NO. 48—1897.] ARCHAEOLOGICAL SURVEY, SIGIRIYA. 105 



Ruskin forcibly pronounces "more tragic than uttermost 

 ruin." 



The lowest staircase — at the south-west corner of the Rock — 

 descends with a right angle return to the " watch-cave " in the 

 perpendicular crag on this side. The southernmost terrace, 

 to the east of these stairs, was clearly dedicated to Cloacina, 



Of the higher level half of the summit I have already 

 spoken, as containing a succession of apartments, rising in 

 tiers northwards. 



The backbone, as it were, of the citadel is found in the 

 paved way, with steps descending ever and anon, that was 

 carried along its axis from end to end, hugging the retaining 

 wall of the upper ridge, and winding with its angles, but for the 

 most part running straight as an arrow. From this " spinal 

 column " branch off, east and west, staircase " ribs," which 

 would render communication between all parts of the citadel 

 easy and rapid ; whilst each section was equally well served, 

 by the cunningly designed interconnection of its own compo- 

 nent divisions, through a maze of minor passages and stairs. 



No less perfectly planned was the water supply. The 

 rock-hewn pokuna, nearly 30 yards square, centrally situated 

 and accessible from every side, would suffice, when re- 

 plenished yearly by the north-east monsoon rains, for 

 f ordinary requirements during the ensuing dry months. 

 For drinking water resort was had, in all probability, to 

 two at least of the three smaller cisterns close to the Rock's 

 north, south-west, and south-east edges. 



A word or two regarding the architectural construction of 

 the citadel. 



Further lengthening of the deep longitudinal trench, 

 begun last year from the extreme southern verge, confirms 

 the impression that the foundations were throughout the low- 

 level area, in general, of that form of stonework known as 

 " irregular horizontal," and run down to the rock core. Upon 

 this rested brick walls, vertical or in batter, plain or moulded, 

 according to position and purpose, but all alike coated thickly 



16—97 I 



