Pandukabhaya of Anuradhapura

Pandukabhaya
King of Upatissa Nuwara
King of Anuradhapura
Reign 437 BC – 367 BC
Born 474 BC[1]
Died 367 BC
Predecessor Tissa
Successor Mutasiva
Consort Swarnapali[2]
Offspring 10 sons and two daughters
Mutasiva
Suratissa
Royal House Vijaya
Father Prince Dhigagamini
Mother Princess Chitra

Pandukabhaya (437 BC – 367 BC) was King of Upatissa Nuwara and the first monarch of the Anuradhapura Kingdom and 6th over all of the island of Sri Lanka since the arrival of the Vijaya, he reigned from 437 BC to 367 BC. According to many historians and philosophers, he is the first truly Sri Lankan king since the Vijayan invasion, and also the king who ended the conflict between the Sinha clan and local community, reorganizing the populace. His story is one wrapped in myth and legend.

Contents

Origin

There are three prevailing opinions on his origin.

According to Mahavansa and folklore, he was prophesied by astrologers to kill his ten uncles, and thus his mother was kept in a tower avoiding contact with the outside world. Somehow the princess fell in love and gave birth to him. He was raised in a village (Doramndalawa) aided by Yakkas and/or demons. His legend is filled with attempts by his uncles on his life, but he survived each of them. Other sources give different versions of the story.

See also

References

  1. ^ "The first king of Anuradhapura". Funday Times. Sunday Times. http://sundaytimes.lk/030608/funday/1.htm#1. Retrieved 12 December 2011. 
  2. ^ "King Mutasiva". Funday Times. Sunday Times. http://sundaytimes.lk/030615/funday/1.html#1. Retrieved 12 December 2011. 

External links

Pandukabhaya of Anuradhapura
Vijaya
Born: ? 474 BC Died: ? 367 BC
Regnal titles
Preceded by
Tissa
King of Anuradhapura Succeeded by
Mutasiva