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Dambadeniya is a destroyed ancient city situated in the North Western Province (Wayamba) province of Sri Lanka that served as the capital of Sri Lanka in the mid 13th century. Much of Dambadeniya still lies buried on a huge fortified rock. Dambadeniya is situated about 31 km from Kurunegala, the modern day capital of the North Western (Wayamba) province.
It is believed that the Dambadeniya period was the 'Golden Era' of Sinhalese Literature.[who?]
Dambadeniya Period
Dambadeniya, about 30 km south-west of Kurunegala, became prominent in the mid-13th century when the capital was moved there by Parakramabahu II (1236- 1270)[1] together with the Tooth Relic. Little remains of the palace buildings, though 6 ponds are still there. The 2-storey temple (originally three) about 400m south, which has Buddha images, is identified as the Vijayasundaramaya. It has some interesting wall paintings dating from the 18th century, when it was restored. It was used to exhibit the Tooth Relic, which was normally housed in another temple near the palace.
Dambadeniya, on the Kurunegala - Nigombo road, was a Royal capital in the mid 13th century. Excavations have uncovered remains of the temple of the Tooth Relic and the Royal Palace, ponds and garden layouts, moats and city walls etc.
Dambadeniya is historic in nature and majestic in repose. It was selected as the capital of the kingdom of Sri Lanka by king Vijayabahu the 3rd (1232 - 36). The sovereignty of the country was at stake as a result of invasions, which dislodged Polonnaruwa as the capital. Vijayabahu, the king of the Dambadeniya dynasty fought the invaders and established Dambadeniya. On the summit of the Dambadeniya rock he built fortifications and sturdy walls and gates. The city was made secure in its day by a moat, a marsh and ramparts round the royal palace. During the reign of king Parakramabahu (1236-70), Dambadeniya reached the zenith of its glory.
See also
References
- Amaradasa Liyanagamage, The decline of Polonnaruwa and the rise of Dambadeniya, Department of Cultural Affairs, Government Press, Colombo, Sri Lanka. 1968.