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The Shift of Power: Polonnaruwa Rises as Anuradhapura Falls (1017 CE)
In the year 1017 CE, a significant shift occurred in the political and cultural landscape of Sri Lanka. The ancient city of Anuradhapura, which had served as the capital of the island for over a millennium, was supplanted by Polonnaruwa. This transition marked the end of an era and the beginning of a new chapter in Sri Lankan history.
Anuradhapura, established in the 4th century BCE, was one of the most enduring and influential capitals in South Asia. It was a center of Theravada Buddhism, boasting grand stupas, monasteries, and a sophisticated irrigation system that supported a thriving agricultural society. However, by the early 11th century, Anuradhapura faced numerous challenges, including invasions, internal strife, and the shifting dynamics of regional power.
The Chola Empire of South India, under the leadership of Rajendra Chola I, launched a series of invasions into Sri Lanka. In 1017 CE, the Cholas captured Anuradhapura, sacking the city and forcing the Sinhalese king, Mahinda V, into exile. The Cholas established their dominance over the northern part of the island, marking the end of Anuradhapura's reign as the capital.
With Anuradhapura under Chola control, the Sinhalese rulers shifted their base of power to Polonnaruwa, a city located further southeast. Polonnaruwa had already been a significant regional center, but its elevation to the status of capital marked a new phase in its development. The city was strategically located, offering better defense against future invasions and access to fertile lands for agriculture.
Under the rule of Vijayabahu I (1055-1110 CE), Polonnaruwa became a thriving capital. Vijayabahu successfully expelled the Cholas from Sri Lanka in 1070 CE, reunifying the island and restoring Sinhalese sovereignty. He initiated extensive building projects, including temples, palaces, and irrigation works, transforming Polonnaruwa into a magnificent city that rivaled the grandeur of Anuradhapura.
Despite the change in capital, the cultural and religious traditions of Anuradhapura continued to flourish in Polonnaruwa. The city became a center of Buddhist learning and art, with the construction of iconic structures such as the Gal Vihara, a rock temple featuring colossal Buddha statues. The irrigation systems developed in Polonnaruwa were among the most advanced of their time, supporting a prosperous agricultural economy.
The shift from Anuradhapura to Polonnaruwa was more than just a change of capital; it represented a resilience and adaptability of the Sinhalese civilization in the face of external threats. Polonnaruwa's rise as a capital city ensured the continuity of Sri Lanka's cultural and political identity, even as the island navigated the challenges of foreign invasions and internal conflicts.
In the centuries that followed, Polonnaruwa would itself face decline, but its legacy as a center of power and culture remains a testament to the enduring spirit of Sri Lanka's history. The transition from Anuradhapura to Polonnaruwa in 1017 CE is a pivotal moment that underscores the island's ability to reinvent itself in the face of adversity.