Abhayavapi, Embankment dam in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka.
Abhayavapi is an embankment dam in Anuradhapura that holds water across a large surface and channels it through a network of waterways. The structure supports irrigation across the surrounding region and remains an integral part of the landscape today.
The dam was built during the reign of an early king to supply water to the growing city. It represented an important step in developing water management systems that would support the region for centuries.
The reservoir takes its name from a royal figure connected to the region's early governance and water management. It shaped daily life in the ancient city by ensuring reliable water access for the people who lived and worked nearby.
The area around the dam is accessible and offers views of the water and surrounding landscape. The dry season provides the easiest time to walk around, when pathways are clear and conditions are favorable.
Clay extracted from this dam's bed was used to build one of Sri Lanka's earliest Buddhist monuments. This connection shows how ancient construction projects in the city were interwoven and how resources were shared across different sacred and practical works.
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