histoy G-10 E

Plan no. 7.2. A sketch of

the ancient Polonnaruwa

city.

As Sri Lanka participated
actively in the international
trade activities operating
then in the Indian Ocean, an
immense wealth came into
the country. The minority
who was the owners of the
production surplus were
able to live a luxurious life
as they were free from other
external problems. Since
the influx of income needed
to be administered, the
requirement of a mechanism
of administration was felt.
The groups who became the
chieftains due to possession
of surplus gathered in a well
planned settlement. Such
a settlement with markets,
religious buildings for
offerings, aesthetic parks,
defensive moats, and tanks is
called a city. The description

in Mahawamsa about
how King Pandukabhaya
planned Anuradhapura
city proves that ancient
Anuradhapura city was
such a planned one with
a finish.

Anuradhapura continued
to be the capital of the
Island for nearly 1400
years due to its self
sufficiency with food
and animal products
produced by the village

farmers and their efficient engagement in industries including iron industry and irrigation technology

for a long time. Magama city which was in the Southern province was like a mirror which reflected the

cultural advancement of that province.

After the 6th century A.D., the international trade operating in the Indian Ocean fell into the hands

of Arab traders. The Western part of the Indian Ocean, which was the geographical centre of the

international trade affairs in the Indian Ocean, was widened and the South-eastern Asia and the

Pabalu Wehera Tempale Complex