Principality of Ruhuna
Ruhuna (Ruhunu)
The Principality of Ruhuna also referred to as the Kingdom of Ruhuna is a region of present day Southern and Eastern Sri Lanka. It was the center of a flourishing civilization and the cultural and economic centers of ancient Sri Lanka. Magama, Tissamaharama and Mahanagakula (now called as Ambalantota), were established here.[1][2]
Ruhuna was founded around 200 BC by Prince Mahanaga, brother to Devanampiya Tissa of Anuradhapura, after a personal dispute. This region played a vital role in building the nation as well in the establishment of Buddhist culture.
The area identified with Ruhuna in ancient times is mainly the Southern Province, a large part of the Uva Province and small parts of, Sabaragamuwa & Eastern Provinces.
Princes of Ruhuna
| Portrait | Name | Birth | Death | King From | King Until | Relationship with Predecessor(s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mahanaga | - | - | - BC | - BC | Younger brother of Devanampiya Tissa | |
| Yatala Tissa | - | - | - BC | - BC | Son of Mahanaga | |
| Gothabhaya | - | - | - BC | 205 BC | Son of Yatala Tissa | |
| Kavan Tissa | - | - | 205 BC | 161 BC | Son of Gothabhaya | |
| Vikramabahu (aka Kassapa VI before coronation) | - | - | 1037 | 1049 | *Son of Mahinda | |
| Kirthi (Minister) | - | - | 1049 | 1049 | *A nobleman of Ruhuna | |
| Mahalana Kirthi | - | - | 1049 | 1052 | *A Chief | |
| Vikkama Pandya | - | - | 1052 | 1053 | *A Sinhala Prince | |
| Jagathpala | - | - | 1053 | 1057 | *A native of Ayodhya | |
| Pârakkama Pandya | - | - | 1057 | 1059 | ||
| Lokeshwara (Minister) | - | - | 1059 | ? | *An inhabitant of Ruhuna |
References
- ↑ "South Asia-China Dialogue: Proceedings of the Joint Seminar of South Asian and Chinese Scholars, Beijing, 9-16 June 1980". Marga Institute. Retrieved 15 January 2014.
- ↑ Ring, Trudy (1996). Asia and Oceania: International Dictionary of Historic Places. New York: Routledge.