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                       Historical Background of the Ancient Ponds in Sri Lanka.

                       A place where water is collected for various needs or such a structure can be called a
                       pond. A pool of natural water cannot be called a pond. Such a place can be called a

                       lake.  However,  any  place  where  water  collects  or  the  crater  made  by  human
                       intervention to collect water can be called a pond. It is uncertain when and in which

                       country  man  first  started  building  ponds.  But  even  in  prehistoric  times,  there  are

                       reasons to think that some constructions similar to ponds may have been made to hold
                       water. However, B.C. Around 3000 B.C., during the Indus Valley Civilization period,

                       archaeological evidences of large-scale ponds constructed using advanced techniques
                       have been discovered. This shows that the pond industry was widespread in India in

                       an organized manner since ancient times (Habarakada, 1996).


                       In ancient archeological records show gardens as a special place in our ancient urban
                       structures. The oldest garden mentioned in the Mahavamsa is the ‘Mahanaga’ garden.


                       “…..  in  the  delightful Mahānāga  garden,  three  yojanas  long  and  a  yojana  wide…”
                       (Geiger, 1912).


                       It  is  mentioned in  the information  of Deepavansa that Mahamevna garden built  by
                       King Mutasiva, the first king who structured a park. The garden calle Nandana was

                       located  near  the  southern  door  of  Anuradhapura  city.  It  is  also  known  as

                       "JothiyaVana."

                       Ponds played an important role in garden design. When considering the pond industry

                       in  Sri Lanka,  evidence  can be presented that  it has  existed since prehistoric times.
                       Mahavamsa information about the creation of the first pond is found in Kuveni news.

                       The shape of this pond is not known.


                       “When the man saw the pond and the women-hermit sitting…” (Geiger, 1912).

                       The Mahavamsa itself provides evidence that the pond industry developed more and

                       more in the proto-historic period following the establishment of Vijaya’s kingdom.
                       King  Pathis  II  provided  opportunities  for  monks  to  consume  the  pond  (Ginihal

                       Pokuna) north of the king's palace. In this way, the Mahavamsa indicates that there
                       were also ponds known as Muruta and Sunabhata belonging to this era.






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