Ethimale Gamagala Rock Archaeological Ruins

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Ethimale Gamagala Rock Archaeological Ruins

Gamagala is a prominent, isolated rocky outcrop situated in the Siyambalanduwa Divisional Secretary’s Division. It is believed to have served as a residence for meditative monks in ancient times. Located about 7 kilometers off the Monaragala–Siyambalanduwa road, the site lies along a 13-kilometer route toward Ethimale.

Cave Complex and Architectural Features

The rocky formation extends approximately 500 meters in length and contains around 20 cave shelters. Some of these caves show recent human use, as evidenced by wattle and daub walls enclosing their entrances. However, five particular caves hold archaeological significance.

The first notable cave is about 9.1 meters (30 feet) long, 7.6 meters (25 feet) wide, and 2.4 meters (8 feet) high at the center. Below the drip ledge (katarama) is an inscription where only the phrase Uthihasha Lene (උතිහෂ ලෙණෙ) is clearly legible.

The second cave, also with a drip ledge, measures approximately 13.7 meters (45 feet) in length, 4.6 meters (15 feet) in width, and 2.7 meters (9 feet) in height. It bears the inscription Parumaka Maha Tishabha (පරුමක මහ තිශභ), translating to “the cave of the chief Mahatissa.”

In the third cave, located on a separate rock, another inscription—Targatha Lena (තදගත ලෙණ)—is present. This cave is roughly 9.1 meters (30 feet) long, 3 meters (10 feet) wide, and 2.4 meters (8 feet) high. A large stone wall, about 13.7 meters (45 feet) long, 3 meters (10 feet) wide, and 7.6 meters (25 feet) high, is carved with a drip ledge and bears an inscription referencing an individual named Pussadeva (පුස්සදේව), positioned around 4.6 meters (15 feet) above ground level.

Nearby is a second drip-ledged stone wall measuring about 7.6 meters (25 feet) in length and 3 meters (10 feet) in width. An inscription on this wall reads Gama Ukata Maha Lena (ගම උකට මහ ලෙනේ).

Additional Caves

The fourth cave, also featuring a drip ledge, shows signs of habitation but lacks inscriptions. A square stone slab—about 7.6 meters (25 feet) long and 6.1 meters (20 feet) wide—lies nearby. At its center is a circular hole, with each side of the square measuring approximately 76 cm (2.5 feet).

The fifth cave is roughly 6.1 meters (20 feet) long, 6.1 meters (20 feet) wide, and 2.1 meters (7 feet) high. It has no drip ledge but features a thick 61 cm (2 feet) clay-plastered stone wall built from large stones.

At another point along Gamagala, a drip ledge has been carved into the entrance of a cave that leads into a now-earth-filled tunnel, said to be part of an extensive cave system. Not far from it lies another small cave filled with brick fragments. This cave measures about 7.6 meters (25 feet) long, 2.4 meters (8 feet) wide, and 2.1 meters (7 feet) high. Two more caves are found along the trail—one accessible only by crawling.

Siri Pathul Gala and Other Buildings

At the base of Gamagala Rock is a well-preserved Siri Pathul Gala (sacred footprint stone), square in shape and measuring 91 cm (3 feet) per side with a thickness of 28 cm (11 inches). The sacred foot is 69 cm (27 inches) long, with a lower middle finger section of 10 cm (4 inches) featuring three rings. The sole width is about 38 cm (15 inches), and the heel is roughly 25 cm (10 inches) wide. The gap between the two carved feet is 5 cm (2 inches).

This artifact is located on a foundation where an ancient building once stood. Nearby lie the remains of a large stone cave and many brick and stone fragments. The building was about 13.7 meters (45 feet) long and 3.7 meters (12 feet) wide. One of the bricks found here measures 33 cm (13 inches) in length, 23 cm (9 inches) in width, and 5 cm (2 inches) in thickness. A 1.6-meter (5 feet 3 inches) long and 7.6 cm (3 inches) wide stone slab was also found. A clay lamp-like disc with a 8.4 cm (3.3 inches) diameter was discovered on the ground.

Stupa and Rock Inscription

A small stupa constructed from bricks is found at the base of the rock. It has been damaged by treasure hunters. A stone pillar lies fallen nearby.

A faded inscription is visible on a stone slab near a carved stairway leading to the top of the rock. This slab measures about 1.5 meters (5 feet) in length and 0.9 meters (3 feet) in width. The remaining characters—believed to date to around the 8th century CE—are difficult to decipher. Eight stone steps lie below the tablet and 14 steps above.

References

Sumanasekara Banda, S. J. (1986). ඌවේ දායාද (1st ed.). Sarvodaya Vishwa Lekha.

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