The Mahasen palace of Anuradhapura is currently in ruins but it remains an interesting facet of Sri Lanka history since we can see a wonderfully-preserved moonstone here. Certainly, the palace-if it is even king mahasen’s palace- would not have been as small as the ruins make them out to be today but they are in rather good preservation. The pillars still have complex patterns preserved across their capitals and the moonstone is the best piece of ancient Sri Lankan art ever, or so says Prof. Senarath Paranavithana. Certainly, it is a good example of a 3rd Century AD moonstone, having all the characteristic features of a piece of its kind. The four animals are present, unlike at later dates when the bull would be removed due to its sanctity in the Hindu faith.

Written by Vasika Udurawane for Travel Lanka Compass