Sigiriya Lions Rock History is deeply intertwined with the reign of King Kashyapa I in the 5th century CE, and it serves as a fascinating blend of political intrigue, military strategy, artistry, and architectural innovation. Sigiriya, meaning “Lion Rock,” is a massive rock fortress and palace complex located in central Sri Lanka, and its history stretches back over 1,500 years. It stands as one of the country’s most significant historical and cultural landmarks, with its roots in ancient Sri Lankan royal and Buddhist traditions.
More Details – Sigiriya Lion’s Rock
Sigiriya Lions Rock History
Pre-Kashyapa History:
Before King Kashyapa transformed Sigiriya into a fortress-palace, the site may have been of religious significance. Archaeological evidence suggests that Buddhist monks inhabited the caves around the rock as early as the 3rd century BCE. The site had been used as a monastic retreat, and many of the caves bear inscriptions and evidence of early monastic dwellings. The monks may have continued using the site even after the construction of the fortress.
King Kashyapa and the Creation of Sigiriya (477–495 CE):
Sigiriya’s most significant chapter in history began during the reign of King Kashyapa I of the Moriya Dynasty. The story of Kashyapa is dramatic and filled with intrigue:
- Usurpation of the Throne: Kashyapa was the son of King Dhatusena, the ruler of Anuradhapura, but he was born to a non-royal consort, making him an illegitimate heir. The legitimate heir to the throne was Moggallana, Kashyapa’s half-brother. In 477 CE, driven by ambition and the promise of power, Kashyapa overthrew his father in a coup, imprisoning and later murdering King Dhatusena by entombing him alive. Fearing retribution from Moggallana, who fled to India to build an army, Kashyapa moved the capital from Anuradhapura to Sigiriya for protection and security.
- Construction of Sigiriya: In an attempt to establish his dominance and protect himself from potential threats, especially from Moggallana, Kashyapa decided to build a fortress-palace atop the massive Sigiriya rock. Sigiriya’s unique location, with its nearly vertical rock faces rising 200 meters (660 feet) above the surrounding plains, made it an ideal defensive stronghold.The construction of Sigiriya was an immense undertaking. Kashyapa oversaw the building of a royal palace at the summit, surrounded by expansive gardens, water features, and defensive structures at the base. The Lion’s Gate was built to guard the entrance, and the rock was decorated with beautiful frescoes, showcasing the king’s opulence and artistic vision.
- Sigiriya as Kashyapa’s Capital: For nearly two decades, Sigiriya served as the capital of the kingdom. It was not only a palace but also a fortified citadel, with a series of protective structures, including walls, moats, and elaborate terraces. During this time, Kashyapa ruled from his isolated palace atop the rock, surrounded by his courtiers, soldiers, and possibly his royal harem.
The Fall of King Kashyapa:
Kashyapa’s reign came to an abrupt and tragic end in 495 CE. After years of exile in India, Moggallana returned with an army to reclaim the throne. Kashyapa, confident in his military strength, decided to meet Moggallana’s forces in battle rather than rely on the defenses of Sigiriya. According to historical accounts, this was a fateful mistake.
- The Battle: The decisive battle took place near Sigiriya. In the midst of the battle, a tactical error occurred—Kashyapa’s elephant suddenly turned in a different direction, possibly to avoid a swamp or due to confusion. His troops misinterpreted this move as a retreat and abandoned him.
- Kashyapa’s Death: Left alone on the battlefield, Kashyapa realized that he was doomed. Rather than face capture and humiliation, Kashyapa committed suicide by falling on his own sword. His death marked the end of his reign and the end of Sigiriya’s time as the capital.
Post-Kashyapa: Sigiriya’s Decline and Transition:
After Kashyapa’s death, Moggallana returned to the throne and shifted the capital back to Anuradhapura, abandoning Sigiriya as a royal residence. However, the site did not fall into complete disuse.
- Buddhist Monastic Retreat: Following its abandonment as a royal capital, Sigiriya returned to its previous role as a Buddhist monastery. Buddhist monks continued to live in the caves around the rock, and the site became a place of religious significance again, with some parts of the fortress being used as monastic quarters.
- Neglect and Rediscovery: Sigiriya gradually fell into disrepair and was largely forgotten over time. For centuries, it lay in ruins, hidden away in the jungle, until it was rediscovered by British explorers and archaeologists in the 19th century. The first serious archaeological excavations were carried out by H.C.P. Bell in the 1890s, which began the process of restoring and studying the site.
Architectural and Artistic Marvels of Sigiriya:
Sigiriya is renowned for its advanced urban planning, engineering, and artistic achievements. The site showcases a combination of aesthetic beauty and defensive architecture that has stood the test of time. Some of its notable features include:
- Frescoes: Sigiriya is famous for its frescoes, depicting elegant female figures often referred to as the “Sigiriya Maidens” or Apsaras. These frescoes are painted on the western side of the rock, protected from the elements by a natural overhang. The vivid colors, fine details, and graceful postures of the figures are stunning examples of ancient Sri Lankan art.
- The Mirror Wall: Below the frescoes lies the Mirror Wall, a highly polished wall that was once reflective, allowing the king to see himself as he passed. Over time, the wall became a canvas for ancient graffiti left by visitors, including poems and comments praising the beauty of the frescoes. These inscriptions date back to the 8th century and provide a glimpse into the admiration people had for the site in ancient times.
- Gardens: The gardens of Sigiriya are considered some of the oldest landscaped gardens in the world. They include water gardens, boulder gardens, and terraced gardens. The water gardens, with their pools, fountains, and underground water channels, demonstrate sophisticated hydraulic engineering, while the boulder gardens incorporate large natural rocks into the landscape.
- Lion’s Gate: The Lion’s Gate was the main entrance to the royal palace at the summit. It was flanked by a colossal lion statue, of which only the massive lion paws remain today. The lion symbolized royal power and protection, and the gate added to the dramatic approach to the palace.
Sigiriya in Modern Times:
Today, Sigiriya is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Sri Lanka’s most visited attractions. It draws tourists, historians, and archaeologists from around the world who come to marvel at its architectural, artistic, and historical significance. Visitors can climb to the summit of the rock, explore the gardens, and view the ancient frescoes, all while imagining the grandeur of the fortress-palace that once stood there.
Legacy of Sigiriya:
Sigiriya stands as a testament to ancient Sri Lankan ingenuity, artistry, and ambition. Its story is one of power, tragedy, and beauty, symbolizing both the grandeur and fragility of kingship. Today, it remains an enduring symbol of the island’s rich cultural heritage.
Day Tour Price to Sigiriya
- Day Tour & Transport Cost for Sigiriya:
From Colombo Start from 95 USD PP (Pax 1 to 8)
From Sigiriya Start from 60USD PP (Pax 1 to 8)
Private tour in an A/C car or van with an English speaking chauffeur-guide
Vehicle Options:
Car (up to 2 persons): Toyota Axio, Prius Hybrid, Premio/Honda Fit Shuttle or similar
Van (3 to 8 persons): Toyota KDH/Nissan Caravan or similar - Included – Entrance Tickets, Refreshment, Transport
- Entrance ticket fee for Sigiriya Lion’s Rock – Ticket price for each place US$ 35 / EUR 31 / GBP 26) per foreign adult and US$ 17 / EUR 16 / GBP 13 ticket price per foreign child of age 05 – 12 years are applicable.