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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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