The Medawasala Museum, located in the historic Royal Palace complex of Kandy, is a unique cultural institution dedicated to preserving and presenting the history of Sri Lankan queens and royal women. The museum is housed in the historically significant Medawasala building, which served as the residence of Queen Venkatha Rangammal, consort of King Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe, the last ruler of the Kandyan Kingdom (1798-1815 AD). Managed by the Central Cultural Fund, the museum was opened to the public in 2016 following extensive conservation work.

Historical Significance

The Medawasala building, also known as Medavahala during the colonial era, is situated between the Kandy National Museum (Palle Wasala) and the International Buddhist Museum (Uda Wasala), adjacent to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic. The building appears on the historic map drawn by H.T. Keppetipola in 1815, documenting its importance within the royal palace complex.

According to historical records, King Rajasinghe kept Queen Rangammal secluded from public view, with only her closest maids and daughters of noble families dedicated to her service having access to the queen’s chambers. This architectural arrangement reflects the traditional customs and social practices of the Kandyan royal court.

Architectural Heritage

The Medawasala building exemplifies the distinctive architectural features of the Kandyan period. The structure features:

• Four wooden pillars: A characteristic feature of Kandyan architecture, including two large uncarved pillars and two smaller pillars decorated with intricate floral motifs, scrolls, and designs
• Crescent-shaped doorways: The main entrance and two additional doorways in the inner chamber feature the characteristic crescent design of Kandyan architecture
• Wooden craftsmanship: The wooden hinges on the back door showcase the excellence of architectural artistry during the Kandyan era
• Interior courtyard: Adorned with lotus carvings and featuring a drainage system for water disposal
• Ancient murals: Floral motifs painted on red backgrounds, discovered during recent conservation work, enhance the building’s historical value

The building’s design includes an isolated interior chamber with four carved stone supports that once held a royal bed, providing insight into the living arrangements of Kandyan royalty.

Purpose and Focus

The Medawasala Museum represents a pioneering concept for Sri Lanka—the country’s first museum dedicated specifically to celebrating the history and contributions of queens and women throughout Sri Lankan history. The museum traces the narrative of royal women from ancient times through the Kandyan period, highlighting their roles and influence in shaping the nation’s history.

The exhibition focuses on:

• The queens of Sri Lanka from legendary Queen Kuveni through to Queen Rangammal
• Notable women rulers including Queen Anula and Queen Leelawathie
• The revered Vihara Maha Devi and other influential women in Sri Lankan history
• The lifestyles, customs, and contributions of women in the Kandyan era
• Traditional women’s jewelry, clothing, ornaments, and domestic artifacts

Collections

The museum exhibits artifacts that illustrate the lives and roles of royal women and women in general throughout different periods of Sri Lankan history. The collection includes:

• Four copper plates discovered in the building, believed to be historical defenses or protective items
• Traditional jewelry and ornaments
• Historical clothing and textiles
• Furniture with antiquarian value
• Linen and domestic items
• Stone inscriptions, including a plaque bearing “1915 AD” marking the colonial period connection