Anuradhapura Ancient City
Anuradhapura, an ancient city in Sri Lanka, holds immense significance as an archaeological site within the country’s cultural landscape. Historical records indicate that Anuradhapura served as the capital for the ancient Sri Lankan kings from the 5th century BC until the 11th century AD. However, in 1073, this once thriving and advanced metropolis was abandoned, leading to the gradual engulfment of its palaces, monasteries, stupas, and temples by the surrounding forest. Fortunately, several of these structures have been rediscovered during the 20th century.
Archaeological findings suggest that early modern humans arrived in Sri Lanka approximately 130,000 years ago. Among the significant archaeological sites in Sri Lanka, the ancient city of Anuradhapura holds great importance. Located in the Dry Zone lowlands of the country, Anuradhapura has evidence of human settlements dating back to the prehistoric Stone Age. Excavations conducted at the Anuradhapura Citadel have uncovered prehistoric artifacts, including stone tools, which have been dated to around 5850 Cal BP. Similar excavations at sites like the Anuradhapura Jethavana monastery and the Vessagiriya cave site have also revealed numerous artifacts, providing documentation of human habitation during prehistoric times.
The city's journey from an Early Iron Age settlement to a thriving medieval metropolis showcases its remarkable evolution throughout history.
Iron technology was introduced to Anuradhapura around 950 BCE. Discoveries from archaeological excavations indicate that the people of Anuradhapura during the Early Iron Age utilized iron, horses, pottery, and engaged in small-scale agriculture. The initial settlement in the Anuradhapura Citadel area during this period is estimated to have covered approximately 10 hectares between 900 and 800 BCE, expanding to at least 50 hectares by 700 to 600 BCE.
Archaeological findings from the Basal Early Historic Period (600–500 BCE) provide evidence of early Brahmi writing on pottery fragments and imported pottery items. Excavations have also revealed the presence of postholes and structures that reflect a rural architectural style, characterized by circular houses constructed using organic materials. In the Lower Early Historic Period (500–250 BCE), King Pandukabaya (437–367 BCE) established the city of Anuradhapura. During the Middle Early Historic Period (250 BCE to 100 CE), Anuradhapura was recognized as one of the ten largest cities in South Asia.
The age-old road infrastructure in Anuradhapura.
The road network in Anuradhapura was designed in a perpendicular manner, featuring four major roads that linked the city with Jambukola (Jaffna), Mantai (Manner), the central highlands, and Trincomalee. One of the remaining traces of this road system is an ancient stone bridge that spans the Malwathu Oya river to the north of the city. This bridge is aligned with the road leading towards the ancient seaport of Mantai on the northwest coast, which served as the primary port for the ancient settlement of Anuradhapura. Additionally, there was a road that extended from the eastern gate of Anuradhapura, likely connecting the city with the east coast where Seruwila was situated. Seruwila was a significant area for the extraction of copper and iron during historical times. Other remnants of stone bridges can be found along the Malwatu Oya river to the east of the ancient city, near Kanadarawa wewa, and within the Yan Oya catchment area. These bridges provide evidence of the route that connected Anuradhapura with the east coast.
Anuradhapura, the capital of the Anuradhapura Kingdom, served as a significant religious and political hub.
Buddhism was first introduced to ancient Sri Lanka in the 3rd century BCE. As a result, the architectural and town planning concepts of North India had a direct influence on the landscape. Over the following centuries, major monasteries were built, encircling the ancient fortified city center known as the Citadel. Anuradhapura, the city, soon developed into a fully-fledged urban center with a centralized administration and the ability to control resources from outside areas. Additionally, the Dry Zone civilization thrived, with a structured society that included industries, irrigation agriculture, and the necessary infrastructure for its growth.
During the Upper Early Historic Period (100–300 CE), Anuradhapura experienced rapid development and became the primary cultural and economic hub of ancient Sri Lanka. The people of Anuradhapura had strong trade networks and cultural connections. In the Middle Historic times (300–1200 CE), a second ring of monasteries was constructed in the outer suburbs of Anuradhapura. During the 7th and 8th centuries CE, a different type of monastery was added to the western boundary of the city, completing the monastic developments in the area. Altogether, there are 14 of these monasteries known as Padanagara parivena or meditation monasteries. The most notable archaeological features that can still be seen in the landscape today are the magnificent stupas, which were constructed during the later phase of the city’s development.
Leaving of Anuradhapura
Following the invasion in 1077 CE (Chulawamsa, 1953, lviii), Anuradhapura was deserted, and the capital was relocated to Polonnaruwa, situated approximately 30 km east of Anuradhapura. The irrigation landscape reached its peak during the reign of the Polonnaruwa kingdom. However, in the mid-13th century CE, Polonnaruwa succumbed to invasions from South India. Consequently, the kingdom was relocated to the intermediate and wet zones of the country, leading to the abandonment of the irrigation civilization. As a result, the once magnificent palaces, monasteries, stupas, and temples were gradually engulfed by the encroaching jungle. It was not until the early 20th century that archaeological research commenced, aiming to reconstruct the city’s history and initiate restoration efforts.