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Ancient Stone Bridge ( Gal Palama) – Anuradhapura

Description

Ancient Malwathu Oya bridge in Anuradhapura was built from stone blocks; this is not the entire column but preferably a tiny portion of it. Regionally this Ancient Stone Bridge is recognised as Gal Palama. It was initially built over the Yodha Ela, a canal and water outlet that brought water from the nearby tank to water the neighbouring rice paddies. But now, there is no more Yodha Ela under the bridge and alternately a smaller, more recent waterway.
There are two such ancient stone bridges, one over the waterway and the other over the Malwathu Oya, the central river that feeds the region. Both probably date back to the late Anuradhapura Era; dating is undesirable.

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Anuradhapura, the ancient city in Sri Lanka, holds great historical significance as it served as the country's first real capital over two thousand two hundred years ago. During this era, Anuradhapura boasted a highly developed road network that connected it to various regions, including Trincomalee, Mannar, Jaffna, and the southern kingdoms. These roads were not just pathways for foot traffic, but also facilitated the transportation of goods via carts engaged in trade and commercial activities. To accommodate this growing infrastructure, the ancient kings of Anuradhapura built sturdy stone bridges using granite slabs and pillars. Even today, the remnants of these bridges can be found scattered across different water bodies such as Malwathu Oya, Hal Pan Ela, Kandara Oya, Yan Oya, Kala Oya, and Deduru Oya.

Anuradhapura: The First Capital of Sri Lanka

Anuradhapura holds a special place in the history of Sri Lanka as it was the country's first capital. The city flourished for centuries, serving as a center for politics, religion, and trade. The ancient ruins and archaeological sites in Anuradhapura stand as a testament to its glorious past. With its well-developed road network, the city connected with other major regions of the island, establishing its prominence as a hub for economic activities.

The Ancient Road Network

During the time of Anuradhapura's reign as the capital, the road network played a vital role in connecting different parts of the island. These roads served not only as transportation routes but also facilitated the exchange of goods and cultural interactions between various regions. The road system extended to significant destinations such as Trincomalee, Mannar, Jaffna, and the southern kingdoms. The roads were wide, well-maintained, and allowed for the movement of both foot traffic and carts carrying merchandise.

Importance of Stone Bridges

The development of stone bridges was crucial for enhancing the connectivity and accessibility of different regions in ancient Sri Lanka. These bridges, constructed with durable granite slabs and pillars, provided safe passage for people, carts, and livestock over rivers and water bodies. Stone bridges became an integral part of the road network and played a vital role in promoting trade and cultural exchange.

Gal Palama: A Sturdy Stone Bridge

Among the numerous stone bridges constructed during the reign of Anuradhapura, Gal Palama holds a significant position. Gal Palama, also known as the Stone Bridge, is located on the road leading to Perimiyankulama and is in close proximity to the famous Kuttam Pokuna, also known as the Twin Ponds. To reach this ancient stone bridge, one needs to travel approximately 3.4 kilometers from Sangamitta Mawatha, passing picturesque paddy fields, until they reach the point where Gal Palama crosses the Mawathu Oya.

Location and Access to Gal Palama

The Gal Palama stone bridge is strategically situated on the route to Perimiyankulama. Travelers can easily access this historical site by following the road from Sangamitta Mawatha and enjoying the scenic beauty of the surrounding paddy fields along the way. The proximity of Gal Palama to the Kuttam Pokuna makes it an ideal attraction for history enthusiasts and tourists visiting Anuradhapura.

Description of Gal Palama

Although only a part of Gal Palama remains visible today, it still captivates visitors with its grandeur and historical significance. The bridge consists of stone slabs laid across rows of three stone pillars, showcasing the architectural skills of ancient craftsmen. While restoration work was initiated in the recent past, it was abruptly halted in 2001. However, recent visits have revealed that the bridge has been well-conserved, allowing visitors to witness its ancient splendor.

Restoration Efforts

The conservation and restoration of historical sites play a crucial role in preserving cultural heritage. Gal Palama has received attention in terms of restoration efforts, but due to various reasons, the work had to be halted. Nevertheless, the bridge remains an important site that showcases the architectural brilliance and engineering techniques employed during the 5th to 9th centuries.

Historical Significance

Gal Palama holds immense historical significance as it represents the ancient engineering marvels of Sri Lanka. It is a testament to the advanced construction techniques of ancient Sri Lankan civilizations. The bridge connects us to the past, connecting us with the thriving trade and cultural exchanges that took place centuries ago. Exploring Gal Palama allows visitors to step into the footsteps of our ancestors and gain a deeper understanding of Anuradhapura's rich history and heritage.

As the first capital of Sri Lanka, Anuradhapura boasts a rich historical legacy. With its sturdy stone bridges, the road network played a crucial role in connecting the city with various regions. Gal Palama, one of the remarkable stone bridges of Anuradhapura, stands as a testament to the architectural brilliance and engineering skills of ancient Sri Lanka. Despite partial restoration, the bridge remains an awe-inspiring sight, allowing visitors to delve into the grandeur of the past and appreciate the city's rich heritage.

FAQs

Q1: Is Gal Palama easily accessible for tourists visiting Anuradhapura?

Yes, Gal Palama is easily accessible for tourists visiting Anuradhapura. It is located on the road leading to Perimiyankulama and can be reached by travelling approximately 3.4 kilometres from Sangamitta Mawatha.

Q2: What is the historical significance of Gal Palama?

Gal Palama holds great historical significance as it represents the ancient engineering marvels of Sri Lanka. It showcases the advanced construction techniques employed during the 5th to 9th centuries and links to the thriving trade and cultural exchanges of the past.

Q3: Has Gal Palama undergone any restoration work?

Yes, restoration work was initiated in the recent past to preserve Gal Palama. However, the work had to be halted, and the bridge remains partially restored.

Q4: What is the connection between Gal Palama and Kuttam Pokuna?

Gal Palama is close to the famous Kuttam Pokuna, also known as the Twin Ponds. Their proximity makes it convenient for visitors to explore both historical sites while visiting Anuradhapura.

Q5: Can visitors still witness the ancient splendour of Gal Palama?

Although only a part of Gal Palama is visible today, visitors can still witness its ancient splendor. The bridge has been conserved to a great extent, allowing visitors to appreciate its architectural brilliance.

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