Description

During the first millennium A.D., when Sri Lanka's capital, Anuradhapura, was flourishing, Polonnaruva served as a fortified outpost (kandavuru-nuvara) where Sinhala garrisons camped during periods of internal strife between the rivals of Anuradhapura in the north and Mahagama in the south. The strategic significance of Polonnaruva lay in its ability to command the river crossings of the Mahaveli, thus providing a buffer against the invading armies. Thus, Polonnaruva gained the status of an important city, even in Anuradhapura times.

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