550-1597 A.D.), the actual fort was built by the Dutch sometime after they took Matara, after the capture of Galle from the Portuguese in 1640 (Abeyawardana, 2004; De Silva, 1988; Mandawala, 2012).

 

The fort was the sole Dutch defence at Matara when a rebellion took place there in 1760 mainly due to the Dutch endeavour to register peasants' holding of lands and either to dispossess or tax them if they couldn't prove title (De Silva, 1988). Sinhalese forces backed by the Kandyan Kingdom captured the Matara Fort in March 1761 and held it for nearly one year (Abeyawardana, 2004; De Silva, 1988; Wikramaratne, 2015). The Dutch retook the fort in February 1762 and decided to erect the Star Fort on the western bank of the Nilwala Ganga River to strengthen their defences (De Silva, 1988; Wikramaratne, 2015).

 

The date 1789 A.D. is found recorded over the entrance of the fort and that is believed to be the date of a later restoration and strengthening of the fort and not the date it was built (Abeyawardana, 2004). On 24 February 1796, the fort was ceremoniously handed over to the British by the Dutch (Abeyawardana, 2004; Wikramaratne, 2015).

The fort

The fort has been built with coral and stones (Abeyawardana, 2004). The rampart and the entrance of the fort still remain. The rampart is about 240 m long, 13 m thick and 5 m tall with two side lengths of 80 m each (De Silva, 1988). The central projection is 70 m along each side and 70 m from point to base (De Silva, 1988). The gate has been set somewhat south of the centre of the northern section of the rampart (De Silva, 1988). During the Dutch period, the fort is said to have been used as the commanding base for the inland forts at Katuwana, Akuressa and Hakmana. Also, there was an elephant stable at the site where the present District Secretariat building is located (Abeyawardana, 2004).

 

A few monuments that are dating from the Dutch and British periods are found inside the fort. The Dutch Reformed Church is considered one of the earliest surviving monuments dating from the Dutch period [(1656-1796 A.D.) Abeyawardana, 2004]. The courthouse, the resthouse, the police station, and the clock tower (1883) are a few buildings belonging to the British period [(1796-1948 A.D.) Abeyawardana, 2004; Wikramaratne, 2015].

The rampart and the gate of the fort were restored in 1985-86 by a Dutch firm named Ballast Nedam (De Silva, 1988).

A protected site

The fort rampart (in land plot no. 6 of the Mulika Pimbura no. 12876), in the Divisional Secretary’s Division of Matara, is an archaeological protected monument, declared by a government gazette notification published on 18 January 1974. 

Attribution

1) IMG_7399 by Dhammika Heenpella is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

2) 20121201-DSC_0208 by Dhammika Heenpella is licensed under CC BY-NC 2.0

References

1) Abeyawardana, H.A.P., 2004. Heritage of Ruhuna: Major natural, cultural and historic sites. Colombo: The Central Bank of Sri Lanka. ISBN: 955-575-073-4. pp.65-67.
2) De Silva, R.R.K., 1988. Illustrations and Views of Dutch Ceylon 1602-1796: A Comprehensive Work of Pictorial Reference with Selected Eye-Witness Accounts. Brill Archive. pp.173-179,180-181.
3) Mandawala, P.B., 2012. Sri Lanka: Defending the military heritage; legal, administrative and financial challenges. Defending the military heritage; legal, financial, and administrative issues. Reports from the Seminar 16 – 17 May, 2011, in Karlskrona, Sweden, organised by ICOMOS International Scientific Committee for Legal, Financial and Administrative Issues (ICLAFI) and the Swedish Fortifications Agency of Sweden. p.101. 
4) The Gazette of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka. No: 95. 18 January 1974. 
5) Wikramaratne, I., 2015. Pauranika Sthana Saha Smaraka: Matara Distrikkaya (In Sinhala). Department of Archaeology (Sri Lanka). ISBN: 955-9159-54-2. pp.55-57,59-60.

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Matara Star Fort

The Star Fort or Redoubt van Eck (Sinhala: මාතර තාරකා කොටුව; Tamil: விண்மீன் கோட்டை) is a Dutch fort situated in Matara District, Sri Lanka. Built on the western bank of the Nilwala Ganga River, the fort is located about 400 m from the entrance of the Matara Fort. It is the last major defensive work built by the Dutch in Sri Lanka (Abeyawardana, 2004; De Silva, 1988).

. 

History

The Dutch who occupied several coastal parts of Sri Lanka after expelling the Portuguese gained control of the Matara Fort by the 17th century. In 1760 a rebellion took place at Matara mainly due to the Dutch endeavour to register peasants' holding of lands and either to dispossess or tax them if they couldn't prove title (De Silva, 1988). Sinhalese forces backed by the Kandyan Kingdom captured the Matara Fort in March 1761 and held it for a period of nearly one year (De Silva, 1988; Wikramaratne, 2015). The Dutch retook the fort in February 1762 and decided to erect the Star Fort on the western bank of the Nilwala Ganga River in order to strengthen their defences (De Silva, 1988; Wikramaratne, 2015).

The construction work of the Star Fort was begun in 1763 and completed in 1765 (Abeyawardana, 2004; Mandawala, 2012; Wikramaratne, 2015). A person named Orukema Muhandiram was in charge of this construction under the Dutch Governor Baron Van Eck (Mandawala, 2012; Wikramaratne, 2015). After the fort was built, it was used as barracks with the residential accommodation for the Commanding Officer.

 

In 1796, the fort was fallen under the rule of the British (Abeyawardana, 2004; Wikramaratne, 2015). During their time, the fort was used as a residence for government officials and maintained under the Public Works Department (Abeyawardana, 2004; De Silva, 1988). 

 

By 1965, the fort was the public library of Matara Urban Council (Abeyawardana, 2004; Wikramaratne, 2015). In 1980, it was taken over by the Department of Archaeology (Abeyawardana, 2004; Wikramaratne, 2015).

The fort

The fort has been built in the shape of a unique six-pointed star (Abeyawardana, 2004; De Silva, 1988; Wikramaratne, 2015). It is surrounded by a moat and a drawbridge with arches has been built at the main gate. Although the drawbridge no longer exists, the attractive gateway with the Dutch coat of arms is still well preserved (De Silva, 1988; Mandawala, 2012). The moat had been filled with earth but was later excavated and preserved by the Department of Archaeology (Abeyawardana, 2004). After the main gate, there are two similar gates and two inner rooms (Wikramaratne, 2015). A deep well is found in the middle of the fort (Wikramaratne, 2015).

The gate

The attractive arch-shaped entrance gate of Matara Star Fort is considered a splendid example of Dutch colonial architecture (De Silva, 1988). The semi-circular upper portion of it is ornamented with the VOC (Vereenigde Oostindische Compagnie: United East Indian Company) initials (De Silva, 1988; Wikramaratne, 2015). Below it is the name of the fort, Redoute van Eck (De Silva, 1988). A plaque with van Eck's coat of arms, flanked by two lions is found immediately below the fort name (De Silva, 1988). Also, the initials of van Eck (L.I.V.E.) and the year "1763" are denoted on the bottom of it (Wikramaratne, 2015).

Two long narrow slots into which the beams of the drawbridge (now vanished) retracted are found on either side of the upper half of the gate (De Silva, 1988).

 

Inscription

An inscription is found immediately above the arch-gate of the fort.

As De Ly, opperkoopman en secunde van het Gaals commant mitsd'. Dessave deser landen, AO MDCCLXV

A protected site

The Star Fort at Matara town (in Uyanwatta land located in the southern section of land plot no. 1 of the Mulika Pimbura no. 12875), in the Divisional Secretary’s Division of Matara is an archaeological protected monument, declared by a government gazette notification published on 26 March 1959. 

Attribution

1) Dutch Star Fort, Matara 0689, Dutch Star Fort, Matara 0691, and Dutch Star Fort, Matara 0697 by G41rn8 (Michael Gunther) are licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

References

1) Abeyawardana, H.A.P., 2004. Heritage of Ruhuna: Major natural, cultural and historic sites. Colombo: The Central Bank of Sri Lanka. ISBN: 955-575-073-4. pp.67-68.

2) De Silva, R.R.K., 1988. Illustrations and Views of Dutch Ceylon 1602-1796: A Comprehensive Work of Pictorial Reference with Selected Eye-Witness Accounts. Brill Archive. pp.180-183.

3) Mandawala, P.B., 2012. Sri Lanka: Defending the military heritage; legal, administrative and financial challenges. Defending the military heritage; legal, financial, and administrative issues. Reports from the Seminar 16 – 17 May, 2011, in Karlskrona, Sweden, organised by ICOMOS International Scientific Committee for Legal, Financial and Administrative Issues (ICLAFI) and the Swedish Fortifications Agency of Sweden. p.101. 

4) The Gazette of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka. No: 11709. 26 March 1959. 

5) Wikramaratne, I., 2015. Pauranika Sthana Saha Smaraka: Matara Distrikkaya (In Sinhala). Department of Archaeology (Sri Lanka). ISBN: 955-9159-54-2. pp.59-60.

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This page was last updated on 30 April 2023

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