Gal Pota or the Stone book at the Northern side of the quadrangle is a monument belonged to the Polonnaruwa era. This giant, closer to the Hatadage is an inscription made to sing praises for to the great King Nissankamalla(1187-1196). In addition, it elaborates his rule and eligibility to be a king of Sri Lanka. In other words, it is a self-appreciation made by the king Nissankamalla.The stone is about 26’10’’ feet long and 4’7 feet wide. There are over 4300 characters separated by 72 lines and 3 columns. But it is said the author of the stone book is unknown.
Thus being the largest slab inscription of Sri Lanka the inscription should be protected. The granite slab was taken from Mihintale to the present place. It is hard to believe that they brought out this 25 stone weight rock by passing over 90 km. therefore the astonishing display of the King Nissankamalla bears a remarkable position in considering to imagine ancient transportation methods in Sri Lanka. Even today it is much difficult to carry a 25 stone slab from Mihintale to Polonnaruwa. The King's wisdom on behalf of a peaceful nation and a united Sri Lanka was ensured. King Nissankamalla had the lead and secure our country from South Indian Dravidian invaders, a number of times. Therefore his power was distinguished. King Nissankamalla is the third King who became more famous due to the service made during the Polonnaruwa kingdom. Tamil prince, Nissankamalla hailed from South India. Subsequently, he married a daughter of King Parakramabahu and appointed to the throne of the Polonnaruwa. By the time he constructed several construction projects in the land (Hatadage and Vatadage in the Quadrangle, and at the Rankot and Kiri viharas (plus a couple more in the Polonnaruwa Museum). The rock inscription can be visited easily on your journey among the cluster of sites around Polonnaruwa. Close to the Gal Pota is the Hatadage and Vatadage.
It is well worth to be traveling around this ruined city considering finest examples of Sinhala architecture and patterns. Travelers are indulged to visit and walk freely around the premises and know search more sites or information to become more informative. If you could take an own guide with you, it will be more informative to know the history of Sri Lanka. Please don’t leave anything just the leave the footprints.