Sri Lanka History FDC

Sri Lanka FDC
Name: Ancient Sri Lanka – Late Anuradhapura Era
Issue date: 16 September 2008

Anuradhapura, (அனுராதபுரம் in Tamil), is one of the ancient capitals of Sri Lanka, famous for its well-preserved ruins of ancient Lankan civilization.

The city, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, lies 205 km north of the current capital Colombo in Sri Lanka's North Central Province, on the banks of the historic Malvathu Oya.

Founded in the 4th century BC, it was the capital of the Anuradhapura Kingdom until the beginning of the 11th century AD. During this period it remained one of the most stable and durable centers of political power and urban life in South Asia. The ancient city, considered sacred to the Buddhist world, is today surrounded by monasteries covering an area of over sixteen square miles (40 km²). Anuradhapura is also significant in Hindu legend as the fabled capital of the Asura King Ravana in the Ramayana. More...

Denominations:
5.00: Ancient Sophisticated Technology and Technique: Middle age Gold Coin, its mould and gold ingot used for manufacturing gold coin
Ran Kahavanu is type of coin used in Ceylon from 8th century AD to the 11th century AD. Half of the Kahavanu (1/2) was identified as "Half Kahavanu" and (1/4) quarter of the Kahavanu was identified as "Deaka Alias Palaya" and 1/8 of the coin was identified as "Aka" Information gathered reveal that the "Aka" coin had been in use up to almost the 15th century. Doubts have been raised with regard to symbols and notes on the obverse and reverse of the coins. The date of issue and the name of the king are not indicated in any of the coins. The coins have been manufactured by pouring melted gold into a clay mould made in the form of two lids.

Several lumps of gold recovered at the Abhayagiriya excavations are identified as "Gold tablets" (Swarna Palaka Pinda).

The weight has been indicated in the coins. The recovery of twenty two gold coins along with five "Swarna Palaka Pinda" (Gold Tablets) makes one believe that these lumps had been used in the manufacture of gold coins.

10.00: Architecture: Medirigiriya, Vatadageya and its conjectural drawing
The Medirigiriya Viharaya has been a prominent Buddhist Sangarama in existence from the early Anuradhapura period. The most ancient source of information relating to Medirigiriya is the Mahavamsa indication that King Kanittatissa built a Simamalaka for the Mandalagiri Viharaya in 2nd century AD (167-186AD) mention is also made that in 7the century AD. During the reign of King Agrabodhi IV a person named Malayarasa had erected an attractive Watadage for the stupa which existed there. This Watadage had been renovated by several kings who reigned later. It is also revealed that the Mandalagiri Viharaya had been a significant Buddhist centre up to 13th century AD.

The most glorious architectural construction is this Vihara complex is considered to be the Vatadageya. The Watadegeya erected on an elevated circular dais, encircling the smaller stupas, gains prominence as an excellent architectural structure among all other Watadageyas in existence. This stamp depicts the remnants of this Watadage, and a creative design of the original nature of the Watadage, determine after an extensive study.

15.00: Sanitation, Living standard and Conservation of Environment: Urinal stone at Western Monasteries in Anuradhapura and cross section of Sanitary system
This is a urinal stone belonging to the western monastery 'Padhanagara' Complex reserved for Pansakulika monks. In this Padhanagara complex, the only art of carving is the urinal stone scholars are of the view that these carvings made only on the urinal stone reflects the view that all worldly possessions should be shunned or treated with contempt.

The Pit of the Urinal stone is formed by placing three large terra-cotta pots placed one on top of another. The urine is filtered through the fillings in the pots and ultimately drains on the soil as pure water. The priority placed in such ancient times on Health and Sanitation and the technology used can be considered as superb.

20.00: Jewellery: Bangle, Necklace with a Pendent, Anklet and Teerracotta beads Necklace
The jewellery recovered at Abhayagiriya is fabulous creations which portray the expertise in jewellery manufacturing. A necklace with a pendant, a bangle and foot ornaments are included. The fine and delicate carvings herein depicts the excellent creative ability of the sculptor. The necklace is made of gold thread.

The necklace adorned with clay heads shown in the background, was gathered from the Jetawana Vihara complex. All these belong to the post Anuradhapura period.

30.00: Art & Sculpture: Bodhisatva Vajrapani and Avalokithesvara at Buduruwagala and Sculpture of Royal Family at Isurumuniya
The Buduruvagala Bodhisatva Statue carved on a mountain, remains an exemplary carving among the Mahayana statues in Sri Lanka. The present remnants provide evidence that the statue was plastered and stained later. Depicted here are the Avalokatheshwara Maithriya and Wajrapani Bodhisatva triad in existence among other statues. The statues are considered to be belonging to the 8th-9th centuries AD.

The carved tabled identified as the 'Royal Family' at present exhibited at the Isurumuniya Vihara Museum, originally said to have been in the Ranmasu Uyana is a superb piece of carving in the Island. These carvings depicting the Gupta style of sculpture are extremely charming. Professor Senarath Paranavithana is of opinion that the carving portrays King Dutugemunu with his queen in conversation with Saliya - Asokamala in the palace of prince Saliya.

Comment: Jesus! Too many strange words in this article, so it's hard to understand it clearly. How about your feeling?

Ancient Sri Lanka Series FDCs:
2nd Series: Proto - Historic Era & Early Anuradhapura Era
3rd Series: Late Anuradhapura Era