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Anuradhapura
| Title: | Anuradhapura | | Author: | Nicholas, C.W. | | Publication: | Marg | | Enumeration: | Vol. 5 Issue no. 3, p. 19-36 | | Abstract: | The 4th-5th and 8th-10th centuries CE were the principal periods of building activity in Anuradhapura, the capital of the kingdom. The town was sacked on six occasions, the Chola invasion during 1017-70 destroyed the town, making the dating of buildings difficult. The extant public utility, sanitary, irrigation, and architectural works are described in the light of the town's history and landscape. The masterly utilization of undulating land, well-developed stone-carving, and the combination of masonry and natural rock formation in the monasteries of Vessagiriya, Tissa-Vera, and the western group make Anuradhapura one of the finest flowerings of Indian art. Most of the architectural remains are religious. After Hocart, it is concluded that the sculptures begin with Amaravati, and some are datable to the Gupta period. No Dravidian influence is detected. Architectural features such as basements, moon stones, guard stones, and balustrades show a process of evolution. The buildings were made of brick, with or without stone reinforcement, but the architecture of Anuradhapura was characterized by extensive use of wood, particularly in buildings, for the people. Source of Abstract: Provided by Publisher | | See Also: | | Tools: |
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