Unveiling the Enduring Mastery: Exploring the Rich Tradition of Crafting Majestic Stone Forts on Hilltops
Nestled in Sri Lanka, Sigiriya, also known as Sinhagiri, stands as a captivating testament to history. Once a sprawling forest, the forces of nature transformed it into a majestic hill through relentless storms and landslides.
In the 5th century AD, this hill evolved into the new capital of Sri Lanka, thanks to the vision of King Kashyapa (477-495). Atop the hill, he erected a palace adorned with mesmerizing frescoes, while a colossal lion-shaped gateway graced the plateau, granting the fortress its renowned name, “Sinhagiri,” the lion rock.
Once the king passed away, the capital transformed into a Buddhist monastery and remained as such until the 14th century. Nowadays, Sigiriya rock fortress has gained recognition as one of the most well-preserved instances of ancient urban planning, earning it a spot on UNESCO’s list of World Heritages.
As per the historical records, there existed a wall made of bricks that acted as a mirror and led to the palace. Initially, this wall was covered with white plaster which made it so reflective that the king could see his own reflection while walking alongside it
