Yapahuwa Fortress

Yapahuwa Fortress, located in the Kurunegala District of Sri Lanka, is an ancient military stronghold that offers a glimpse into the island’s medieval history of Kingdom of Dambadeniya. It is situated between the towns of Kurunegala and Anuradhapura. This fortress is built on a massive granite rock that rises nearly 90 meters (300 feet) above the surrounding lowlands. The fortress served as the capital of Sri Lanka during the latter part of the 13th century and was an important military and royal site for nearly a century.

The Rise of Yapahuwa Fortress

Yapahuwa’s strategic importance became evident when King Bhuvenakabahu I moved the capital from Polonnaruwa to Yapahuwa in 1273. Faced with frequent invasions from South India, the king sought a more secure location, and Yapahuwa provided the perfect solution. The fortress, built on a natural rock outcrop, was an ideal defensive position, offering both protection and a commanding view of the surrounding plains. King Bhuvenakabahu also brought with him the sacred Tooth Relic, one of Buddhism’s most important relics, and kept it in a specially constructed temple within the fortress.

Before the king’s move, the fortress had already been used for military purposes. A local military leader named Subha recognized the strategic value of the rock and had established Yapahuwa as a stronghold to fend off Magha of Kalinga’s forces. Subha’s success in preventing the invasion from forces of Kalinga Magha was an early indication of the rock’s military potential, which would later be fully realized under King Bhuvenakabahu.

Yapahuwa: A Military Stronghold

The fortress of Yapahuwa was constructed to serve both as a royal palace and as a military bastion. It was a well-designed defensive structure with a series of fortifications, including ramparts, moats, and a fortified enclosure. At the base of the rock, two moats and ramparts still remain, outlining the original defensive barriers. This made it incredibly difficult for invaders to approach the fortress without encountering significant obstacles.

The fortress itself was accessed by a long staircase, consisting of about 100 narrow steps. These steps, which were intentionally designed to be narrow and difficult to ascend quickly, were a tactical feature. In the event of an enemy attack, the defenders at the top had the advantage of time to prepare, as the narrow stairs made it nearly impossible for attackers to storm the top in a rush. The design of these steps also made it difficult for any infiltrators to flee, providing a sense of security for those inside.

One of the most striking features of Yapahuwa Fortress is its distinctive lion statues. At the foot of each balustrade are the Yapahuwa lions, the only ones of their kind in Sri Lanka. These lion statues are not only a symbol of the fortress but also an important aspect of its architectural and military design.

The Fall and Abandonment of Yapahuwa

Yapahuwa’s role as the capital of Sri Lanka was short-lived. In 1283, King Bhuvenakabahu I passed away, and shortly thereafter, the Pandyan forces from South India captured the fortress. One of the key losses during this invasion was the capture of the Sacred Tooth Relic by the Pandyans. Following this defeat, Yapahuwa was largely abandoned as a royal capital and fell into disuse, eventually becoming a site inhabited by Buddhist monks and religious ascetics.

However, the fortress was not completely forgotten. The Sacred Tooth Relic was recovered in 1288 by King Parakkramabahu III, who had it temporarily placed in safety at Polonnaruwa, far from the reach of invaders. Despite its fall as a royal capital, Yapahuwa continued to hold religious significance, with a Buddhist temple built during the Kandyan period, called Yapahuwa Rajamaha Vihara, still standing in the area.

Architecture and Archaeological Discoveries

Yapahuwa Fortress is a fascinating blend of military engineering and religious heritage. At the top of the rock, there are the remains of a stupa, a Bodhi tree enclosure, and a rock shelter used by Buddhist monks. These features suggest that before becoming a fortress, the site was used as a Buddhist monastery, similar to many other rock formations in Sri Lanka.

At the base of the rock, several caves were carved into the rock, some containing Buddha images and inscriptions in Brahmi script. These caves were likely used by early Buddhist monks. In addition, the southern base of the fortress contains the remnants of a fortification with two moats and several buildings, including a Buddhist shrine.

One of the most remarkable aspects of Yapahuwa is its staircase, which leads visitors up to the top of the rock. The narrow and winding steps, though challenging, provide a unique experience and a view of the fortress’s intricate design. Archaeological excavations at Yapahuwa, led by Sri Lanka’s first archaeological commissioner H.C.P. Bell in the early 20th century, revealed many of these hidden structures and artifacts, shedding light on the fortress’s rich history.