The Hatadage was built by Nissankamalla (1187 - 1196), according to an inscription by its entrance. The building originally had two storeys, although only the lower storey remains today. It is thought to have displayed, at one time, a tooth relic of the Buddha. A weathered frieze on the wall is said to be the oldest pictorial representation of Bharat Natyam, the classical South Indian dance form.