Sri Lanka Monaragala History: A Look At The Ancient History Of This Region
Sri Lanka Monaragala is a region in the Eastern Province of Sri Lanka, located in the north-eastern part of the country. The region is known for its rich cultural and archaeological heritage, with evidence of human activity dating back to the Iron Age. Monaragala is home to many ancient sites, including the famous Sigiriya rock fortress, and is one of the most important archaeological sites in the country.
The history of Monaragala is closely linked to the ancient kingdom of Anuradhapura, which was the first major kingdom of Sri Lanka. Anuradhapura was established in the 5th century BCE, and it is believed that the region was part of the kingdom from the beginning. During this period, the region was known as Maha Nuwara, which translates to “Great City”.
The region was home to many great kings, including King Dutugemunu, who is credited with the construction of the famous Sigiriya rock fortress. The fortress was built in the 5th century CE, and is one of the most impressive archaeological sites in the world. The fortress is believed to have been used as a royal residence and a fortress to protect the kingdom from foreign invaders.
In the 11th century CE, the region was conquered by the Chola dynasty of South India. The Cholas ruled the region until the 13th century, when the Sinhalese kingdom of Polonnaruwa took control. The region was then part of the Kingdom of Kotte, which was established by Parakramabahu VI in the 15th century.
During the 16th century, the region was ruled by the Portuguese, and then by the Dutch in the 17th century. The region was then annexed by the British in 1796, and it remained part of the British Empire until Sri Lanka gained independence in 1948.
Today, Monaragala is an important region for Sri Lankan tourism, with many ancient sites and monuments to explore. The region is also home to a number of national parks and reserves, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers. The region is also known for its tea plantations, which produce some of the finest tea in the world.
Monaragala is a region steeped in history, and its ancient sites are a testament to the rich cultural heritage of Sri Lanka. From the ancient kingdom of Anuradhapura to the modern-day tea plantations, Monaragala has a fascinating history that is worth exploring.