Cultural Triangle

Covering a triangular geographical area is the archaeologists’ demarcation to specify certain important cities or locations that are known for historical and heritage reputation. Monuments, inscriptions, ruins, artefacts etc, speak volumes on ancient glories and incredible feats although the modern world sees no relevance for today on the periphery. Yet, some of those residual aspects do enlighten the minds today. Outside of this triangle are also other places of noteworthy historical remains. Within this marked triangle are the ancient Kingdom cities Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa which were capitals during different eras. Sigiriya and Dambulla too are incorporate within for their inextricable part during ancient kingdom reigns.

While most of the above mentioned underscore the rulers and their mode of reign including the wars and exploits there are the Buddhist monasteries, stupas and temples known as viharas in the local dialect, which played prominent part on the lives of the kings as well as the masses. Paintings, sculptures, inscriptions and monuments stand as witnesses of their significance. Civilizations from period to period have been wise enough to preserve them even though natural interventions did destroy some of them. These are collection of over a 2500 year history. And the devotees of today make annual pilgrimage to these places which are considered as sacred areas making them important an untarnished in fame.

Some of these remnants as it were have some link to their contemporary South Indian culture and art as well as Kings form the neighbouring country did interact with the locals and in fact at times ruled as well. Hence, for a studious historian it will serve to complete the theses. It would amaze many to see how the culture and some tradition have a bearing on the modern Sri Lankan even after centuries despite modernization development going hand in hand. The bedrock on which Sri Lankan’s have emerged appears to be so strong in that sense.