Polonnaruwa succeeded Anuradhapura as capital of the island now called Sri Lanka at the end of the 10th century. The Indian Chola Dynasty ruled the island at that moment, but after they were driven out Polonnaruva remained the capital. The city had its cultural heyday under the leadership of King Parakramabahu I in the 12th century: the buildings, parks and the large tank date from this period.
