Sigiriya, he constructed a large citadel and elaborate city. His palace was built on top of the Sigiriya rock. Sigiriya was a large rock rising above the surrounding plain, offering an unhindered view in all directions. It was chosen as the capital because of the strategic advantage this would give the defenders during an attack. Large ramparts and moats were built around the city. An elaborate and large garden was built around the rock. These gardens consisted a number of pools, fountains and other structures. A complex underground irrigation system supplied water to these pools and fountains, and the fountains are functional to this day. The constructions on top of the Sigiriya rock include the king’s palace among several other buildings and pools. The Sigiriya frescoes, which depict maidens carrying flowers, were also created during Kashyapa’s reign at Sigiriya. The Mirror Wall which is also known as the Ketapath Pawura is another important creation. Defeat and death Moggallana organised an army in South India and returned to Sri Lanka to claim his right to the throne. In the battle that ensued in the plains surrounding Sigiriya, Kashyapa’s army was defeated. The king tried a tactical move on his war elephant, which his troops interpreted as retreating, and abandoned him. Instead of being captured by his brother, the king killed himself with his own sword. Kashyapa’s reign as king of Sri Lanka ended with this defeat in 495, and Moggallana became the king as Moggallana I. See also Mahavamsa List of Sri Lankan monarchs History of Sri Lanka References External links 495 deaths K Monarchs killed in action Year of birth unknown Monarchs of Anuradhapura K Patricides