The Polonnaruwa Kingdom was the second main kingdom of ancient Sri Lanka. It became the capital after the fall of Anuradhapura. Polonnaruwa is famous for strong kings, beautiful stone buildings, and advanced irrigation systems. It lasted from the 11th century to the 13th century.
King Vijayabahu I first freed the country from Chola invaders and made Polonnaruwa the capital. Later, King Parakramabahu I became one of the greatest rulers in Sri Lankan history. He built many new buildings, improved the army, and created a strong government.
The most famous creation of King Parakramabahu I is the Parakrama Samudra, a huge man-made lake that helped farmers grow more food. He believed that not a single drop of water should go to waste.
Another important king was Nissanka Malla, who also built many temples and statues.
Polonnaruwa is known for amazing historical places such as:
– Gal Viharaya (four large Buddha statues carved from rock)
– Royal Palace of Parakramabahu
– Vatadage (a beautiful circular shrine)
– Rankot Vehera
– Lankatilaka Temple
Polonnaruwa is a UNESCO World Heritage Site today. It is an important place for students, tourists, and anyone who loves history.
Polonnaruwa Kingdom Quiz
Welcome to the Polonnaruwa Kingdom Quiz! This quiz will help you test your knowledge of the second great capital of ancient Sri Lanka. Read each question carefully and choose the correct answer. These questions are simple and suitable for students. Enjoy learning!
Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. Which kingdom became the capital after Anuradhapura?
A. Kandy
B. Jaffna
C. Polonnaruwa
D. Ruhuna
Answer: C
2. Who freed Sri Lanka from Chola invaders?
A. Parakramabahu I
B. Nissanka Malla
C. Vijayabahu I
D. Kashyapa
Answer: C
3. Which king is known as one of the greatest rulers of Polonnaruwa?
A. King Dhatusena
B. King Parakramabahu I
C. King Mahasen
D. King Elara
Answer: B
4. What is the famous man-made lake in Polonnaruwa?
A. Tissa Wewa
B. Kala Wewa
C. Parakrama Samudra
D. Nuwara Wewa
Answer: C
5. Which place has four stone Buddha statues?
A. Sigiriya
B. Gal Viharaya
C. Abhayagiriya
D. Dambulla
Answer: B
6. What did Parakramabahu I believe about water?
A. It should be saved only for kings
B. It should never be wasted
C. It is not important
D. Only monks should use it
Answer: B
7. Which king built many structures and claimed to be a great ruler?
A. Nissanka Malla
B. King Tissa
C. King Kashyapa
D. King Dutugemunu
Answer: A
8. Polonnaruwa is a:
A. Modern capital
B. UNESCO World Heritage Site
C. Kingdom in India
D. New city
Answer: B
9. What is the Vatadage?
A. A lake
B. A circular shrine
C. A palace
D. A fortress
Answer: B
10. Which kingdom ruled before Polonnaruwa?
A. Jaffna
B. Kurunegala
C. Anuradhapura
D. Kotte
Answer: C
11. The Chola invaders came from:
A. Myanmar
B. India
C. China
D. Maldives
Answer: B
12. What is Rankot Vehera?
A. A tank
B. A fortress
C. A stupa
D. A palace
Answer: C
13. Which king improved the army and government?
A. Parakramabahu I
B. Elara
C. Dhatusena
D. Kashyapa
Answer: A
14. What is Lankatilaka?
A. A temple
B. A lake
C. A village
D. A fort
Answer: A
15. The Royal Palace was built for:
A. King Mahasen
B. King Parakramabahu I
C. King Pandukabhaya
D. King Elara
Answer: B
16. Polonnaruwa lasted mainly during which centuries?
A. 5th–6th
B. 11th–13th
C. 1st–2nd
D. 15th–16th
Answer: B
17. The Gal Viharaya statues are carved from:
A. Wood
B. Marble
C. One single rock
D. Clay
Answer: C
18. Which kingdom developed advanced irrigation in Polonnaruwa?
A. British
B. Chola
C. Sinhalese
D. Portuguese
Answer: C
19. Polonnaruwa is important today because it is:
A. A busy shopping city
B. A holy city only
C. A historical and tourist site
D. A new residential area
Answer: C
20. Why did Polonnaruwa gain importance?
A. Strong kings and good planning
B. Natural disasters
C. Foreign help
D. Lack of buildings
Answer: A