Parakrama Samudra

irrigation system, Sri Lanka

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July 1, 2026

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The Parakrama Samudra is a magnificent irrigation system located in Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka. It was a crowning achievement during the reign of King Parakramabahu I, boasting a storage area of over 5,000 acres and irrigating approximately 18,000 acres of land.12

The development of sophisticated irrigation technology was crucial to the Sinhalese civilization, which was based on storing and utilizing water for agriculture. Kings played a significant role in constructing large-scale irrigation schemes, creating colossal reservoirs by damming rivers. These systems, including the Parakrama Samudra, required extensive coordination, labor, and a bureaucratic structure for maintenance and water management, ultimately increasing royal power through enhanced agricultural productivity.12

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Sri Lanka
The advent and impact of irrigation
…most noteworthy was the magnificent Parakrama Samudra in Polonnaruwa, the crowning glory of Parakramabahu I’s reign, with a storage area of more than 5,000 acres (2,000 hectares) for the irrigation of 18,000 acres (7,300 hectares).
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…most noteworthy was the magnificent Parakrama Samudra in Polonnaruwa, the crowning glory of Parakramabahu I’s reign, with a storage area of more than 5,000 acres (2,000 hectares) for the irrigation of 18,000 acres (7,300 hectares).
Read More