Sigiriya: The Art of Defense in Depth
Sigiriya: The Art of Defense in Depth
A Masterpiece of Ancient Defense Architecture
We think it was the late 90s when we had the chance to visit one of the magnificent wonders in Sri Lanka called Sigiriya. One thing we remember to this day is that the moment we stepped out of our vehicle and saw the rock up close,
The intimidation and power projected by the Lion's feet .
Had an eerie feeling in our minds
It was indeed a strange feeling to be caught in. Now, nearly 30 years later, when we think back about it, we are left to ponder, ‘Did Kashyappa and his Engineers pull off one of the best
Psychological Warfare Tactic
in Sri Lankan history, which continues to intimidate visitors to this day?
Sigiriya: Origins
Once upon a time, in the land of Sri Lanka, there lived a king named Dhatusena. The king was quite the player, with many wives and sons. As he aged, he wanted to hand over the throne to his rightful heir, Moggallana, the son from his royal consort.
All was going well and dull until another of the king’s sons, Kashyappa, from a non-royal consort, decided he wanted the throne for himself. He plotted a coup, colluding with the commander of the armed forces to dethrone Dhatusena.
The coup was hugely successful, and in the end, Dhatusena was walled up alive by Kashyappa. The rightful heir, Moggallana, fled to South India in fear for his life and to gain support and gather a resistance force to defeat and kill Kashyappa.
Sigiriya: The Masterpiece
If someone killed their own father and their half-brother is constantly plotting to avenge his death and claim the throne, naturally, that person would need extra defense around them 24/7. The solution? Build a masterpiece of architecture that is impossible for any enemy to penetrate.
Above is the best reconstruction of Sigiriya we could create based on descriptions from reference sources using generative AI. Now, it is time to delve into the defense-in-depth capabilities built around and within Sigiriya!
Sigiriya: Defense in Depth
Sigiriya is a prime example of defense in depth in ancient history. Let's examine these features in detail as we enter the premises.
Outer Rampart
The first thing we encounter when we enter is the outer rampart, a defensive wall providing the first line of defense. The outer rampart is a massive earthen structure, about 130 feet wide and nearly 6 miles long. Strangely, this wall was made of mud, according to scientists [5].
Outer Moat
Once we pass the outer rampart, we are greeted by the outer moat, which is about 175 feet wide and 13 feet deep.
Plain Green Field
Once we cross Outer Moat, we are greeted with plain field.
Middle Rampart
In the middle of the plain green field, we can see the middle rampart, an additional defensive barrier between the outer and inner moats. Scientists believe this was built with bricks.
Inner Moat
Once we cross the middle rampart and the plain area, we are greeted by the inner moat, another defensive water body about 80 feet wide and 14 feet deep. It is believed that Kashyappa had some crocodiles roaming the area to deter sightseers and coup plotters.
Inner Rampart
The final defensive wall protecting the inner area.
Water Gardens
These gardens served not only as aesthetic elements but also as obstacles for intruders, making movement difficult and enhancing the natural defenses.
Boulder Gardens
Natural rock formations and strategically placed boulders created physical barriers against attackers.
Terrace Gardens
Terraces made the terrain challenging to navigate, slowing down and exposing attackers.
Caves
These caves provided strategic vantage points and hiding spots, useful for surveillance and surprise attacks.
Mirror Wall
These defensive structures carved directly into the rock added difficulty and confusion for attackers.
Palace on the Summit
The summit palace, accessible only via a narrow staircase, was the final line of defense, providing a secure retreat for the king.
Sigiriya: The Uniqly Sri lankan Measures
Sigiriya employed several unique defensive measures which are not much found in other fortresses or castles around the world, those are
Camouflaged Fortress: The entire fortress blends seamlessly with the natural rock formation, making it difficult for attackers to identify and approach.
Mirror Wall: This polished surface was used to monitor approaching enemies through reflections, providing an early warning system.
Water Gardens with Hydraulic Systems: Beyond aesthetic appeal, these gardens included hidden canals and water traps that could be used to flood areas or hinder attackers.
Lion's Gate: The imposing entrance, flanked by giant lion paws, served as both a psychological deterrent and a defensive choke point.
Natural Rock Cisterns: Cut into the rock, these cisterns ensured a reliable water supply during sieges, maintaining the fortress’s resilience.
Symmetry and Asymmetry: The blend of both symmetry and asymmetry in Sigiriya's design not only contributed to its beauty but also its effectiveness as a defensive stronghold.
But was it enough?
For those wondering, did Kashyappa lived a blissful life in that secure pleasure palace built to withstand even the toughest invasion, The Answer is “Nope! He did not”
Despite Sigiriya's formidable defenses, it ultimately fell when Moggallana, leading a force from South India and allies, declared war on Kashyappa. In the final battle, Kashyappa's strategic maneuver on his battle elephant was misinterpreted as a retreat by his army, leading to their abandonment. Too proud to surrender, Kashyappa took his dagger, cut his throat, raised the dagger proudly, sheathed it, and fell dead.
Even the most impregnable fortresses can succumb to miscommunication and human error. What a wonderful lesson.
So in short it looks like!
No matter how defensive we are physically or strategically in our battle formations and fortress-building prowess, if we are not ethically defensive enough, we will succumb to the test of time and tenacity
Ayubowan!
References
[1] Sigiriya Wikipedia Article
[2] Sigiriya 1
[3] Sigiriya 2
[5] Sigiriya Map