Discovery of a Special Machine Used by Ancient Kings to Reach the Top of Sigiriya?

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From time to time, social media platforms carry posts that mislead the public with questionable claims related to sites of historical and cultural importance. In a similar instance, a video has been circulating on social media regarding the world-famous Sigiriya, a symbol of Sri Lanka’s rich history. Let’s look at the claim made by the viral clip.

 (Social Media Posts) :

A video circulating on social media, carrying the thumbnail claim that a “Karkataka machine” used by ancient kings to reach the top of Sigiriya, has been discovered, has drawn public attention. According to the video, this alleged machine is located on a side of the Sigiriya rock and has not been seen by anyone until now.

Facebook  | FB

The video was also shared by many people on TikTok like this.

The video was shared across numerous social media accounts. Meanwhile, several users raised questions regarding the authenticity of the claims made in the video

Accordingly, we decided to investigate the authenticity of this video posted on Facebook.

Fact Check  :

Sigiriya, believed to have been built in the 5th century, is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It reflects the grandeur of Sri Lanka’s history and remains one of the country’s most prominent tourist attractions, drawing both local and international visitors.

However, upon examining the alleged machine shown in the video, which claims to have been used by kings to reach the top of Sigiriya, does not appear to be very old.

Furthermore, if a machine dating back to the 5th century with historical significance had indeed been discovered, such news would likely have been reported by numerous media outlets, including mainstream media. However, no media have published any report of a discovery as described in the social media post.

Sigiriya Project Manager, managed by the Central Cultural Fund.

When contacted, the Sigiriya Project Manager of the Central Cultural Fund clarified that the machine shown in the video is not a crane used by ancient kings. Rather, it is an elevator used to carry materials, such as bricks, for the conservation and construction work at the top of Sigiriya rock.

Local reporters

Meanwhile, we contacted regional reporters covering Sigiriya to verify the claims made in the video circulating on social media. The reporters confirmed that the elevator shown in the video is not what the post claims. While folklore mentions a “Karkataka machine,” they said no evidence has been found to support this.

The reporters further explained that the video actually shows an elevator built a few years ago to transport bricks and other materials needed for conservation work at Sigiriya. They also noted that the elevator is motor-operated, and the motor is visible in the video. 

Legends about the Karkataka Yantra: No official evidence found!

Some blogs and short videos on social media have suggested that King Kashyapa may have used a machine, possibly the “Karkataka machine,” to reach the top of Sigiriya Rock. They have also shown certain inscriptions on stones as supporting evidence.

However, no such machine has ever been discovered, and there is no report confirming that the kings actually used any device to climb Sigiriya. A video discussing this claim can be seen here, and a few related reports are available here, here, and here.

Senior Professor of Archaeology Raj Somadeva

We also inquired from Senior Professor of Archaeology Raj Somadeva regarding social media posts. The Senior Professor stated that the holes and markings in some of the rocks at Sigiriya are just a legend, and there is no evidence of a Karkataka Yantra.

The senior professor also stated that the Karkataka Yantra was a machine that was, in fact, used to transport water from a lower place to a higher place in ancient times, and that sources state that the Karkataka Yantra was used in the past to transport water from the Tissa Tank to the Ranmasu Uyana.

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Conclusion  : 

Our investigation reveals that the video circulating on Facebook, claiming that “ The Karkataka machine that was used by the kings to reach the top of Sigiriya Rock was discovered”, is misleading. The video actually shows a recently constructed elevator used to transport bricks and other materials for conservation work at Sigiriya.