It is an ancient stone fort located in the North Matale district near the city of Dambulla in the Central Province of Sri Lanka. It is a historical and archaeological site dominated by a massive rock column that stands approximately 180 meters (590 feet) tall.
According to an ancient Sri Lankan chronicle, the Kulavamsa, the area was once a vast forest, later turned into a mountain by storms and landslides, and was chosen by King Kasyapa (477–495 AD) for his new capital.
He built his palace on top of this rock and decorated its sides with colorful murals. On a small plateau about halfway up this rock, he built a gate in the form of a huge lion. The name of the place is derived from this structure. After the king's death, the capital and royal palace were abandoned. It was used as a Buddhist monastery until the 14th century. Sigiriya is today a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is one of the best preserved examples of ancient urban planning.
Sigiriya is a rock formed by cooled igneous rocks from an eroded volcano. Rising from the plain beside the canal, it can be seen for miles in any direction. It is situated on a steep building that rises suddenly from the plain surrounding the rock. The rock is 180 meters high and steep on all sides. Most of the sites are mostly protruding. A gentle slope runs down from the oval long guard shape.
Legend has it that Sigiriya was a fort built by King Kasyapa. Sigiri Fort has a long history, and different opinions have been expressed by different people. The name "Sinhagiri" or "Sigiriya" was attached to it as it was built in the style of a Sinharaja at the foot of Maha Pawa, which protrudes to the north with a dark color. In 1898, Mr. HCP Bell stated that even the earliest archeologists of the modern era were as fascinated as the ancients who visited Sinharaja, even though they felt a sense of dread extending miles away. The name "Sinhagiri" or "Sigiriya" was attached to it as it was built in the style of a Sinharaja at the foot of Maha Pawa, which protrudes to the north with a dark color. In 1898, Mr. HCP Bell stated that even the earliest archeologists of the modern era were as fascinated as the ancients who visited Sinharaja, even though they felt a sense of dread extending miles away.
No comments:
Post a Comment