THE STRATEGIC IMPORTANCE OF SIGIRIYA AS A KINGDOM

Abstract

Sigiriya, an ancient kingdom, demonstrates considerable strategic significance, as evidenced by the technological and military strategies employed during its reign. A closer examination of the tactics used in Sigiriya reveals that the kingdom's strategic importance was multifaceted, underpinned by its innovative use of technology and its positioning, which played a pivotal role in its defence and governance. Sigiriya served as a Platform for the exercise of power and authority, as evidenced by the renowned lion gate and mirror wall, which represent grandeur and opulence. What are the salient features of Sigiriya, what ancient military thoughts that have influences the structure of Sigiriya, what architectural design improved the strategic value of Sigiriya and what are the similar features of Sigiriya to similar strategic sites of the region are the main questions discussed in the paper. The water gardens, with their careful arrangements of elaborate pools and hydraulic systems, reveal much about the ingenuity and sophistication of the kingdom’s water engineering technology. This study is aimed to get to know about the salient features of Sigiriya, to compare Sri Lankan ancient military strategies with ancient eastern strategies, to investigate the strategic value of architectural designs and construction techniques used in creating Sigiriya and to compare Sigiriya with other ancient sites and structures, similar with other ancient sites. To study this phenomenon, should refer primary and secondary resources, studying the investigations done by HCP Bell based on Sigiriya and getting information from other sources. This paper shows that Sigiriya served as the main security headquarters and through its artistic creations, it was evident that the kings lived peacefully without fear, Sri Lanka had an advanced military strategy similar to the ideas of and Kautilya India and Indian lion capital of Ashoka lion paws in Sigiriya show very clear similarities. This shows that the ancient military strategies have been more advance than the future could imagine.