Kuttam Pokuna

They form part of the Abhayagiri vihāra complex and are an example of the works in the field of hydrological engineering, architecture and art of the ancient Sinhalese.

[2][3][4][5] The Central Cultural Fund, Colombo, Sri Lanka, however, names the eighth or ninth century as the time of building.

[3][5] The two ponds are built in a 0.91 metres (3 ft) deep, rectangular depression lined with a low wall.

Next to one of these short stairs, in the northwest corner of the compound, a stone spout protrudes from the wall.

According to older descriptions of the twin ponds the spout was supported by a small sculpture of a lion.

The stairs lead to the bottom of the pond and are decorated with punkalas, or pots of abundance, and scroll design.

The sides of the large pond also have terraces on several levels, which are broad enough to walk or sit on and can be reached from the stairs.

[3] The northern side of the small pond is adorned with a sculpture of a five-hooded cobra (Nāga) under an arch of makaras.

[8] Water was transported from a rainwater reservoir over a distance for 3 km (1.9 mi) to the ponds through underground ducts.

[15][8] After having been left unattended for centuries, part of the Kuttam Pokuna was restored by Robert Wilson Ievers (Government Agent of the North Central Province) during the period 1885 to 1892.

In it were some small figurines, like a frog, a tortoise, a crab, several fish, a metal conch and a dancing woman.