The 11th to 13th century capital of Polonnaruwa has more to see and less to conjecture than the older metropolis ur Pnuradhapura. with its comparatively brief and uncomplicated history (two centuries and a dozen rulers. in contrast with 1,400 years and 123 kings of anuradhapura) and its far more completely preserved ruins, much more recently exposed to the ravages 0f time, polonnaruwa (say poh-loh.na-roo-wah) has a particular fascination for the average visitor.

After their conquest of Anuradhapura. The 11th century cholas set us their capital in polonnaruwa, from which they could more effectively control the outlying regions of the

island. But the sinhalese regained the upper hand under the leadership of Vijayabahu I, who defeated the cholas in 1073.

He was formally consecrated to the kingship in anuradhapura, but kept his capital in polonnaruwa. viayabahu then devoted his reign to rebuilding the country with an improved irrigation system and a strengthened inner core of buddhism. The work was carried on in the latter part of the 12th century by parakramabahu i, under whose guidance the fortifications. The great tank. And a large number of the buildings were erected.

The huge lake upon whose northeastern shore the city of polonnaruwa rests is an inland sea known as the parakrama samudra. Even today its 5.600 acres of water irrigates an estimated 18,200 acres of paddy land The remains of the ancient city and its surrounding monastic and temple complexes consist of a large number of handsome monuments and shrines in brick and stone. The majestic council chambers, the lavishly ornamented vatadage.

The lovely rock cut lotus bath, the colossal statue of king parakramabahu and the beautiful and moving rock cut sculptures of galv1hare are a few of this ancient capital's memorable sights.