Panduwasnuwara Royal Citadel

What is this site?

Ancient moated capital of the Dakkinadesa principality, containing the well-preserved foundations of a brick royal palace, bathhouses, and the circular Chakkavalaya.

Why it matters

The capital from which King Parakramabahu I organized his military and hydraulic consolidation of Sri Lanka in the 12th century.

Description

Built as Parakramapura; features a distinctive circular earthen rampart traditionally associated with the legend of Princess Unmada Chitra and Prince Pandukabhaya. Associated patrons (as supplied): King Parakramabahu I. Key features to look for: Concentric brick walls of the circular Chakkavalaya moat palace; Royal palace stone threshold and column foundations; Monastic wooden column stone bases in the royal park; Ancient stone toilet slabs showing hydraulic sanitary engineering.

Photos

Historical and scholarly sources

1. Reference as supplied in project dataset (pending verification): Antiquities Schedule 02

Visiting responsibly

Dress modestly at religious sites, remove shoes and hats where requested, never climb on monuments or pose with your back to Buddha images, and follow guidance from custodians and the Department of Archaeology.

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