photo credit - https://www.pinterest.com/

Origins of the Anuradhapura Kingdom

The Anuradhapura Kingdom was the longest-lasting kingdom in Sri Lanka, existing from 377 BCE to 1017 CE. It was founded by King Pandukabhaya (377–307 BCE), who established Anuradhapura as the first permanent capital of Sri Lanka. The most widely accepted view, based on primary sources, is that Pandukabhaya's parents were Princess Unmada Chitra and Prince Dighagamini.


                                    Abhayagiriya - photo credit -https://commons.wikimedia.org


Arrival of Buddhism

During the reign of King Devanampiyatissa (247–207 BCE), the Arahant Mahinda and the Venerable Sanghamitta visited Sri Lanka and revived Buddhism. Along with this, the oldest living tree planted by humans in recorded history, the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi (288 BCE), was planted.

Glory of the Anuradhapura Era

• Establishment of Mahavihara, Abhayagiri, and Jetavana monasteries.
• Ruwanweliseya Stupa built by King Dutugemunu.
• Advanced irrigation and reservoir systems.
• Compilation of Mahavamsa and Dipavamsa chronicles.
Kuttampokuna -photo credit -https://commons.wikimedia.org


Decline of the Kingdom

The Anuradhapura Kingdom fell in 1017 CE due to South Indian Chola invasions. The capital was later shifted to Polonnaruwa, marking the end of Anuradhapura’s glorious era.

Ruwanweli stupa -  photo credit - https://www.pinterest.com/


Must-Visit Sites

• Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi
• Ruwanweliseya Stupa
• Thuparama Stupa
• Abhayagiri Monastery
• Jetavanaramaya Stupa
• Isurumuniya Temple
• Kuttam Pokuna (Twin Ponds)
• Mihintale

Rare and Lesser-Known Sites

• Ranmasu Uyana
• Lankarama Dagoba
• Stone Assembly Halls
• Ancient royal palaces and city walls
Jethawanaramaya - photo credit -https://commons.wikimedia.org


Cultural and Historical Significance

1. The spiritual heart of Buddhism in Sri Lanka.
2. Cradle of irrigation and agricultural heritage.
3. A center of art, carvings, and learning.

References

1. Geiger, Wilhelm. The Mahavamsa. Pali Text Society, 1912.
2. Paranavitana, S. History of Ceylon. Colombo University Press, 1959.
3. Nicholas, C.W. Historical Topography of Ancient and Medieval Ceylon. 1963.
4. Department of Archaeology, Sri Lanka. http://www.archaeology.gov.lk
5. UNESCO World Heritage Centre – Anuradhapura https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/200
6. Sri Lanka Tourism – Anuradhapura https://www.srilanka.travel

key words
Anuradhapura, Anuradhapura Kingdom History, Sri Lanka Anuradhapura, Buddhism in Sri Lanka, Sacred City of Anuradhapura, UNESCO World Heritage Sri Lanka, Travel Anuradhapura, Ancient Sri Lanka