Architectural Monuments of Polonnaruwa
Date
1975-09
Authors
Basnayake, Henry Tissera
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Volume Title
Publisher
University of Peradeniya
Abstract
In this study an attempt is made to examine the extant architectural monuments (Buddhist) that were erected in Polonnaruva from the time it became the capital of Sri Lanka, to the period of its decline at the end of the 12th century A.D.
After a brief introduction in the first chapter, the second chapter sets out to examine the monasteries erected in Polonnaruva mentioned in the literary sources, and to establish their identity with the extant remains as far as possible. The third and fourth chapters present a detailed description of the extant Buddhist monuments, classifying them into building types on the basis of their character and function, with a view to providing an understanding of the architectural features found in each type. Finally in the fifth chapter the architectural components of the different building types are examined in detail comparing them with those of the early period in order to show the architectural traditions existing in ancient Sri Lanka. The conclusion brings out in brief, the main characteristic features of the architecture of the period under survey.
Illustrations with maps and‘plates are included in Volume II.
Description
Keywords
buddhist monuments , architectural features , polonnaruva