Kingdoms In Sri Lanka

Anuradhapura Kingdom
Anuradhapura Kingdom would be the first established kingdom in Sri Lanka one of the Sinhala people. Its rule began with King Pandukabhaya along with the Kingdom flourished from 377 BC to 1017 AD. One on the important events through the Anuradhapura Kingdom range from the introduction of Buddhism. This was permitted due for the strong union between King Asoka of India and King Devanampiyatissa of Sri Lanka.

Let’s consider the notable successors within this era. Some of these rulers can also be of South Indian origin.

King Pandukabhaya
The founder and ruler of Upatissa Nuwara from 437-367 BC and first monarch of Anuradhapura. He had two sons Mutasiva and Suratissa. King Mutasiva ruled more than sixty years (367-307 BC) and constructed Mahamevnawa Park. Mutasiva had 09 sons several of the known successors include Devanampiyatissa, Uttiya, Mahasiva and Asela.

King Devanampiyatissa
Son of Mutasiva, Devanampiyatissa ruled from 307-267 BC. An important monarch as Buddhism was introduced during his reign. Following his rule, King Uttiya is at power for a short moment from 267-257 BC. Succeeding his reign was brother and King Mahasiva from 257-247 BC.

It was just after Mahasiva’s reign did the younger son of King Pandukabhaya, Suratissa, rule from 247-237 BC. However, his reign was temporary. Two traders from South India, Sena and Guttika killed King Suratissa and ruled the Kingdom for 22 years. Following their rule, another son of King Mutasiva, Asela were only available in to power from 215-205 BC just to have been killed in battle by Tamil Chola Dynasty member named “Ellalan”.

Ellalan
Having gained supremacy above the Pandukabhaya dynasty, Ellalan ruled Anuradhapura for upwards of 44 years. During his reign from 205-161 BC he was often proves to be a wise ruler until he was defeated and exiled by King Dutugamunu in 161 BC.

King Dutugamunu
Perhaps one of the favourite rulers with the Kingdom, Dutugamunu had also been known as Duttagamani Abhaya. An important ruler from the era, Anuradhapura flourished during his reign 161-137 BC) along with the kingdom expanded vastly. Dutugamunu was most common and together with ten giant warriors or Dasa Maha Yodhayo. Some of his known work include Mirisavetiya, Lovamahapaya along with the 90m tall Ruvanwelisaya. His contribution towards the Kingdom are one of the Anuradhapura Sacred City tour itineraries today.

Following his rule, the throne failed to go to his son due to being married with a lower cast. Instead, his successor was his brother King Saddha Tissa. Having ruled from 137-119 BC, his successors included his sons, Thulatthana, Lanja Tissa, Khallata Naga and Valagamba.

King Valagamba
Having ruled the peaceful Kingdom for under a mere five months, before he was dumped by South Indian invaders in 103 BC, King Valagamba is at exile for 14 years hiding inside Dambulla Caves. Following a long exile, Valagamba defeated the invaders and took back the throne in 89 BC. In gratitude, he converted his exile-home right into a temple and as well constructed the Abhayagiri Dagoba in Anuradhapura.

After any time of Valagamba, many in their family ruled the Anuradhapura Kingdom from 76 BC to 66 AD. King Subharaja was a final known King from house of Vijaya.

During now however, it is advisable to speak in the very first Queen in power from 47-42 BC. Queen Anula, have also been the first female head of state in Asia. Having been in power for 5 years, history states that they poisoned at least four husbands and consorts during her amount of time in order in which to stay power.

Anuradhapura Kingdom After Vijaya
With is know for Vijaya ending in 66 AD together with the killing of King Subharaja by King Vasamba, a brand new era began. Vasamba proceeded to construct 11 reservoirs and 12 canals during his reign from 67-111 AD to guide paddy cultivation in the country. Following his reign, his son, grandson, King Gajabahu I and many more took to rule the Anuradhapura Kingdom.