- Sri Lanka/
Polonnaruwa
The origins of Polonnaruwa date back to the 6th century BC when a minister of King Vijaya established a town called "Vijitha Grama" in what is now known as Kaduruwela. Polonnaruwa's significance grew over time, particularly due to its large irrigation tanks and complex waterways built by various rulers from Anuradhapura, the first kingdom in Sri Lanka that lasted over 15 centuries from the 4th century BC. In fact, some Anuradhapura kings chose Polonnaruwa as their ruling capital whenever Anuradhapura was under siege.
The famous "Battle of Vijithapura" between King Dutugamunu and Tamil invader Elara also took place in Polonnaruwa. Later, the Chola Invaders from South India captured the last king of Anuradhapura, Mahinda V, in 993 and destroyed everything in Anuradhapura before establishing their ruling capital in Polonnaruwa, which they called "Jananathapuram" in 1017.
During this period, most Sinhalese in the area migrated south to escape the Tamil ruler's cruelty. However, in 10...
Other places in Polonnaruwa