THE BURIED CITIES OF CEYLON A Guide Book to Anuradhapura and Polonaruwa

The Buried Cities of Ceylon is a remarkable historical and archaeological guidebook offering an insightful journey through the ancient cities of Anuradhapura and Polonaruwa, two of Sri Lanka’s most significant cultural and religious capitals. Originally written by S.M. Burrows, a British civil servant and scholar, this meticulously detailed account provides travelers, researchers, and enthusiasts with a vivid portrait of the architecture, monuments, religious relics, and the cultural legacy of the Sinhalese civilization. From descriptions of ruined stupas and rock carvings to reflections on kingship, conquest, and religious transformation, this guide not only documents architectural marvels but also explores the soul of a bygone empire buried beneath the Ceylonese jungle. The book is richly informative and is indispensable for anyone interested in South Asian archaeology, Buddhist history, or colonial-era exploration literature.