The Sigiriya rock fortress in Sri

Lanka's Matale district is a

captivating wonder, towering 600

feet from the forest below. Dating

back to the fifth century, it served as

the opulent retreat of King

Kashyapa the Second, who seized

the throne unfairly and lost the trust

of his people. The fortress, with its

castle ruins, impressive water

fountains, and striking wall

paintings, gained UNESCO World

Heritage Site status in 1982.

Ascending the stone staircase amid

lush greenery, visitors encounter the

mirror wall adorned with poems,

leading to the stunning cave

paintings of maidens. Their ethereal

beauty and enigmatic origins

prompt speculation—some view

them as celestial beings, others as

the king's concubines, and still

others as royal daughters. The artists

remain unknown, but their style

reflects influences from Indian art,

particularly the Ajanta caves. These

fresco paintings, created using

water-based natural paints on wet

surfaces, are a testament to human

creativity.

Preserving these iconic artworks is

crucial, and efforts such as 3D laser

scanning, supported by the Central

Cultural Fund, aim to safeguard

them for future generations. The

Sigiriya wall paintings stand as a

proud symbol of Sri Lankan culture

and history, deserving of admiration

and exploration. A piece of poetry

found on the mirror wall beautifully

encapsulates the allure of these

maidens in stone.