- Godavaya, also known as Godawaya, was an ancient Port, on the Indian Ocean in the South of Sri Lanka.
- It was in the administrative region of Ruhunu Rata, ruled by the King’s brother at his Capital of Magampura.
History
- Godavaya operated from the 1st century BCE to 10th century CE.
- It was an important Port on the Silk Road.
- Ships came from China and the Goods were transhipped to the Red Sea and the Mediterranean.
Finds
- A Temple
- dedicated to Gotha Pabbatha Rajamaha Vihara was built on the rock overlooking the harbour, in the second century CE.
- A Customs House
- was built to one side of the Temple.
- An Inscription
- from King Gajabahu I’s Reign (c.114-136 CE) mentions the name of the Port as Goda-pavata Patana.
- It shows Port Dues were collected from Godawaya Harbour and a portion went to the local Temple of Godapawath.
- Clay Seals bearing a Lion were used to show Payment had been made.
- Statue of Buddha
- which is 11 ft 6″ (3.5 m) high, along with two smaller Boddhisattva statues.
- 75,000 Late Roman Coins
- these have been excavated from earthen containers in the area.
- Persian and Chinese pottery has also been found.
Godavaya Shipwreck
- The Godavaya Shipwreck, dating from the first century BCE or CE, was found near the ancient port of Godavaya in Sri Lanka. It was possibly heading towards Egypt.
- The cargo consisted of:
- Iron and Copper Ingots
- Blue Green and Black Glass Ingots from southern India
- Pottery.
Godawaya Harbour