Dona Catherina of Kandy
| Dona Catherina | |
|---|---|
| Queen of Kandy | |
 Dona Catherina being welcomed by the General Conquistador Pedro Lopez de Souza | |
| Reign | 1581 |
| Predecessor | Karaliyadde Bandara |
| Successor | Rajasinha I |
| Issue | Rajasinha II of Kandy |
| House | House of Siri Sanga Bo |
| Father | Karaliyadde Bandara |
Dona Catherina (d. 10 July 1613), also known as Kusumasana Devi, was ruling Queen of Kandy in 1581.
Life
She was the daughter of king Karaliyadde Bandara, but was sent to Portuguese Ceylon as a hostage and brought up in European style, taking the name Dona Catarina.
After the death of her father in 1581, the Portuguese installed her as a client ruler in the Campaign of Danture. She was at this point a teenager. She succeeded her father Karaliyadde Bandara as king of Kandy. The attempt was a disaster, with Portuguese forces completely wiped out. She was deposed by Rajasinha I of the Kingdom of Sitawaka in the same year she ascended the throne.
In 1594, she became the Queen Consort to King Wimaladharmasuriya I to solidify his rule after the defeat of King Rajasinhe I three years prior.[1] Finally, she married her former brother-in-law King Senarath Bandara who succeeded to the throne following the death of King Wimaladharmasuriya in 1604, also to solidify his legitimacy as ruler.[2]
She had issue from King Wimaladharmasuriya, three children. Mahastana Adahasin, Surya Mahadahasin and Santana Adahasin.She also had Kumarasingha Astana, Vijayapala Astane and Mahastane from King Senerath Bandara. Mahastana Adahasin died in 1612 after sickness of six days. The youngest son of Dona Catherina (Mahastane) later succeeded his Father as King Rajasinhe II, who is known for the agreement made with the Dutch to end Portuguese rule. Her ascendency was contingent on converting to Buddhism. She secretly taught Catholicism to her subjects during her life.
She fell sick after her son Mahastane Adahasin died in 1612 attributed to excessive grief by Philip Baldaeus, and died on 10 July 1613. She was 35 years at the time of her death.
See also
References
- ↑ Rajiva Wijesinha: Political Principles and Their Practice in Sri Lanka
- ↑ Rajiva Wijesinha: Political Principles and Their Practice in Sri Lanka
°[1]
| Dona Catherina of Kandy Born: ? 15?? Died: July 1613 | ||
| Regnal titles | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by Karaliyadde Bandara |
King of Kandy 1581–1581 |
Succeeded by Rajasinha I |
- ↑ A Description of the Great and Most Famous Isle of Ceylon - Philip Baldaeus