Exploring Ancient Cities of Sri Lanka Anuradhapura vs Polonnaruwa

Описание: Great topic! Here’s an overview of Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa — two of Sri Lanka's ancient cities — focusing on architecture, old products, jewelry, and culture.
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📜 Anuradhapura (377 BCE - 1017 CE)
1. Architecture
• Stupas (Dagobas): Massive brick structures like Ruwanwelisaya, Jetavanaramaya, and Abhayagiri Stupa — some of the largest stupas in the world.
• Monasteries: Large monastic complexes such as Abhayagiri Monastery and Mahavihara.
• Ponds & Reservoirs: Kuttam Pokuna (Twin Ponds) are advanced bathing tanks showing engineering skills.
• Moonstones (Sandakada Pahana): Semi-circular carved stones at the entrance of important buildings, rich in symbolic carvings of animals, flames, and lotus flowers.
• Pillared Halls: Audience halls with beautifully carved stone pillars (like Lovamahapaya).
2. Old Products & Daily Life Items
• Clay Pots & Utensils: Used for cooking and storing.
• Stone Grinding Mills: Used for preparing flour and spices.
• Terracotta Figurines: Small clay statues for religious and decorative purposes.
• Coins: Ancient copper and gold coins (Kahapana) used for trade.
• Medicinal Tools: Tools related to Ayurveda practice.
3. Jewelry
• Gold & Gem Jewelry: Earrings, necklaces, and bangles were crafted using local gems (like sapphires) and gold.
• Beads: Made from semi-precious stones and glass.
• Crown-like Headpieces: Especially for royalty and temple statues.
4. Culture
• Buddhism: Centered around Theravada Buddhism, with temple rituals, offerings, and pilgrimages.
• Festivals: Poson Poya, marking the introduction of Buddhism.
• Royal Patronage: Kings like Dutugemunu and Devanampiya Tissa supported construction and religious work.
• Art: Murals and carvings depicting Jataka tales and Buddhist teachings.
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📜 Polonnaruwa (11th - 13th Century CE)
1. Architecture
• Stupas & Shrines: Stupas like Rankoth Vehera, Gal Vihara (rock-cut Buddha statues), and Lankathilaka Image House.
• Royal Palaces: Parakramabahu's Palace, a grand multi-storey structure.
• Irrigation Systems: Advanced water management including Parakrama Samudraya, a massive man-made reservoir.
• Audience Halls: With beautifully carved moonstones, guard stones, and stone pillars.
• Hindu Shrines: Influence from South Indian Chola period, with temples dedicated to Shiva.
2. Old Products & Daily Life Items
• Bronze & Copper Utensils: Used for cooking, offerings, and ceremonies.
• Ceramics & Pottery: Cooking pots, storage jars, and decorative items.
• Trade Goods: Spices, pearls, and gems traded with South India, China, and the Middle East.
• Weapons & Armor: Swords, shields, and spears used by the military.
• Stone Sculptures: Buddha statues, guardian figures, and animal carvings.
3. Jewelry
• Gold & Gem Adornments: Royal jewelry with intricate designs — rings, bangles, necklaces, and anklets.
• Bead Work: High-quality beads from precious and semi-precious stones.
• Hair Ornaments: Decorative pins and headpieces.
4. Culture
• Buddhist & Hindu Coexistence: Both religions flourished, with Buddhist stupas and Hindu kovils side by side.
• Royal Court Culture: Poets, scholars, and artists were patronized.
• Language & Literature: Inscriptions in Sinhala and Tamil, promoting religious and political messages.
• Art & Music: Temple murals, classical music, and dance performances at royal events.
• Clothing: Royals wore silk and cotton garments, often decorated with gold thread.
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✨ Comparison of Anuradhapura & Polonnaruwa
Feature Anuradhapura Polonnaruwa
Time Period 4th Century BCE - 11th Century CE 11th - 13th Century CE
Architecture Style Massive stupas, monastic complexes, stone carvings Hindu & Buddhist influence, refined stonework, and larger palace structures
Jewelry Heavy use of gold and local gems More refined techniques, influenced by South Indian craftsmanship
Cultural Focus Purely Buddhist Blend of Buddhist & Hindu traditions
Economy & Trade Local trade + connections to India & Rome International trade with China, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East