Anuradhapura

Anuradhapura, located in the North Central Province of Sri Lanka, is an ancient city and was the first capital of the country and the site of its first major kingdom. Sansanka Perera and Pooja Kalita are conducting research at this site in the context of Buddhist pilgrim travel.

Much of the details of the site from the ancient times comes from the numerous stone inscriptions found there as well as in different parts of Sri Lanka and in the historical chronicles such as Deepawamsa and Mahavamsa written in the Pali language, the dominant language of Theravada Buddhism.  Anuradhapura is known for its well-preserved and maintained heritage sites from the time the kingdom was established in 437 BC up to its decline in latter times, beginning approximately by  the 10th century CE, finally being abandoned in 993 CE after consistent invasions from South Indian kingdoms.  Most of these sites are parts of Buddhist pagodas, temples and monasteries. At present, Anuradhapura is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

More importantly to the project, Anuradhapura is a major Buddhist pilgrimage destination for local Buddhists. Many of these pilgrims, consequent to the completion of one or more pilgrimages to Anuradhapura, also later attempt to embark on the Buddhist pilgrim trail spanning parts of India and Nepal which HAP focuses on. HAP’s work in Anuradhapura has focused on both local dynamics of placemaking as well as continuing conversations with pilgrims who make it to Buddhist pilgrim sites in India and Nepal.