Kotte conquest of the Jaffna Kingdom

Kotte conquest of the Jaffna Kingdom
Part of Wars of Jaffna kingdom
Date1449–50 and 1453-4
LocationNallur, Jaffna
Result

Kotte's victory

Belligerents
Kingdom of Kotte Kingdom of Kotte Jaffna kingdom
Commanders and leaders
Kingdom of KottePrince Sapumal Kanakasooriya Cinkaiariyan

The Kotte conquest of the Jaffna kingdom was an expedition against the Jaffna kingdom by the Kotte kingdom. The Kotte's campaign had several phases against Jaffna dated between A.D. 1449–50 and 1453-4.[1] The first campaign, led by Prince Sapumal, adopted son of Parakramabahu VI in 1450. In the second campaign, Prince Sapuma defeated Kanakasooriya Cinkaiariyan and ruled the region nearly 17 years as a representative of Kotte.[2]

Background

Jaffna kingdom was in better peak in terms of power and economy during early 15th century. It had influential control over Palk Strait and extended its domination over Vanni, Puttalam and Chilaw regions.[3] Vanni principalities were paid tribute to the kingdom. Also, it was able to influence southern kingdoms of the island. Rise of Vijayanagara Empire influenced Southern India and extended its sovereignty to Jaffna. Therefore, Jaffna kingdom became powerless, weak and tributary state. Meantime, Kotte kingdom became powerful kingdom during the reign of Parakramabahu VI. He made a request to Prince Sapumal for invading Jaffna kingdom as the king wanted to keep him away from Kotte by considering future crown issues. However, Rajaveliya did not mention such causes.[2]

Campaign

Expeditions against the Jaffna kingdom had two phases that led by Sapumal. First campaign was able to defeat tributary Vanni states of Jaffna kingdom and failed to subdue the Jaffna. The support of Vijayanagara Empire was an additional strength to Jaffna forces. It was occurred in 1449–50.

Sapumal gathered forces from Kotte and launched the second attack, including center of Jaffna during 1453-4. There were stubborn resistances by Jaffna and Kannada forces. Kannada forces had an outpost on the mainland that served as access command to Jaffna peninsula. Vanniyar leaders and Indian Muslims also helped Jaffna. However, all of them were defeated and Sapumal conquered Jaffna kingdom.

There are different concepts about last days of Jaffna king, Kanakasooriya Cinkaiariyan. Ancient records that described about Jaffna campaign did not say much about last days of. But, Rajaveliya says that Sapumal slew him, took his consort and children prisoners and brought them to Kotte. Also, some historical scholars suggest that he would have been killed in the final battle. But, Yalpana Vaipava Malai and Kokila Saudesaya describe that he had fled to Southern India with his family.[2]

Aftermath

Parakramabahu VI appointed Prince Sapumal as representative of Kotte and ruler of Jaffna. Sapumal received cooperation from local people including chieftains and Jaffna army. Newly formed army had consisting of Tamil, Malayalis, Tuluvar and Singhalese. According to Yalpana Vaipava Malai, Sapumal established Nallur city and built Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil. Even though, there controversial concepts that say Nallur and temples was established before the arrival of Sapumal.

Also, some scholars say that the campaign end the rule of Aryacakravarti dynasty in Jaffna kingdom as the later kings of Jaffna did not have the title of Aryacakravarti. Sapumal ruled the Jaffna kingdom for 17 years.[2]

References

  1. ↑ Humphrey William Codrington, A Short History of Ceylon Ayer Publishing, 1970; ISBN 0-8369-5596-X
  2. 1 2 3 4 S., Pathmanathan (1978). The Kingdom of Jaffna. I. Arul M. Rajendran.
  3. ↑ De Queyroz, Fernão (1930). The Temporal and Spiritual Conquest of Ceylon (in Portuguese). II. Translated by Perera, S.G. A.C. Richards. p. 810. ISBN 978-81-206-0766-8.
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