Mediaeval Sinhalese Art c6.39

c6.39

Sīgiri The Sinha- lions (rather, a lion); whereto it took its name of Sihagiri (lion rock). Having gathered lese people all his wealth he buried it there carefully. . . . he built there a beautiful palace glorious to behold, like unto a second Ālakamandā, and lived there like its Lord, Kuvēra. . . . But he repented him afterwards of what he had done” (Mahāvaṃsa, Ch. XXXIX). The existing remains at Sīgiri are amongst the most interesting and remarkable in Ceylon. Especially noteworthy are the cave paintings, of which further mention is made in a later chapter.