Statue of Parakramabahu I

The statue near the Potgul Vehera in Polonnaruwa, commonly known as the statue of Parakramabahu I, is a stone sculpture dating back to the Polonnaruwa period of ancient Sri Lanka. Its identity is uncertain, although the widely accepted theory is that it is a statue of Parakramabahu I. However, it has also been suggested as the statue of a sage. Carved on a large boulder, the statue depicts a majestic figure with a grave expression, holding a book or yoke in his hands.

Statue of Parakramabahu I
Year12th century
TypeStone sculpture
Dimensions3.40 m (11 ft 2 in)
LocationPolonnaruwa, Sri Lanka
Coordinates7°55′35″N 80°59′41″E

Location

The statue is located to the north of the city of Polonnaruwa, and close to the eastern bank of the Parakrama Samudra reservoir, which was built by Parakramabahu I himself.[1] It is about 100 metres (330 ft) north of the ancient Potgul Vehera monastery.[2]

Characteristics

The statue was built presumably in the 12th century, during the reign of Parakramabahu I. The statue of Parakramabahu I is one of the best stone sculptures belonging to the Polonnaruwa period.[3][4] The 11-foot-2-inch-high (3.40 m) statue is carved in high relief on a large boulder, with full use being made of its height.[5] Its upper body is bare except for a single thread worn over the left shoulder.[6] A long object is held in the hands.[4] The statue's face carries a grave expression, with half-closed eyes, a high forehead, a long beard and a moustache. The shoulders of the statue are rounded, suggesting "extraordinary strength". The right leg is relaxed with the right knee bent forward slightly. The left leg carries the weight of the body, while the hip is also slightly inclined to the left. According to archaeologist Senarath Paranavitana, this statue is "the very embodiment of strength, majesty and dignity".[5]

Identity

The statue has not been positively identified, but the popular and widely accepted belief is that the statue is of King Parakramabahu I, who ruled the country 1153 to 1186.[3] Historian Mendis Rohanadeera has suggested that the statue shows a man belonging to the Lambakanna clan, because a hare—a symbol of this clan—is depicted above the left shoulder of the statue. This supports the theory that it is a statue of Parakramabahu I, who was of the Lambakanna clan.[7] However, another theory is that it is the statue of a sage; either Agastya or Pulasthi.[3] The object held in the hands of the statue may be an ola (cured palm leaves) book.[1] This, and the fact that it is located close to the Potgul Vehera, which was a library in ancient times, supports this theory.[3][7] However, another belief is that the object is a "yoke of kingship", although it is even jokingly referred to locally as a piece of Papaya.[8]

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References
  1. Amarasekara, Janani (20 May 2007). "Sculpture of King Parakramabahu". Sunday Observer. Retrieved 7 March 2010.
  2. Ellis, Royston (2006). Sri Lanka, 2nd: The Bradt Travel Guide. Bradt Travel Guides. p. 124. ISBN 978-1-84162-129-6.
  3. Siriwera, W. I. (2004). History of Sri Lanka. Dayawansa Jayakody & Company. p. 287. ISBN 955-551-257-4.
  4. Sarachchandra, B. S. (1977). අපේ සංස්කෘතික උරුමය [Cultural Heritage] (in Sinhala). Silva, V. P. p. 125.
  5. Paranavitana, S. "The Statue near Potgul-Vehera at Poḷonnaruva, Ceylon". 15. Artibus Asiae Publishers: 209–217. JSTOR 3248562. Cite journal requires |journal= (help)
  6. Diganwela, T. (1998). කලා ඉතිහාසය [History of Art] (in Sinhala). Wasana Publishers. p. 32.
  7. Perera, Supun (23 September 2007). "The pride of Pulathisipura". Sunday Observer. Retrieved 6 March 2010.
  8. Plunkett, Richard; Ellemor, Brigitte (2003). Sri Lanka. Lonely Planet. p. 235. ISBN 978-1-74059-423-3.
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