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The Shift of Power: Polonnaruwa to Yapahuwa in 1310 CE
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In the early 14th century, the island of Sri Lanka witnessed a significant shift in its political and administrative centers. By 1310 CE, the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, which had served as the capital of the Sinhalese kingdom for centuries, was supplanted by Yapahuwa. This transition marked a pivotal moment in Sri Lankan history, reflecting the island's struggle against foreign invasions and internal instability.
Polonnaruwa had been the capital of Sri Lanka since the 11th century, following the decline of Anuradhapura. It flourished under the reign of kings like Parakramabahu I, who transformed it into a thriving center of culture, religion, and governance. However, by the late 13th century, Polonnaruwa began to decline due to a combination of factors, including repeated invasions from South India, internal strife, and the gradual abandonment of the city as a result of these pressures.
Yapahuwa, a rocky fortress located in the northwestern part of the island, emerged as a new center of power during this turbulent period. The shift to Yapahuwa was largely driven by the need for a more defensible location in the face of increasing threats from South Indian invaders, particularly the Pandyan dynasty. The fortress at Yapahuwa, with its steep cliffs and strategic location, offered a natural stronghold against enemy forces.
The transition to Yapahuwa is closely associated with King Bhuvanekabahu I, who ruled during this period. Facing relentless attacks from the Pandyans, Bhuvanekabahu moved the capital to Yapahuwa, where he established a fortified city. The move was not just a military decision but also a symbolic one, as it represented a shift in the kingdom's priorities from cultural and religious grandeur to survival and defense.
Yapahuwa served as the capital for a relatively short period, but it left a lasting legacy. The city was home to a magnificent palace and a temple that housed the Sacred Tooth Relic of the Buddha, a symbol of Sinhalese kingship and spiritual authority. The architecture of Yapahuwa, particularly its ornate stairway and lion sculptures, reflects a unique blend of South Indian and Sinhalese artistic influences, indicative of the cultural exchanges of the time.
Despite its strategic advantages, Yapahuwa's time as the capital was brief. By the mid-14th century, the kingdom faced further invasions, and the capital was moved once again, this time to Kurunegala. The decline of Yapahuwa mirrored the broader challenges faced by the Sinhalese kingdom, which struggled to maintain its sovereignty in the face of external threats and internal fragmentation.
The shift from Polonnaruwa to Yapahuwa in 1310 CE is a testament to the resilience and adaptability of the Sinhalese kingdom during a period of great uncertainty. It highlights the importance of strategic military decisions in shaping the course of history and underscores the enduring significance of the Sacred Tooth Relic as a symbol of Sinhalese identity and continuity.
In conclusion, the transition from Polonnaruwa to Yapahuwa in 1310 CE was a defining moment in Sri Lankan history, marking the end of an era and the beginning of a new chapter in the island's struggle for survival and independence.