Sri Lanka Anuradhapura History: An Overview of the Ancient Capital
The ancient city of Anuradhapura, located in the north-central region of Sri Lanka, is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. The city was the capital of the Sinhalese kingdom from the 4th century BC until the 11th century AD and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Anuradhapura is a place of great historical and religious significance, and it is home to many important monuments, ruins, and temples.
The city was founded by King Pandukabhaya in the 4th century BC, and it was the first of the great cities of ancient Sri Lanka. During the 5th century BC, the city was a powerful center of Buddhism and the Sinhalese kingdom. Anuradhapura was a major trading center and was home to many craftsmen, merchants, and traders.
Anuradhapura was also home to many great kings, including King Dutugamunu who unified the island of Sri Lanka in the 2nd century BC. During his reign, King Dutugamunu built many of the great monuments and temples that still exist in the city today. One of the most important monuments is the Ruwanwelisaya stupa, which was built in the 2nd century BC and is one of the tallest monuments in the world.
The city of Anuradhapura was also the center of the Sinhalese Buddhist religion. During the 3rd century BC, King Devanampiya Tissa established the Mahavihara monastery, which was one of the most important religious centers in the ancient world. The Mahavihara monastery was home to many great Buddhist scholars and teachers, and it was here that the Pali Canon was first written down.
In the 11th century AD, Anuradhapura was sacked by the Chola kings of South India. The city was abandoned and fell into ruin, but it was later restored by the Sinhalese kings in the 13th century AD. Today, Anuradhapura is a popular tourist destination and is home to many important monuments, temples, and ruins.
Anuradhapura is a city of great historical and religious significance, and it is a place that should be visited by anyone interested in the history of Sri Lanka. The city is home to many important monuments, ruins, and temples, and it is a place of great beauty and spiritual significance. Anuradhapura is a city that is steeped in history and is a must-see for anyone visiting Sri Lanka.