As described in post about palace, King Parakramabahu reign is the Golden Age of Polonnaruwa. the palace is used for ling to royal family. but it was not use to ruling the kingdom. The council chamber built by him which situated in front of the palace. It is built using 3 layers of solid rock. Top of the layer four column of 48 stone pile beautifully decorated by carvings. Top of the stone pile there should be a roof.
The borders of each layers are carved images. The first layer is decorated with carved elephants each in a different posture. in early ages elephant's are used for royal appearance to the king. elephant is used for kings travelling.
Second layer border is carved with figures of lions. the lion is a sign of royalist. the ancient era most of constrictions vastly use carved lion statues side of stare cases or entrance.
The last layer carved with images of “Wamana”. wannam is a traditional dancing style of Sinhalese.
The entrance of the chamber decorated with sandakada pahana (moon stone) on the floor and beautifully carved lions in two sides. it is intimate to peoples that they are entering lions den.
The sandakada pahana (Moon Stone) is a unique feature of the Sinhalese architecture of ancient Sri Lanka. It is a charming carved semi-circular stone slab, usually placed at the bottom of staircases and entrances. it is seen in the latter stage of the Anuradhapura period, the sandakada pahana evolved through the Polonnaruwa period. from anuradhapura period to polonnaruwa period the sandakada pahana got some changes as south indian influence.
The roof has been supported by 48 beautifully carved stone pillars laid in 4 rows. roof must be bade by wood. That's why only left rock structure. To the south-east of the court there can see the remains of an ancient lavatory.
View of the chamber from throne
26-07-2017.
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