Kandy history

Foundation and First Mentions

The history of Kandy, known in ancient times as Senkadagalapura, dates back to the mid-14th century. The city was founded by King Vikramabahu III (1357–1374) in a picturesque mountain valley. However, Kandy attained its true glory and status as a capital later, at the end of the 16th century, when King Vimaladharmasuriya I proclaimed it the center of an independent state, which became the final stronghold of the Sinhalese monarchs.

Key Factors of Formation

Kandy's transformation into a powerful political and spiritual center was driven by a combination of unique conditions:

• Geography and Defense: The city is located in the heart of the Central Highlands, surrounded by rugged mountain ranges and the winding Mahaweli River. This natural landscape served as a reliable fortress, protecting the capital from external invasions for centuries.
• Political Power: Following the occupation of coastal territories by European colonizers, Kandy became the symbol of the island's sovereignty. Its status as the capital was solidified by the relocation of the royal court here.
• Religious Significance: A decisive factor was the transfer of the sacred relic—the Sacred Tooth Relic—to the city. According to tradition, whoever possessed the relic held the legitimate right to rule the country.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

Its isolated position in the mountains contributed to the formation of a distinctive culture, different from the coastal regions. Unique traditions of Kandyan dance, music, and architecture originated here and are preserved to this day. The early economy was based on terraced rice farming and spice cultivation. Despite logistical challenges, the city remained a vital hub for internal trade, connecting the mountain districts with the rest of the island.

Major Milestones in Kandy's History

The history of Kandy is a chronicle of resilience and cultural grandeur. Below are the key dates that defined the destiny of this unique city.

• 1357–1374 — King Vikramabahu III establishes the settlement of Senkadagalapura, which would later become the city of Kandy.
• 1592 — Vimaladharmasuriya I proclaims Kandy the capital of the last independent Sinhalese kingdom, successfully resisting European colonizers.
• Late 16th Century — The Sacred Tooth Relic is ceremoniously transferred to the city, cementing its status as the island's main religious center.
• 1602 — Arrival of the first Dutch envoy, Joris van Spilbergen, marking the beginning of complex diplomatic relations with Europeans.
• 1739 — The Nayak dynasty ascends the throne; their rule introduced significant South Indian cultural influence into the city's architecture and art.
• 1753 — Restoration of the higher monastic ordination (Upasampada) by monks from Siam (Thailand), leading to the establishment of the Siam Nikaya order.
• 1807 — The last king, Sri Vikrama Rajasinha, completes the construction of the artificial Kiri Muhuda Lake, which is the city's hallmark today.
• 1815 — The "Kandyan Convention" is signed, ceding the kingdom to the British Empire and ending over 2,000 years of monarchy on the island.
• 1867 — James Taylor establishes the first commercial tea plantation at Loolecondera estate near Kandy, beginning the era of Ceylon tea.
• 1948 — Sri Lanka gains independence from Great Britain; Kandy retains its importance as the nation's cultural capital.
• 1988 — The Sacred City of Kandy, including the Temple of the Tooth and the Old Royal Palace, is inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Stages of City Development and Transformation

The evolution of Kandy is a journey from an impregnable mountain citadel to a cultural and educational center open to the world. Below are the key moments that shaped the city's modern economic and architectural appearance.

• Formation of the Sacred Core (16th–18th Centuries)
  The construction and continuous expansion of the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic complex defined the city's urban axis. A unique architectural ensemble of palace and religious buildings formed around the shrine, forever establishing Kandy as the island's spiritual capital.
• Creation of Kiri Muhuda Lake (1807)
  The decision by the last king, Sri Vikrama Rajasinha, to create an artificial lake in the city center was a turning point in Kandy's urban planning. The water body altered the layout and microclimate of the valley, becoming the central landscape element around which tourism infrastructure is built today.
• Construction of the Railway (1867)
  The launch of the railway line connecting Kandy with the port of Colombo broke the highlands' centuries-old geographical isolation. This event gave a powerful boost to the economy, simplifying cargo logistics and opening the city to travelers and commerce.
• Rise of the Tea Industry (from the 1870s)
  Replacing failed coffee plantations with tea transformed the city's surroundings into a global hub for tea production. Kandy became an administrative and trading node for planters, leading to the development of the banking sector and the construction of colonial-style commercial buildings.
• Development of the University Cluster (Mid-20th Century)
  The establishment of the University of Peradeniya in Kandy's suburbs transformed the region into the country's main educational hub. The construction of the extensive campus became an example of outstanding landscape design and attracted an intellectual elite to the city.
• International Recognition by UNESCO (1988)
  The inclusion of the Sacred City in the World Heritage list reoriented the economy toward cultural tourism. This event launched processes for restoring historical monuments and introducing strict urban planning norms to preserve the authenticity of the center.

Architectural Identity of Kandy

The architectural appearance of Kandy represents a unique fusion of traditional Sinhalese craftsmanship and European colonial influence. Unlike the coastal cities of Sri Lanka, where Portuguese and Dutch heritage is strongly felt, Kandy maintained its independence for a long time, allowing it to preserve the authentic style of the final kingdom era.

Era of the Kandyan Kingdom (Pre-1815)

This period is characterized by the development of the distinctive "Kandyan style," known for its use of local materials and intricate woodwork. Buildings were designed with the climate in mind: wide eaves protected against monsoon rains and the tropical sun.

• Traditional Sinhalese Style: The dominant feature is the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic (Sri Dalada Maligawa) complex. Its distinguishing features are white plastered walls, granite bases, and characteristic pitched tiled roofs.
• Wooden Architecture: The brightest example is the Magul Maduwa (Audience Hall). This is an open pavilion where the roof is supported by carved wooden columns made of teak and ironwood. There are no walls, ensuring natural ventilation.

British Colonial Period (1815–1948)

With the arrival of the British, the city began to change its appearance. The colonizers introduced European styles, adapting them to tropical conditions (wide verandas, high ceilings). A regular building layout formed in the city center.

• Neo-Gothic: A landmark building in this style is St. Paul’s Church, located next to the temple complex. Built of red brick, it stands out with pointed arches and stained glass, contrasting with the Buddhist architecture.
• Victorian Classicism: The Queen’s Hotel building is one of the oldest and most famous colonial structures in the city. Its facade with arcades, white columns, and molding embodies the grandeur of the 19th-century British Empire.

Urban Development and Layout

Kandy's urban structure is dictated by the complex mountain terrain and the presence of a dominant water feature.

• Sacred Center and Lake: The city developed around the artificial Kiri Muhuda Lake and the Temple of the Tooth. This zone remains the historical and spiritual core, where high-rise construction is prohibited.
• Grid Street Layout: In the commercial part of the city, formed during the British period, a clear grid of streets can be traced. Here, old trading rows ("shophouses") with overhanging balconies are located, where the ground floors are dedicated to trade and the upper floors to housing.
• University Town: In the suburb of Peradeniya, a massive university campus project was realized in the mid-20th century. Architects Patrick Abercrombie and Shirley de Alwis created an ensemble where modernist principles harmoniously combine with traditional Kandyan motifs against the backdrop of a landscaped park.

Distinguished Figures of Kandy

The history and culture of Kandy are inextricably linked with the names of great rulers, innovators, and creators who shaped the unique character and spirit of this city.

• Vimaladharmasuriya I (reigned 1590–1604)
  Founder of the Kandyan Kingdom
  A key figure in the city's history. It was he who proclaimed Kandy the capital and transferred the Sacred Tooth Relic here, building the first two-story temple to house it. His reign laid the foundation for the region's political and religious power.
• Kirti Sri Rajasinha (reigned 1747–1782)
  Reformer King and Patron of Culture
  Known for the revival of Buddhism on the island and the restoration of temples. For travelers, his name is significant because it was under his rule that the famous Esala Perahera festival acquired its current scale and grandeur, combining religious rituals with public celebration.
• Sri Vikrama Rajasinha (reigned 1798–1815)
  The Last King of Kandy
  Despite a complex historical context, he left the city its main visual symbol. By his order, the artificial Kiri Muhuda (Sea of Milk) Lake was created in the city center, which is today a favorite place for travelers to stroll.
• James Taylor (1835–1892)
  Pioneer of the Tea Industry
  A Scotsman who forever changed the region's economy. Although his plantation was located in the vicinity (Loolecondera), his life was closely tied to Kandy. Thanks to his experiments, the Central Province transformed into a global center for tea production.
• Minnette de Silva (1918–1998)
  Modernist Architect
  A native of Kandy and Sri Lanka's first female architect. She pioneered the "Tropical Modernism" style, harmoniously blending modern technology with the region's traditional crafts and materials. Her work had a tremendous influence on Asian architecture.
• Muttiah Muralitharan (born 1972)
  Legend of World Cricket
  Born in Kandy and an alumnus of the local St. Anthony's College. He is one of the greatest players in cricket history and a world record holder. For locals, he is a symbol of the city's sporting glory and a national hero.