A Tale of Tanks in Anuradhapura

The ancient city of Anuradhapura is not only famous for its many historic monuments and temples but also it has been a home to a unique feature that has become an integral part of the city’s landscape: its ancient tanks. These ancient irrigation systems were built centuries ago, and they’re still in use today. In this post, we’ll take a look at the history and importance of these tanks, and how they’ve become a part of Anuradhapura’s identity. Thanks to this impressive system of irrigation tanks, the city remains flourish even in periods of drought.

Anuradhapura is a city with rich history and an impressive array of ancient tanks. The major part of its irrigation system is large tanks which are used to store and distribute water throughout the region. These tanks were an integral part of the kingdom's irrigation system and allowed the city to thrive.

Over time, Anuradhapura became known for its elaborate and well-engineered systems of tanks. Many of these tanks were built using advanced engineering techniques such as terracing and embanking, allowing them to hold large amounts of water. The largest tank in Anuradhapura is Nuwara Wewa, which was built by King Dhatusena in the 5th century and held over 32 million cubic meters of water! Pretty surprise, isn’t it?

The tanks were also used for religious ceremonies and festivals, with many featuring intricate and elaborate sculptures and carvings. These were designed to honor deities, commemorate battles, and celebrate kings.

Today, the tanks remain an important part of Anuradhapura's cultural heritage. They are still used for irrigation purposes, but they are also popular tourist destinations. Visitors can explore the historic sites and learn about the rich history behind these remarkable feats of engineering.

 

A tank with lotus

The tanks of Anuradhapura have been around since the 3rd century BC, when they were built by King Pandukabhaya as part of an ambitious plan to irrigate the city’s fields and provide an abundant supply of fresh water. This plan proved incredibly successful; the system has survived largely intact until today, providing a lifeline to local communities who depend on the tanks for their livelihood. And most importantly the first ever tank  Basawakkulama which was built by King Pandukabhaya still remains safe and useable.

The construction of the tanks was no small feat; each tank was carefully crafted from large stones and mud and then filled with water from nearby streams. The entire network was connected with canals and channels, allowing water to flow from one tank to another and providing a reliable source of water for crops and other uses.

The tanks of Anuradhapura are a testament to the ingenuity and engineering skill of their creators. The grand scale of these structures demonstrates the importance that the people of Anuradhapura placed on providing a secure water supply for their citizens. Today, many of these tanks remain in use, serving as a reminder of the ingenuity and hard work of generations past. Many of these tanks were built over two thousand years ago.

Visiting the tanks in Anuradhapura is an experience unlike any other. As you approach them, their size and scope become truly awe-inspiring. These massive structures stretch out as far as the eye can see and dominate the landscape. They are not only impressive to look at, but they also have a rich and varied history.

Among these gigantic tanks, there are some well popular tanks which has been famous travel destinations. They are Nuwara Wewa, Nachchuduwa Wewa, Basawakkulama Wewa, Minneriya Wewa and Kala Wewa.

You can explore the various tanks, learn about their construction, and discover the stories behind their creation. Many of the tanks have been well-preserved, allowing visitors to imagine what life must have been like in ancient times. You can have a good bath in the tanks, and you can even take a boat ride across one of the larger tanks, allowing you to get an up close and personal view of these remarkable structures. But beware of the caution boards. Because it is not so healthy to swim across the tanks. They are really deep in the middle area, and it could create some unnecessary risks.

Tanks in Anuradhapura provide an incredible insight into the culture, engineering, and creativity of the ancient people who created them. The experience of visiting these tanks is truly unforgettable and will stay with you long after your visit. I am sure you will not see any creature like these gigantic tanks.

It is hard to avoid a stupa in a photo