#124: The Collapse of Polonnaruva

The collapse of Polonnaruva marked the end of the lowland kingdoms in Sri Lanka's arid north, and the end of a distinctive and successful form of hydraulic low-density urban settlement. Although historically understood as the result of Indian invasion, recent research at Anuradhapura has suggested the very economic system that enabled these kingdoms to flourish within a marginal environment, may have facilitated their collapse. Guest: Dr Keir Strickland (Archaeology, La Trobe University) Recorded 3 June, 2019.