Sri Lanka: The remains of the 2nd century BCE Dakkhina Stupa (previously known as the...

The 2nd-century BCE Dakkhina Stupa was originally thought to have been built by King Duttugemunu to honour the Tamil King Elara, who he had defeated in battle. Today the structure is identified as a Buddhist stupa. Anuradhapura is one of Sri Lanka's ancient capitals and famous for its well-preserved ruins. From the 4th century BC until the beginning of the 11th century AD it was the capital. During this period it remained one of the most stable and durable centers of political power and urban life in South Asia. The ancient city, considered sacred to the Buddhist world, is today surrounded by monasteries covering an area of over sixteen square miles (40 km²).