History of Sri Lanka
Kings of Anuradhapura
Vijaya 543 BC
Upathissa 505 BC
Panduwasdeva 504 BC
Abhaya 474 BC
Pandukhabaya 437 BC
Mutaseeva 367 BC
Devanam Piyathissa 307 BC
Uththiya 267 BC
Mahasiva 257 BC
Sooratissa 247 BC
Sena & Guthtika 237 BC
Asela 215 BC
Elara 205 BC
Dutugemunu 161 BC
Saddhatissa 137 BC
Tullaththana 119 BC
Langitissa 119 BC
Kallatanagha 109 BC
Walagambha (First Time) 103 BC
Poolahaththa 103 BC
Bhabhiya 100 BC
Panaya Mara 98 BC
Piliya Mara 91 BC
Datiya 90 BC
Walagambha (Second Time) 89 BC
Mahasilu Mahatissa 76 BC
Choranaga 62 BC
Tissa-Kudatissa 50 BC
Queen Anula 47 BC
Kutakanna Tissa 42 BC
Bathiya,Bathika Abeya Bathiya Tissa 20 BC
Maha Daatiya Maha Nagha 09 AD
Amanda Gamini 21 AD
Kanirajanu Tissa 30 AD
Choolabeya 33 AD
Seevali Queen 35 AD
Ilanagha 35 AD
Chandamukasiva 44 AD
Yasalalaka Tissa 52 AD
Sobaraja 60 AD
Wasabha 66 AD
Wankanasikatissa 110 AD
Gajaba 113 AD
Bathiya Tissa II 141 AD
Kanittatissa 110 Ad
Choolanaga 193 AD
Kunchanaga 195 AD
Sirinaga 196 AD
Choharikatissa 215 Ad
Abeyanagha 236 AD
Sirinagha II 244 AD
Vijayakumara 246 AD
Sanghatissa 247 AD
Sirisanghabodhi 251 AD
Gothabeya 253 AD
Detutissa I 266 AD
Mahasen 276 AD
Sirimevan 303 AD
Detutissa II 331 AD
Buddhadasa 340 AD
Upatissa I 369 AD
Mahanama 410 AD
Soththisena 432 AD
Wattagrahaka 432 AD
Miththasena 433 AD
Pandu 434 AD
Parindha Kudaparindha
Tirithara Dhatiya
Peetaya Dathusena 459 AD
Kasyapa 477 AD
Mugalan 495 AD
Kumaradasa 512 AD
Keerthisena 521 AD
Seeva 521 AD
Upatissa II 521 AD
Silaakala 522 AD
Dhatappabhuthi 535 AD
Mugalan II 535 AD
Kithsiri Mevan 555 AD
Mahanaga 573 AD
Agbho I 575 AD
Agbho II 608 AD
Sangatissa 618 AD
Mugalan III 618 AD
Aseegrahaka 623 AD
Agbho III (First Time) 632 AD
Pettatissa III 632 AD
Agbho III (Second Time) 632 AD
DathasivaI 648 AD
Kasyapa II 650 AD
Dappoola I 659 AD
Hatthadasa 659 AD
Agbho IV 667 AD
Dattha 683 AD
Hatthadatha 684 AD
Manavamma 684 AD
Agbho V 719 AD
Kasyapa III 725 AD
Mahinda I 731 AD
Agbho VI 733 AD
Agbho VII 772 AD
Mihidhu II 778 AD
Dappoola II 797 AD
Mihidhu III 802 AD
Agbho VIII 805 AD
Dappoola III 816 AD
Agmho IX 831 AD
Sena I 833 AD
Sena II 853 AD
Udaya II 887 AD
Kasyapa IV 898 AD
Kasyapa V 915 AD
Dappoola IV 924 AD
Dappoola V 924 AD
Udaya II 935 AD
Sena III 938 AD
Udaya III 946 AD
Sena IV 952 AD
Mihidhu IV 955 AD
Sena V 972 AD
Mihidhu V 982 AD
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Ancient Anuradhapura
History of Sri Lanka
Ancient Anuradhapura
Anuradhapura Kingdom was built by King Pandukabhya, son of Princess Unmada chithtra.
The city was the first of it's kind with well designed sanitary system, Gardens, Irrigation and Water supply systems,
Temples, cemeteries and burial grounds, etc. The city was then became the capital city of Sri Lanka and flourished under
many subsequent Kings ruled for centuries.
Anuradhapura Kingdom was highly vulnerable to invasions from South India and suffered usurp of throne several times,
by invading Kings from south India. Singhalese Kings have managed to defeat the invaders after reorganizing the troops,
although the invading kings ruled in the mean time. One such historic battle held Between King Dutugamunu and
South Indian King, Elara. In that, King Elara was defeated and King Dutugamunu ruled the country in single sovereignty.
The Anuradhapura Kingdom was under constant threat from south Indian kingdoms. The King Mahinda V
ascended to throne in 982 A.C, and was the last Sinhalese king to rule the country from Glorious city.
At this time the South Indian realm Chola, became very powerful under the Great Rajaraja (985- 1018 A.C) and conquered
Sri Lanka. The King Mahinda was captured and imprisoned in South India.
The South Indians ruled the country for next 75 years. They shifted the Capital city to Polonnaruwa due to
strategic reasons after considering the vulnerably for attacks from both native Sinhalese people and other south Indian Kingdoms.
Ancient Anuradhapura
Anuradhapura Kingdom was built by King Pandukabhya, son of Princess Unmada chithtra.
The city was the first of it's kind with well designed sanitary system, Gardens, Irrigation and Water supply systems,
Temples, cemeteries and burial grounds, etc. The city was then became the capital city of Sri Lanka and flourished under
many subsequent Kings ruled for centuries.
Anuradhapura Kingdom was highly vulnerable to invasions from South India and suffered usurp of throne several times,
by invading Kings from south India. Singhalese Kings have managed to defeat the invaders after reorganizing the troops,
although the invading kings ruled in the mean time. One such historic battle held Between King Dutugamunu and
South Indian King, Elara. In that, King Elara was defeated and King Dutugamunu ruled the country in single sovereignty.
The Anuradhapura Kingdom was under constant threat from south Indian kingdoms. The King Mahinda V
ascended to throne in 982 A.C, and was the last Sinhalese king to rule the country from Glorious city.
At this time the South Indian realm Chola, became very powerful under the Great Rajaraja (985- 1018 A.C) and conquered
Sri Lanka. The King Mahinda was captured and imprisoned in South India.
The South Indians ruled the country for next 75 years. They shifted the Capital city to Polonnaruwa due to
strategic reasons after considering the vulnerably for attacks from both native Sinhalese people and other south Indian Kingdoms.
Ancient Places of Polonnaruwa
History of Sri Lanka
Ancient Places of Polonnaruwa
Galviharaya
Images of Gal Viharaya are the most impressive sculptures found at Polonnaruwa built in 12th century A.D. by
King Parakramabahu the 1st. The great Buddha images of different postures are carved in one granite rock.
The first is a samadhi image in meditation posture while the second is inside a cave and the third standing buddha
image with crossed arms and the fourth is a recumbent Buddha image depicting the passing away.
The third standing Buddha image is highly appreciated as it indicates Buddha's great mercy and sorrows also see
the ability of the artist who made the black patch going over the nose and avoided going over the eyes.
Lotus Pond (Nelum Pokuna)
A little north of Polonnaruwa Gal Vihare complex, is the late 12th century Lotus Pond.
This unique stone bath is built to represent an eight petaled lotus with four tiers. It is believed to be a part of the Jetavana
Monastary complex, which consisted of some five hundred buildings at its peak.
Lankathilaka
The large Gedige Lankathilaka, the image house with a Buddha statue, had 5 stores.
It has walls which are 4m trick and still stand 17m high, although the roof has crumbled. The design illustrates the
development in thinking which underlay the massive building, for it marks a turning away from the abstract from
of the dagaba to a much more personalized faith in the Buddha in human form.
The building is essentially a shrine, built to focus the attention of worshippers on the 18m high statue of the Buddha
at the end of the nave. Though built of brick and covered in stucco, the overall design of the buildings shows strong
Tamil influence. The exterior bas relief sculpture, most of which is in very impressive, shed light on contemporary
architectural style.
Parakrama Samudraya
The huge lake upon whose northeastern shore Polonnaruwa rests is an inland sea known as the Parakrama Samudra.
The largest irrigation tank of Parakramabahu I . It was the life-blood of the ancient city in the same way that it is the
blood life of the religion today, providing water for the growth of thirsty rice crops and other foodstuffs. Its 5,600 acres
of water irrigated an estimated 18,200 acres of paddy land.
Five minor lakes were incorporated in the building of the Parakrama Samudra, whose 8 1/2- mile bund contains 4 1/2 million
cubic yards of earth. One thousand men employed in the hand labor of the period, working 24 hours a day. could scarcely
have completed the job in 12 years.
Vatadage
The Vatadage (hale of the relic) near the entrance is a circular building with a dageba on concentric terraces with sculptured
railings, the largest with a diameter of 18m. A superbly planned and executed 12th century masterpiece attributed to
Naissankamalla (187-1196), the Vatadage has modest proportions but remarkably graceful lines. It was almost certainly
intended to house the Tooth Relic. There are impressive guard stones at the entrance of the second terrace and wing
stones with makaras enclosing lion figures; the moonstone to the north entrance of the top terrace is superb.
The dagaba at the center has four Buddha's (some damaged) with later stone screen.
Royal Citadel
The Citadel housed the palace and the administrative buildings of King Prakramabahu, the Great (12th century AD) and is
enclosed by a huge rampart more than a metre thick. According to historical records the King's Palace had been seven stories
high with a thousand chambers. The remains of three stories and a few of the chambers can be seen. The Council Chamber
where the King met his ministers is situated a few metres away in front of the palace. It is an impressive building with fine
stone carvings. The Royal Bath is outside the rampart with a flight of steps leading to it. The beautiful bath is made of
stone with a small pavilion probably used as a changing room.
Kiri Vehara
Kiri Vehera - the best preserved of all Sri Lanka's un-restored dagabas built in the 12th Century by Queen Subhadda
one of the wives of King Parakramabahu, where the original plaster is still intact.
Alahana Pirivena
A Monastic university complex extending over more than eighty hectares erected by King Parakramabahu I in the 12th Century.
Galpotha (The Stone-book)
A huge stone inscription of King Nissankamalla (12th Century) on a granite block measuring 8 metres in length
and 4.3 metres in width recording among other things the King's invasion of India.
Hatadage
A relic chamber built by King Parakramabahu I to house the sacred Tooth Relic.
Lankatillake
A large Buddha image house with a collosal Buddha image built by King Parakramabahu.
Nissanka Latha Mandapa
A stone structure with pillars built in the shape of floral stems constructed by King Nissankamalla (12th century) to listen
to the chanting of Pirith (recital of Buddhist scriptures) by the monks .
Ronkoth Vehara
A fairly well preserved large dagoba built by King Parakramabahu emulating the Ruwanvelisaya of Anuradhapura.
Demala Maha Seya
A Dagoba that King Parakramabahu wanted to build in Polonnaruwa using South Indian prisoners of war to surpass the
mighty Ruwanvelisaya of Anuradhapura but was never completed.
Tivanka Image House
Largest among the brick - built shrines of Polonnaruwa. In the narrow antechamber, beautiful Devas,
and the Bodhisattvas above, beckon the worshipper into the inner sanctum. Here stands the mighty Tivanka image of the Buddha,
depicted in the 'thrice curved pose'.
The Satmahal Prasada
A square pyramidal tower in seven tiers - a Dagaba of novel design. Each side of each tier is ornamented by a figure of a
deity in an arched niche. The simple, stepped design is a very ancient form of architecture which occurs in the step pyramids
of Egypt, and the ziggurats of Mesopotamia. Another building of this type occurs in Thailand in the monastery of
Vat Kukut at Lamphun, and both are probably derived from an earlier Indian prototype.
Ancient Places of Polonnaruwa
Galviharaya
Images of Gal Viharaya are the most impressive sculptures found at Polonnaruwa built in 12th century A.D. by
King Parakramabahu the 1st. The great Buddha images of different postures are carved in one granite rock.
The first is a samadhi image in meditation posture while the second is inside a cave and the third standing buddha
image with crossed arms and the fourth is a recumbent Buddha image depicting the passing away.
The third standing Buddha image is highly appreciated as it indicates Buddha's great mercy and sorrows also see
the ability of the artist who made the black patch going over the nose and avoided going over the eyes.
Lotus Pond (Nelum Pokuna)
A little north of Polonnaruwa Gal Vihare complex, is the late 12th century Lotus Pond.
This unique stone bath is built to represent an eight petaled lotus with four tiers. It is believed to be a part of the Jetavana
Monastary complex, which consisted of some five hundred buildings at its peak.
Lankathilaka
The large Gedige Lankathilaka, the image house with a Buddha statue, had 5 stores.
It has walls which are 4m trick and still stand 17m high, although the roof has crumbled. The design illustrates the
development in thinking which underlay the massive building, for it marks a turning away from the abstract from
of the dagaba to a much more personalized faith in the Buddha in human form.
The building is essentially a shrine, built to focus the attention of worshippers on the 18m high statue of the Buddha
at the end of the nave. Though built of brick and covered in stucco, the overall design of the buildings shows strong
Tamil influence. The exterior bas relief sculpture, most of which is in very impressive, shed light on contemporary
architectural style.
Parakrama Samudraya
The huge lake upon whose northeastern shore Polonnaruwa rests is an inland sea known as the Parakrama Samudra.
The largest irrigation tank of Parakramabahu I . It was the life-blood of the ancient city in the same way that it is the
blood life of the religion today, providing water for the growth of thirsty rice crops and other foodstuffs. Its 5,600 acres
of water irrigated an estimated 18,200 acres of paddy land.
Five minor lakes were incorporated in the building of the Parakrama Samudra, whose 8 1/2- mile bund contains 4 1/2 million
cubic yards of earth. One thousand men employed in the hand labor of the period, working 24 hours a day. could scarcely
have completed the job in 12 years.
Vatadage
The Vatadage (hale of the relic) near the entrance is a circular building with a dageba on concentric terraces with sculptured
railings, the largest with a diameter of 18m. A superbly planned and executed 12th century masterpiece attributed to
Naissankamalla (187-1196), the Vatadage has modest proportions but remarkably graceful lines. It was almost certainly
intended to house the Tooth Relic. There are impressive guard stones at the entrance of the second terrace and wing
stones with makaras enclosing lion figures; the moonstone to the north entrance of the top terrace is superb.
The dagaba at the center has four Buddha's (some damaged) with later stone screen.
Royal Citadel
The Citadel housed the palace and the administrative buildings of King Prakramabahu, the Great (12th century AD) and is
enclosed by a huge rampart more than a metre thick. According to historical records the King's Palace had been seven stories
high with a thousand chambers. The remains of three stories and a few of the chambers can be seen. The Council Chamber
where the King met his ministers is situated a few metres away in front of the palace. It is an impressive building with fine
stone carvings. The Royal Bath is outside the rampart with a flight of steps leading to it. The beautiful bath is made of
stone with a small pavilion probably used as a changing room.
Kiri Vehara
Kiri Vehera - the best preserved of all Sri Lanka's un-restored dagabas built in the 12th Century by Queen Subhadda
one of the wives of King Parakramabahu, where the original plaster is still intact.
Alahana Pirivena
A Monastic university complex extending over more than eighty hectares erected by King Parakramabahu I in the 12th Century.
Galpotha (The Stone-book)
A huge stone inscription of King Nissankamalla (12th Century) on a granite block measuring 8 metres in length
and 4.3 metres in width recording among other things the King's invasion of India.
Hatadage
A relic chamber built by King Parakramabahu I to house the sacred Tooth Relic.
Lankatillake
A large Buddha image house with a collosal Buddha image built by King Parakramabahu.
Nissanka Latha Mandapa
A stone structure with pillars built in the shape of floral stems constructed by King Nissankamalla (12th century) to listen
to the chanting of Pirith (recital of Buddhist scriptures) by the monks .
Ronkoth Vehara
A fairly well preserved large dagoba built by King Parakramabahu emulating the Ruwanvelisaya of Anuradhapura.
Demala Maha Seya
A Dagoba that King Parakramabahu wanted to build in Polonnaruwa using South Indian prisoners of war to surpass the
mighty Ruwanvelisaya of Anuradhapura but was never completed.
Tivanka Image House
Largest among the brick - built shrines of Polonnaruwa. In the narrow antechamber, beautiful Devas,
and the Bodhisattvas above, beckon the worshipper into the inner sanctum. Here stands the mighty Tivanka image of the Buddha,
depicted in the 'thrice curved pose'.
The Satmahal Prasada
A square pyramidal tower in seven tiers - a Dagaba of novel design. Each side of each tier is ornamented by a figure of a
deity in an arched niche. The simple, stepped design is a very ancient form of architecture which occurs in the step pyramids
of Egypt, and the ziggurats of Mesopotamia. Another building of this type occurs in Thailand in the monastery of
Vat Kukut at Lamphun, and both are probably derived from an earlier Indian prototype.
Sunday, March 20, 2011
History of Polonnaruwa
Polonnaruwa
Polonnaruwa Era existed between AC 1065- 1120.
The governing period of this time was about 186 years and 19 rulers had sat on
the throne in that period. During the final period in the Anuradhapura era, the
cholas shifted the political power to Polonnaruwa, which was situated in the eastern
side of the dry zone. The main reason was security, as it was regarded as a strategic
location to guard against an invasion from Ruhuna, the refuge of the Sinhalese liberation force.
Still the Cholas were unsuccessful in defending themselves against Vijayabahu?s
offensive riot against Polonnaruwa.
Polonnaruwa had its own fabulous Buddhist architecture and irrigational network
that had been built over the centauries by earlier sinhala rulers.
The First Sinhalese king to rule in this period was King Wijayabahu who ruled for 55 years
after he defeated the cholas. He restoered Buddhism to its former glory
and was also responsible for economic regeneration.
The Next famous King to take over from Vijayabahu is King Parakramabahu (AC 1164-1197)
He unified the country under one rule and built a remarkable series of irrigation work including
the massive Parakrama Samudraya.
Nissanka Malla was also a king to take notice of, because he also stabilized Sri Lanka
during his period. But his death brought instability & a pirate named Magha, who came
from south India conquered Polonnaruwa & executed many years of ruthless control over
the island.
Polonnaruwa Era existed between AC 1065- 1120.
The governing period of this time was about 186 years and 19 rulers had sat on
the throne in that period. During the final period in the Anuradhapura era, the
cholas shifted the political power to Polonnaruwa, which was situated in the eastern
side of the dry zone. The main reason was security, as it was regarded as a strategic
location to guard against an invasion from Ruhuna, the refuge of the Sinhalese liberation force.
Still the Cholas were unsuccessful in defending themselves against Vijayabahu?s
offensive riot against Polonnaruwa.
Polonnaruwa had its own fabulous Buddhist architecture and irrigational network
that had been built over the centauries by earlier sinhala rulers.
The First Sinhalese king to rule in this period was King Wijayabahu who ruled for 55 years
after he defeated the cholas. He restoered Buddhism to its former glory
and was also responsible for economic regeneration.
The Next famous King to take over from Vijayabahu is King Parakramabahu (AC 1164-1197)
He unified the country under one rule and built a remarkable series of irrigation work including
the massive Parakrama Samudraya.
Nissanka Malla was also a king to take notice of, because he also stabilized Sri Lanka
during his period. But his death brought instability & a pirate named Magha, who came
from south India conquered Polonnaruwa & executed many years of ruthless control over
the island.
History of Sri Lanka
Yakkha and Naga
Yakkhas confined to the center of the Island and Naga dominated
the northern and western parts in sixth century B.C.
Therefore North of the Island was called Nagadipa.
The Fa hien, monk had told there were no human inhabitations, but was occupied by Nagas
and spirits, with which the merchants of various countries carried on a trade. The spirits never
showed themselves ,they simply set forth their precious commodities ,with indications of the
price attached to them, while merchants made their purchases according to the price.
Nagas was so called because they were serpent-worshippers.
Archaeologist conjectured that the name was derived from the fact that their head
covering was in the shape of the hood of a hydra-headed cobra.
Aryan emigrated to Ceylon and spread their power across the country.
Eventually Naga and Yakksha population was reduced because of Aryans.
Yakkhas confined to the center of the Island and Naga dominated
the northern and western parts in sixth century B.C.
Therefore North of the Island was called Nagadipa.
The Fa hien, monk had told there were no human inhabitations, but was occupied by Nagas
and spirits, with which the merchants of various countries carried on a trade. The spirits never
showed themselves ,they simply set forth their precious commodities ,with indications of the
price attached to them, while merchants made their purchases according to the price.
Nagas was so called because they were serpent-worshippers.
Archaeologist conjectured that the name was derived from the fact that their head
covering was in the shape of the hood of a hydra-headed cobra.
Aryan emigrated to Ceylon and spread their power across the country.
Eventually Naga and Yakksha population was reduced because of Aryans.
Saturday, March 5, 2011
The Story of Sigiriya
History of Sri Lanka - The Story of Sigiriya
HistoryIn 477 CE, prince Kashyapa seized the throne from King Dhatusena, following a coup assisted by Migara,
the king’s nephew and army commander.
Kashyapa, the king’s son by a non-royal consort, usurped the rightful heir, Moggallana, who fled to South India.
Fearing an attack from Moggallana, Kashyapa moved the capital and his residence from the traditional capital of Anuradhapura to the more secure Sigiriya.
Kashyapa was defeated in 495 by Moggallana, who moved the capital again to Anuradhapura.
Sigiriya was then turned back into a Buddhist monastery, which lasted until the thirteenth or fourteenth century.
After this period, no records are found on Sigiriya until the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, when it was used as an outpost of the Kingdom of Kandy.
When the kingdom ended, it was abandoned again.
The Mahavamsa, the ancient historical record of Sri Lanka, describes King Kashyapa as the son of King Dhatusena.
Kashyapa murdered his father by walling him alive and then usurping the throne which rightfully belonged to his brother Mogallana, Dhatusena's son by the true queen.
Mogallana fled to India to escape being assassinated by Kashyapa but vowed revenge.
Chronicles and lore say that the battle-elephant on which Kashyapa was mounted changed course to take a strategic advantage, but the army misinterpreted the movement as the King having opted to retreat,
prompting the army to abandon the king altogether.
It is said that being too proud to be surrendered he took his dagger from the waist band, cut his throat, raised the dagger proudly, sheathed it and fell dead.
Alternative stories have the primary builder of Sigiriya as King Dhatusena, with Kashyapa finishing the work in honour of his father.
Still other stories have Kashyapa as a playboy king, with Sigiriya a pleasure palace.
Even Kashyapa's eventual fate is mutable.
the king’s nephew and army commander.
Kashyapa, the king’s son by a non-royal consort, usurped the rightful heir, Moggallana, who fled to South India.
Fearing an attack from Moggallana, Kashyapa moved the capital and his residence from the traditional capital of Anuradhapura to the more secure Sigiriya.
Kashyapa was defeated in 495 by Moggallana, who moved the capital again to Anuradhapura.
Sigiriya was then turned back into a Buddhist monastery, which lasted until the thirteenth or fourteenth century.
After this period, no records are found on Sigiriya until the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, when it was used as an outpost of the Kingdom of Kandy.
When the kingdom ended, it was abandoned again.
The Mahavamsa, the ancient historical record of Sri Lanka, describes King Kashyapa as the son of King Dhatusena.
Kashyapa murdered his father by walling him alive and then usurping the throne which rightfully belonged to his brother Mogallana, Dhatusena's son by the true queen.
Mogallana fled to India to escape being assassinated by Kashyapa but vowed revenge.
Chronicles and lore say that the battle-elephant on which Kashyapa was mounted changed course to take a strategic advantage, but the army misinterpreted the movement as the King having opted to retreat,
prompting the army to abandon the king altogether.
It is said that being too proud to be surrendered he took his dagger from the waist band, cut his throat, raised the dagger proudly, sheathed it and fell dead.
Alternative stories have the primary builder of Sigiriya as King Dhatusena, with Kashyapa finishing the work in honour of his father.
Still other stories have Kashyapa as a playboy king, with Sigiriya a pleasure palace.
Even Kashyapa's eventual fate is mutable.
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