Sri Lanka: Statue generally held to be that of of King Parākramabāhu I (r. 1153-1186), Polonnaruwa, 12tth century CE

Parākramabāhu I (Sinhala: මහා පරාක්‍රමබාහු Maha Parākramabāhu (Parākramabāhu the Great) 1123–1186) was king of Sri Lanka from 1153 to 1186. During his reign from the capital at Polonnaruwa, he unified the three sub kingdoms of the island, becoming one of the last monarchs in Sri Lankan history to do so.

Parākramabāhu I oversaw the expansion and beautification of his capital, constructed extensive irrigation systems, reorganized the country's army, reformed Buddhist practices, encouraged the arts and undertook military campaigns in southern India and in Myanmar.

Polonnaruwa, the second most ancient of Sri Lanka's kingdoms, was first declared the capital city by King Vijayabahu I, who defeated the Chola invaders in 1070 CE to reunite the country under a national leader.

Copyright:

CPA Media Co. Ltd.

Photographer:

David Henley

Credit:

Pictures From Asia

Theme:

CULTURAL TRIANGLE