The Yapahuwa Kingdom was a short but important part of ancient Sri Lankan history. It existed in the 13th century and became the capital after the Polonnaruwa Kingdom. Yapahuwa is famous for its strong rock fortress, beautiful carvings, and the famous Lion Staircase.
The kingdom was started by King Bhuvanekabahu I. He chose Yapahuwa because it was a safe place to protect the Sacred Tooth Relic from foreign invaders. The rock fortress made it easy to defend the kingdom.
Yapahuwa has many historical structures such as:
– The Lion Staircase (the most famous structure)
– The Fortress Walls and Gates
– King’s Palace Area
– Buddhist monastic ruins
Although Yapahuwa was the capital only for a short time, it is very important for understanding Sri Lanka’s medieval history. Today, it is a popular tourist site and a great place for students to learn about ancient kingdoms.
Yapahuwa Kingdom Quiz
Welcome to the Yapahuwa Kingdom Quiz! This quiz will help you understand the history of the rock fortress capital. Read each question carefully and choose the correct answer. Enjoy learning about this unique Sri Lankan kingdom!
Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What was Yapahuwa mainly known for?
A. Irrigation tanks
B. Large stupas
C. Port city
D. Rock fortress
Answer: D
2. Who made Yapahuwa the capital?
A. King Bhuvanekabahu I
B. King Dutugemunu
C. King Parakramabahu I
D. King Nissanka Malla
Answer: C
3. What sacred object was protected in Yapahuwa?
A. Buddha’s Bowl
B. Sacred Tooth Relic
C. Bo Tree branch
D. Golden Statue
Answer: B
4. The most famous feature of Yapahuwa is:
A. Royal Palace
B. Lion Staircase
C. Temple of the Tooth
D. Audience Hall
Answer: B
5. Why did the king choose Yapahuwa as the capital?
A. It had many rivers
B. It was safe and easy to defend
C. It had fertile land
D. It was close to the sea
Answer: B
6. Yapahuwa was the capital during which century?
A. 5th century
B. 10th century
C. 13th century
D. 15th century
Answer: C
7. Which kingdom came before Yapahuwa?
A. Anuradhapura
B. Polonnaruwa
C. Kotte
D. Jaffna
Answer: B
8. What type of structure was built around Yapahuwa?
A. Water canals
B. Fortress walls
C. Ancient hospitals
D. Trade ports
Answer: B
9. The Lion Staircase is famous for its:
A. Paintings
B. Stone carvings
C. Wooden doors
D. Metalwork
Answer: B
10. Why did Yapahuwa stop being the capital?
A. Kings moved to safer places
B. Floods destroyed the city
C. Lack of water
D. It became too crowded
Answer: A
11. Yapahuwa mainly served as a:
A. Religious center
B. Farming area
C. Military fortress
D. Trade market
Answer: C
12. What happened to the Sacred Tooth Relic in Yapahuwa?
A. It was lost
B. It remained forever
C. It was taken by foreign invaders
D. It was buried underground
Answer: C
13. Yapahuwa is located in which part of Sri Lanka?
A. South
B. North
C. Central North-West
D. East
Answer: C
14. What remains in Yapahuwa today?
A. Only walls
B. A complete palace
C. Fortress ruins and staircase
D. Underground tunnels
Answer: C
15. Yapahuwa shows the art style of which period?
A. Kandyan period
B. Polonnaruwa period
C. British period
D. Modern era
Answer: B
16. Which feature helped protect the kingdom?
A. Wide bridges
B. Rock height
C. Deep sea
D. Tall towers
Answer: B
17. What did foreign invaders take from Yapahuwa?
A. Gold
B. Sacred Tooth Relic
C. Weapons
D. Books
Answer: B
18. The Lion Staircase leads to:
A. Royal Palace area
B. A lake
C. A marketplace
D. A cave temple
Answer: A
19. Students visit Yapahuwa mainly to learn about:
A. Ancient trade
B. Medieval forts
C. Buddhist paintings
D. Colonial rulers
Answer: B
20. Yapahuwa is important today because:
A. It is a busy city
B. It is a modern capital
C. It is a historical and tourist site
D. It is a farming village
Answer: C