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Sri Lanka: An elaborately decorated column at the 11th century Atadage (relic shrine), Polonnaruwa

Sri Lanka: An elaborately decorated column at the 11th century Atadage (relic shrine), Polonnaruwa

Atadage, an ancient relic shrine was built by King Vijayabahu I (r. 1055 - 1110), and was once used to keep the Relic of the Tooth of the Buddha.

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.