Sri Lanka’s historical
chronicle, the Mahavamsa, records
that Anuradhapura first became the
capital of ancient Lanka in 4th Century BC, during the reign of
King Pandukhabaya. The King is attributed
with designing the city, developing a core town and even surrounding suburbs based on a highly complex plan.
Anuradhapura
came into prominence after Buddhism was introduced to the island in the 3rd Century
BC during the reign of King Devanampiya Tissa. He built the country’s first stupa here, the Thuparama, which is said
to house a relic of the Buddha, his right collarbone. King Tissa also arranged
for the planting of the sacred Bo
sapling brought to the country by Princess Sangamitta, daughter of Emperor
Asoka of India. This is today the venerated Sri Maha Bodhi, which is considered
the oldest living tree in the world.
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