Photo: Nahid Sultan
This work was made by Nahid Sultan and released under the license(s) stated below. Please feel free to use it for any purpose as long as you credit Nahid Sultan as author and follo · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia CommonsRankoth Vehera Stupa
Verification: in review · Coordinates: unverified
What is this site?
The largest in Polonnaruwa, standing 180 feet high; built entirely of brick in the classical Anuradhapura tradition with four elaborately decorated frontispieces.
Why it matters
Demonstrates the continuation of colossal construction into the medieval era, inspired directly by the Ruwanwelisaya.
Description
Commissioned by King Nissanka Malla, who had stone inscriptions erected around the terrace describing his supervision of the building works. Associated patrons (as supplied): King Nissanka Malla. Key features to look for: Colossal brick dome with preserved lime plaster sections; Carved stone Vahalkada frontispieces with elephant reliefs; Stone pillar inscription of King Nissanka Malla on the terrace; Surrounding brick image shrines and monastic enclosures.
Photos
Historical and scholarly sources
- Reference as supplied in project dataset (pending verification): UNESCO Ref: 201 (1982)
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.