Kuragala

Pre-historic evidences

According to the archaeological evidences found, Kuragala area had been used by humans belonging to the pre-historic period.^[2] From the excavations, archaeologists found stone tools, fossilized bone fragments and remains of a human skeleton which is believed to be aged more than 8,000 years.^[3][4] Investigations further revealed that the humans lived in Kuragala may had close links with the coastal areas as it found the remnants of seashells and shells of clams.^[3] Recent studies done in the Kuragala Kaltota Diyawinna area have revealed that beside the hunting, they had also engaged in agricultural activities as well.^[5]

Buddhist monastery

Kuragala inscription (No. 1). Written in early Brahmin scripts and old Sinhala language, it is belonged to the 2-1 centuries BC.^[6]

The extensive investigations, carried out by the archaeological department at the Kuragala, uncovered evidences that the caves at the site were using as a Buddhist monastery during the period between 3rd century BC and first century AD.^[3][7] An archaeological report on Kuragala area, published by C.H. Collins in 1932, documents about the two cave shelters and 2nd century BC Brahmi inscriptions as well as about the carved stone lintels, stairways and platforms, located at the foot of the Kuragala brae (Budugala area). From eye copies, C. H Collins published his interpretations of Kuragala inscriptions in JRASCB, XXXII, 1932. These inscriptions were reread, and republished in Inscriptions of Ceylon Vol. I by the archaeological department.^[8]

Researches done by Sri Lankan archaeologists and epigraphers have established that, inscribed cave shelters were made for Buddhist monks by donors as religious donations.^[9] Caves provide shelter to them during the annual rainy season retreat as prescribed in Theravada Buddhist tradition. Existence of dripledged caves in a site indicate that they were inhabited by Bhikkhus during the past period and epigraphs further reveal the names of donors who donate the prepared caves to them.

At the summit of the Kuragala is a brick built Stupa which is now an archaeologically protected monument. The Stupa is considered belongs to the tradition of Akasa Chaithya which type of Stupa were built since 7th century CE to serve as communication beacons giving directions.^[10] The present Stupa has been restored on the location where the residue of ancient Stupa was identified. However some allege that the Stupa at Kuragala is a modern construction, built using local bricks and Kankesanthurai cement, and the construction was stopped half as Jailani trustees obtain a cabinet order.^[11]

The Notice of Archaeological Department, Sri Lanka

Muslim shrine

It was lead to tensions after Muslims started to claim the site.^[12] From the end of 19th century the site was claimed to be occupied by the Muslim people and said to be maintained as a Sufi shrine named Daftar Jailani rock cave mosque by Muslims. According to the alleged local Muslim's believes a Sufi saint called Sheikh Muhiyadeen Abdul Qadir Jilani (d. 1166 CE, buried in Baghdad) have stayed in this place for 12 years after paying his respects to Adam's Peak.^[13][7] However the shrine itself preserves no physical trace of the saint^[14], an inscription written in Arabic language has been said to be found in the site which has not yet accepted to be historical by the authorities.^[15] According to a self-published book by the late chief trustee of Jailani, M.L.M. Aboosally, this inscription is belonged to 907 CE, a date more than two centuries prior to the saint’s lifetime.^[16]