Publisher's Synopsis
This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1850 edition. Excerpt: ... CHAPTER IX. The state of Ceylon anterior to the Christian era--Anooradhapoora, when built--Circumference of city walls--Native historical record -- Account given by Fa-Hian, the Chinese traveller of the fourth century--Bridge of devils--Mode of shaping and ornamenting granite 2000 years ago--Unicorn known to the Cingalese--Maha-Wihare--Lowa-Maha-Paya --Ruwanelli Saye--Tradition--Glass pinnacle used as a nonconductor, A.d. 243--Abhaayagiri Dagobah--Toophaaraamaya Dagobah--Tanks and wells--Tomb of Elala--Rock temples of Dambool--Dimensions of the Maha Rajah Wihare --Decorations, paintings, and statues of the gods and kings --Curious descriptive inscription on the rock--Anecdote of the sacred water--Worship in the cave--Aloot Wihare-- Maha Dewo Dewale--Smallest rock temple--Dimensions and decorations--Exterior of Damboola Galla--Summit of the rock--Ancient rock fortress of Sigiri--Ruins of a nunnery at Minigiri--Tradition--Dewinoowara, the city of the god-- Ramayana, the oldest epic poem extant, commemmorates the conquest of Ceylon by Rama--Remains of antiquity seen around Dondera--The priest's tale--Antique statue at Belligama--Pollanarooa--Remains of tank, palace, religious edifices, rock temple, and colossal statues--Dagobah of the golden umbrella--Stone roof--Ancient inscriptions--Mass of stone removed by men--Extraordinary piece of sculpture --Sanus, or deed of gift. It is evident that, at a period anterior to the Christian era, Ceylon had attained a high state of civilization and refinement, whereof the gigantic ruins of Anooradhapoora and Pollanarooa (the former capitals of Lanka-diva), the stupendous tanks, religious edifices, and various other massive architectural remains, which are scattered over the cinnamon isle, bear ample...
