The Buried Cities of Ceylon: A Guide Book to Anuradhapura and Polonaruwa

The book is organized into three principal parts. Part I, “Historical,” gives a compact narrative of early Ceylonese history, drawing heavily on the island’s chronicle tradition to explain the rise of Anuradhapura, the introduction and establishment of Buddhism, the building of major dagobas and monasteries, the reigns of important kings, foreign invasions, the shift toward Polonnaruwa, and the decline of the ancient capitals. Part II, “Topographical,” guides the reader through major archaeological and sacred sites, including Dambulla, Sigiri, Anuradhapura, Mihintale, Kalawewa, Minneri, and Polonnaruwa. It describes ruins, monuments, reservoirs, temples, rock shelters, inscriptions, statues, dagobas, and architectural remains, connecting each place with its historical and religious background. Part III, “Miscellaneous,” provides practical information for travellers, including postal and telegraph information, resthouse charges, coach fares, and railway timetables. The volume also includes illustrations of sites such as Ruwanveli Dagoba, Sigiriya, Anuradhapura stairs, Jetavanarama, Gal Vihare, and Pilgrim’s Rest, making the work a historically useful guide to the material and sacred landscape of ancient Ceylon.