It is believed to be part of the original architectural arrangement surrounding the great stupa built during the reign of King Dutugemunu in the 2nd century BCE. The wall gets its name from the rows of elephant figures that were incorporated into its design.
The elephants were positioned around the base of the stupa, creating the appearance that these powerful animals were supporting or protecting the great monument. In ancient Sri Lankan culture, elephants held an important place in royal, military, and religious traditions. Their use in the architecture of the Ruwanweli Maha Seya therefore carried both symbolic and cultural significance.
The Old Elephant Wall also provides an insight into the remarkable craftsmanship of ancient Sri Lankan builders and sculptors. The arrangement of the elephants was carefully planned to follow the circular form of the stupa, creating a strong visual connection between the monument and its surrounding structures. Although the wall has been affected by the passage of time and later restoration, its surviving remains help us understand how the original stupa complex may have appeared.
Today, the surviving Old Elephant Wall stands as a reminder of the enormous effort and craftsmanship involved in the construction of Ruwanweli Maha Seya. Together with the great stupa and other surrounding ruins, it helps visitors imagine the grandeur of ancient Anuradhapura and appreciate the remarkable civilization that flourished here more than two thousand years ago.
