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Archaeological Ruins on the Kumbukandana Rock (කුඹුකන්දන ගල පුරාවිද්‍යා භූමිය)

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Archaeological Ruins on the Kumbukandana Rock

Kumbukandana (Kumbukkandana) is a remote agricultural village sandwiched between the Wasgamuwa National Park and the Mahaweli Ganga River.

The Archaeological Ruins are found on the rocky hill identified as Kumbukandana (Kumbukkandana) rock in Aliwanguwa GS division in Wilgamuwa Divisional Secretaries Division which extends over about 300m. from north to south, about 200 m. from east to west, and is about 60 m. in height. The site consists of three sections.

Southorn (1921) reports a visit to these ruins in 1914 and reports of 3 stupas and the associated temples. The drip ledged cave was been used to dry illicitly shot game. Ruins of a Buddha image were also reported near this cave.

The information below is sourced from Southorn (1921) and a 1978 report by The Exploration Club of Hosei University in Japan which carried out three extensive archaeological explorations in 1973, 1975 and 1976.

The first section extends from the centre point to the northwest on the summit of the rock hill. Here are the remains of two dagobas, one is dug out by treasure hunters and the other was being reconstructed (A, B, photo. A fig.A, photo. B) – and two water holes (H, I). There are six small holes which are carved on the rock (J, K). A long flight of steps is carved out on the northwest slope. Along these steps, there are the remains of many small holes (L). On the south slope, there is a long flight of steps which carved out the rock with many small holes arranged in a line parallel to the steps (G,). The steps provide access to the base of the dagoba (A). The steps continue about 30 m.

The second section extends over the east foot slope of the rock hill. Here are the remains of a drip-ledged cave which measures 4 m. in height, 3.7 m. in width, 3.4 m. in depth (D, photo.Dl, fig D, photo.D2) and one ruined dagoba with many bricks (C, photo.C, fig.C) and a small water hole (F). Here are the remains of stone plates, a cobra hood rock inscription, a round stone plate and cornerstones in a cave (photo.D3-D5, fig.D2, fig.D3). The remains of a foundation of the brick wall, brickbats and a cornerstone are near the entrance of the cave. Carved cut of the rock of the south side slope by the cave (D) are the remains of a flight of small steps (E, photo.E).

The third section extends over the flat place of the south face of the rock hill. Here are the remains of a square structure with many brickbats (M). At the east by south of the structure (M) are the remains of
a structure with a terrace made of stone and a cornerstone (N, fig.N).

At the south of the structure (M) are the remains of a group of standing stone pillars with many brickbats (O, photo.O, fig.O). At the southeast of the structure (M) are the remains of a structure with brick foundations (P, photo.P, fig.P), one moonstone (photo P1) and four cornerstones. At the east side slope of the structure (M) are the remains of a long flight of stone steps (Q, photo.Q) which extends over about 20 meters from east to west. At the southwest of the structure (M) are the remains of a square throne stone (R, photo.R, fig.R).

At the west of the structure (M) are the remains of inscriptions (ancient letters) carved out of the rock (S, photo.S). This long inscription is cut in much-weathered stone—about 9 feet long by 2 feet 6 inches broad.

At the west of the inscriptions (S) are the remains of a structure with scattered cornerstones (T, fig.T).

The marker on the Google Map indicates an approximate location. It is advisable to seek guidance from a local villager before visiting the site.

Map of Archaeological Ruins on the Kumbukandana Rock

References

The Exploration Club of Hosei University. (1978). The Ruins of Ancient Sinhalese Civilization -in the Jungle in Mahaweli Ganga Basin- Srilanka – Part II. Kinki Nippon Tourism and Culture Research Institute.
Southorn, W. T. (1921). Ancient Ruins at Kubukkandana. The Ceylon Antiquary and Literary Register, VII (part I), 43.

Also See

Map of Archaeological Ruins on the Kumbukandana Rock

Please click on the button below to load the Dynamic Google Map (ගූගල් සිතියම් පහලින්)

Show Location (ගූගල් සිතියම)

The map above also shows other places of interest within a approximately 20 km radius of the current site. Click on any of the markers and the info box to take you to information of these sites

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Travel Directions to Archaeological Ruins on the Kumbukandana Rock

Route from Dehiattakandiya to Archaeological Ruins on the Kumbukandana Rock

Through : Naulla
Distance: 120 km
Travel time: 2 hours
Time to spent : 1-2 hours
Driving directions: see on Google map

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References

Also See

Map of Archaeological Ruins on the Kumbukandana Rock

Travel Directions to Archaeological Ruins on the Kumbukandana Rock

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