The 2nd most ancient of Sri Lanka's kingdoms, Polonnaruwa was first declared the capital city by King Vijayabahu I, who defeated the Chola invaders in 1070 CE to reunite the country once more under a local leader.
After ruling the country for over 1200 years from the Kingdom of Anuradhapura, Sri Lankan kings decide to move their capital to Polonnaruwa as it was further inland from Anuradhapura and therefore gave them more time to organize defenses in times of foreign invasion. Polonnaruwa had previously been an important settlement in country as it commanded the crossings of the Mahaweli Ganga towards Anuradhapura.
Some of the rulers of Polonnaruwa include Vijayabahu I and Parakramabahu I Parakramabahu the Great. Polonnaruwa that remains today dates from after the 1150s, as the extensive civil wars that preceded Parakramabahu's accession to the throne devastated the city.
Find out more interesting photos of Polonnaruwa at below links:
Some of the rulers of Polonnaruwa include Vijayabahu I and Parakramabahu I Parakramabahu the Great. Polonnaruwa that remains today dates from after the 1150s, as the extensive civil wars that preceded Parakramabahu's accession to the throne devastated the city.
Find out more interesting photos of Polonnaruwa at below links:
