Kingdom of Polonnaruwa

Sinhalese kingdom in present-day Sri Lanka (1055-1232)

Kingdom of Polonnaruwa

පොළොන්නරුව රාජධානිය
Polonnaruwa Rājādhaniya

1055–1232

Kingdom of Polonnaruwa

before 1153

Principality of Maya Rata

Principality of Ruhuna

Capital| Vijayarajapura
Common languages| Sinhala
Religion

| Theravada Buddhism
Demonym(s)| Sinhala: පොළොන්නරු, romanized: Polańaru
Government| Monarchy
Monarch|

• 1055-1111

| Vijayabahu I

• 1153-1186

| Parakramabahu I

• 1187-1196

| Nissanka Malla

• 1215-1232

| Kalinga Magha
Historical era| Polonnaruwa period

• Established

| 1055

• Disestablished

| 1232
Currency| Coins

Preceded by | Succeeded by

|

|  | Chola Empire

|

| Principality of Ruhuna
| Kingdom of Dambadeniya |

|

Jaffna Kingdom |
Today part of| Sri Lanka
India

Part of a series on the

Historical states of Sri Lanka

Sinhala Kingdom

Kingdom of Tambapanni

| 543-437 BCE

|

Anuradhapura Kingdom

| 437 BCE-1017 CE

Anuradhapura from Rohana

|  1017-1055

Kingdom of Polonnaruwa

| 1055-1232

Kingdom of Dambadeniya

| 1232-1341

Kingdom of Gampola

| 1341-1371

Kingdom of Kotte

| 1371-1597

Transitional period

Jaffna Kingdom

| 1232-1620

|

Kingdom of Sitawaka

| 1521-1594

Kandyan period

Kingdom of Kandy

| 1469-1815

|

Portuguese Ceylon

| 1597-1658

Dutch Ceylon

| 1658-1796

British Ceylon period

British Ceylon

| 1815-1948

|

Sri Lanka since 1948

Dominion of Ceylon

| 1948-1972

|

Republic of Sri Lanka

| 1972-present

Sri Lanka portal

* Capital
* History
* Timeline

* v
* t
* e

This article contains Indic text. Without proper rendering support, you may see question marks or boxes, misplaced vowels or missing conjuncts instead of Indic text.

The Kingdom of Polonnaruwa[note 1] (Sinhala: පොළොන්නරුව රාජධානිය, romanized: Polonnaruwa Rājādhaniya) was the Sinhalese kingdom that expanded across the island of Sri Lanka and several overseas territories, from 1070 until 1232. The kingdom started expanding its overseas authority during the reign of Parakramabahu the Great.[1]

It had a stronghold in South India since its involvement in a civil war in the Pandya country. During this war, Pandya Nadu was seized as a province administered by the military of Polonnaruwa and Vira Pandyan of Pandya Dynasty. The tributaries of the Chola empire, Tondi and Pasi, also came under its and Vira Pandya military rule.[2] Rameshwaram was under Sinhalese and Vira Pandyan Alliance rule until 1182.[3] Its currency Kahapana was struck in these provinces. During the occupation of South India, construction works were undertaken.

Despite the prosperity endured under kings such as Parakramabahu, territorial and political instability would repeatedly occur, as the royal court was embroiled with factionalism chiefly between the Pandya and Kalinga bloodlines of the Polonnaruwa kings. This gave the royal military the opportunity to back their own preferred claimants to power, and generals like Ayasmanta and Lokissara would repeatedly seize the throne and install puppet rulers. Queen Lilavati's tumultuous reigns are a notable example for this, having come to power thrice under various generals. This escalating power struggle put the kingdom under decline, as evident from repeated intervention and raids by the Pandyans and Cholas to the North.

In 1212, the capital was seized by Parakrama Pandyan, a rival claimant who took power via Pandyan assistance. Only three years later, Kalinga Magha, whose title evidently traces his bloodline to that of the Eastern Ganga dynasty of Odisha, invaded the kingdom with a force of 24,000 men, capturing the previous ruler. As described in the Mahavamsa, Polonnaruwa was sacked and its population massacred, and the widespread devastation the region fell under prompted a massive migration into the South, ending the 1500-year long civilization of the Rajarata basin.

Following the capture of the royal capital by Magha, opposition coalesced around various warlords and nobles of the previous kingdom, who established fortresses in numerous locations to fight back enemies from the North. This would eventually give rise to Vijayabahu III, the ruler of the fortress of Dambadeniya, who eventually centralized Maya Rata by subjugating the power of rival lords and Magha's influence and established the kingdom of Dambadeniya in 1232, marking the beginning of the Transitional period in Sri Lankan history.

## History[edit]

After ruling the country for over 1,400 years, the Kingdom of Anuradhapura fell in 1017 to the Chola King Rajaraja and his son Rajendra, who took King Mahinda V as a prisoner of war to Tamil Nadu; he died there in 1029. The Cholas shifted the capital from Anuradhapura to Polonnaruwa and ruled for nearly 53 years. Polonnaruwa was named Jananathapuram by the Cholas. King Vijayabahu I (or Kitti) eventually defeated the Cholas and re-established the Sinhalese monarchy.[4] Polonnaruwa had always been considered an important settlement in the island, as it commanded the crossings of the Mahaveli River towards Anuradhapura.[citation needed]

3 years after restoring Anuradhapura, Vijayabahu prepared to fight a possible invasion. He moved the capital out of Anuradhapura to a more defensive position, Polonnaruwa.[5][6] After the victory at Polonnaruwa, Vijayabahu had to face more rebellions. This caused him to delay his coronation, which took place in 1072 or 1073,[7] eighteen years after being crowned as Vijayabahu in Ruhuna, and after a military campaign that lasted seventeen years. Polonnaruwa was renamed Vijayarajapura and chosen as the capital. The coronation ceremony was held in a palace built for this purpose in Anuradhapura, the former capital of the country. Vijayabahu married Lilavati, the daughter of Jagatipala of Kanauj, as his queen. He later married Tilokasundari, a princess from Kalinga, with the view of strengthening ties with the Kalingas.[8]

### Succession war[edit]

Vijayabahu's death left a disputed throne; the absolute successor Parakramabahu I was only selected after a war between the claimants to the throne.

Firstly, he entered secret negotiations with Gajabahu's military chief, but these attempts to capture power failed. He then sent the army of Dakkhinadesa to capture Rajarata, but he was introduced to Manabaraha, who allied with Gajabahu. Despite the setback, he captured Rajarata. Gajabahu, his army weakened, found himself in a battle against Manabharana as well. He later declared that he had passed over Rajarata to Parakramabahu of Dakkhinadesa. Manabharana was also defeated.[9]

### Parakramabahu[edit]

King Parakramabahu I

Following the end of the Kalinga-Arya conflict, Parakramabahu I, unified the three principalities: Rohana, Malaya, and Rajarata; declaring the islandwide Dakkhinadesa, he formed the Polonnaruwa kingdom in the latter. His reign saw the expansion of the kingdom, leading raids and large-scale invasions against his opponents. He launched an invasion against the kings of Ramanna (currently lower Burma) due to their acts of hostility, such as the kidnapping of a princess by Narathu's son Narapatisithu. In this invasion, he captured the Burmese city Bassein.[10]

### After Parakramabahu[edit]

Following the death of Parakramabahu, Vijayabahu II ascended the throne. He called Nissanka Malla to visit the country and take the throne. Vijayabahu II was, however, killed by the invader Mahinda VI.

Nissanka Malla assassinated Mahinda VI and justified his killing by claiming he was the rightful ancestor of Vijaya Singha.

## Kingdom[edit]

### Agriculture[edit]

Starting from the era of Parakramabahu I, there was great interest in irrigation.[11] He ordered:

> Let no water drop that falls from the rain make it to the sea without being useful to the mankind

The Parakrama Samudra

Mass tanks were built for this purpose. Some of his notable works are the Parakrama Samudra and the Giritale tank. These works surpassed what existed during the Anuradhapura period. Previously built dams were largely renovated during this period.[12][13]

### Demographics[edit]

See also: Polonnaruwa § Demographic

The Sinhalese accounted for the majority, and the Sinhalese language was the common language. Settlements from Cambodia are recorded, the Khmer settled in an area called Kambojavâsaĺa.[14] The Khmer script was used to write Pali texts such as the Khmer script version of the Mahavamsa.[note 2]

### Trade[edit]

Most trade was carried out through the main seaports of the principality, Kalpitiya, Halaavatha (Chilaw) and Colombo.[15]

#### Coinage[edit]

The coins, which were mostly made of copper, were modelled after their ruler. While gold coins also existed within the kingdom and were used, they largely disappeared in the very last days of Parakramabahu I. This may have been due to an economic crisis caused by the burden. It is to be noted that the coinage of Polonnaruwa shows a great resemblance to that of RajaRaja I of the Chola kingdom. The Setu coins found in South India are also likely from the kingdom of Polonnaruwa, as the Chola or Pandya kingdoms had no reason to use these.[citation needed]

Trade with the Chinese dynasties was extensively high at the period, and coins belonging to the Song dynasty have been found throughout Polonnaruwa.[16]

Meanwhile, in its colonial territories in South India, the Kahapana currency was used.[citation needed]

### Technology and structures[edit]

See also: Architecture of ancient Sri Lanka

The ancient Sinhalese civilization was technologically advanced. The irrigation technology of Polonnaruwa was much similar to the Anuradhapura period ones but was even more advanced. James Emerson Tennent writes:

> they attain a facility unsurpassed by any other people in the world.[17]

Divine architecture ranging from larger dams to artificial seas, such as the Parakrama Samudra, always required advanced technology and were built in unique ways.[18]

#### Vatedage[edit]

Main article: Vatadage

Vatadage

The Vatadages were built since the Anuradhapura period, however, the peak was reached during the Polonnaruwa period. The Polonnaruwa Vatadage is considered the "ultimate creation" out of all Vatadages. A Vatedage is built for the protection of a small stupa.[19] The structure has two stone platforms decorated with elaborate stone carvings. The lower platform is entered through a single entrance facing the north, while the second platform can be accessed through four doorways facing the four cardinal points. The upper platform, surrounded by a brick wall, contains the stupa. Four Buddha statues are seated around it, each facing one of the entrances. Three concentric rows of stone columns had also been positioned here, presumably to support a wooden roof. The entire structure is decorated with stone carvings. Some of the carvings at the Polonnaruwa Vatadage, such as its sandakada pahanas, are considered to be the best examples of such architectural features. Although some archaeologists have suggested that it also had a wooden roof, this theory is disputed by others.

#### Nissanka Malla reign[edit]

Main articles: Hatedage and Nissanka Latha Mandapaya

The Hatedage and Nissanka Latha Mandapaya were built by Nissanka Malla (1187-1197) to store the relics. Several relics including relics of the Tooth of Buddha and Rice Bowls used by the Buddha are said to have been held in the Hatadage. Several historical sources including the Rajaveliya, Poojavaliya and the Galpotha inscription itself mention that it was built in sixty hours. Since the Sinhalese word Hata means sixty and Dage means relic shrine, it is possible that the structure was named Hatadage to commemorate this feat. Another theory is that it is so named because it held sixty relics.

The Rankoth Vihara built by Nissanka Malla

Despite having built many structures, Nissanka Malla's major intention was to outdo the works of Parakramabahu I. He also built a statue of himself.

## Military (1153-1186)[edit]

See also: List of wars involving Sri Lanka

Parakramabahu organized the military of the kingdom. There were auxiliary forces made up mostly of other Buddhist ethnicities.

### Ground forces[edit]

There were several branches of the ground forces of Polonnaruwa of Parakramabahu. The Culawamsa suggests that the strength may have been as many as 100,000 during the 1140s prior to the first battle of Rajarata. Its strength during the Pandyan war is not said, however, it may have been numerous as well. The ground forces could be divided between the main armies led by Lankapura Dandanatha and the auxiliary forces made up mostly of minorities.

#### Army[edit]

The armies of Parakramabahu in the early days were led by Rakkha. There were other important generals who Parakramabahu dispatched in order to reinforce Rakkha fighting the forces of Ruhunan separatists.[20]

#### Auxiliaries[edit]

The auxiliary units were used to reinforce the Sinhalese army on multiple occasions. These units were largely made up of Buddhist minorities, and tribals.[citation needed]

### Naval forces[edit]

The first navy was organized in 1165. This was used for the invasion of Burma.[21][22]

## Fall[edit]

Following the death of Kalinga Lokeshvara, his son Vira Bahu I took up power. However, he was killed by the military commander Tavuru Senavirat.[23] A period of military rule was followed by the ascension of Vikramabahu I; who was assassinated by a nephew of Kalinga Lokeshvara, Chodaganga. The military once again organized a coup and arrested Chodaganga.[24] The military became more dominant, ousting the monarchy; as a result, king Anikanga appealed for support from the Cholas. An army was sent, and Anikanga ascended the throne.[25] The three month-old Dharmásoka of Polonnaruwa was slaughtered along with the commander of the Polonnaruwa Royal Army.

The military once again seized power, and Lilavati was installed on the throne. She was ousted by Lokissara, a military commander. The Royal Army, being a rival to Lokissara's forces, killed him.[26]

### Sacking of Lilavati[edit]

Parakrama Pandyan II from Pandyan Kingdom invaded Polonnaruwa, thus forcing Lilavati into exile. Parakrama Pandyan II ascended the throne, reigned between 1212 and 1215 CE. He was ousted by the invader, Kalinga Magha, who in the aftermath founded the Jaffna kingdom. Kalinga Magha ruled for 21 years until he was also expelled from Polonnaruwa in 1236, with an invasion from the south.

### Succession[edit]

After defeating and expelling Kalinga Magha[note 3] from Polonnaruwa, Vijayabahu III moved the capital to Dambadeniya. He founded the House of Sri Sanga Bo.

## Religion[edit]

Buddhism continued to be the main religion in the Polonnaruwa era. Its monarchs enjoyed the exchange of religious jewels and other expensive items with the Theravada Buddhist kings of Siam, Burma, and Kampuchea. Prior to the Buddhist kings' takeover, there was a strong influence of Hinduism caused by Cholas. It is evident from the removal of cow shape in Polonnaruwa moonstone, and also by the presence of Shiva temples in Polonnaruwa. After Chola rule, many viharas were renovated by Vijayabahu I and his successor Parakramabahu I.

### Buddhism[edit]

The primary form of Buddhism practiced in the Polonnaruwa kingdom was the orthodox school of Buddhism; following religious reforms in Burma, many monks there aligned themselves with the Polonnaruwan monks.[27]

### Distribution to Cambodia[edit]

See also: History of Buddhism in Cambodia and Buddhism in Cambodia

Khmer King Jayavarman VII sent his son Tamalinda to Polonnaruwa to be ordained as a Buddhist monk and study Theravada Buddhism according to the Pali scriptural traditions. Tamalinda then returned to the Angkor, and promoted Buddhist traditions according to the Theravada training he had received, galvanizing the long-standing Theravada presence that had existed throughout the Angkor for centuries.[citation needed]

## Gallery[edit]

* Buddha statues in Gal Vihara

* Seven storeyed Satmahal Prasada

* Moonstone of Polonnaruwa

* Parakrama Samudra built by king Parakramabahu I

* Giritale Tank was the deepest tank in Sri Lanka during the Polonnaruwa era.

* Shiva Devalaya in Polonnaruwa, dating back to the early years of Chola rule in Sri Lanka.

* Polonnaruwa velaikkara (Tamil) inscription of Vijayabahu I

## See also[edit]

* Polonnaruwa period
* List of Sri Lankan monarchs
* Kalinga (historical region)
* Siri Parakum

## Notes[edit]

1. ^ Pulatthinagara as mentioned in the Culawamsa
2. ^ This version of the Mahamvamsa was written during the Polonnaruwa period, it includes the content from the Culawamsa.
3. ^ Magha was defeated and his forces abandoned Polonnaruwa, Vijayabahu decided to not invade further into Jaffna which would have led to a weakening of his armies

## Citations[edit]

1. ^ Wright 1999, p. 37.
2. ^ Balasubrahmanyam 1971, p. 255.
3. ^ Sri Lanka in Early Indian Inscriptions. p. 5
4. ^ Finegan 1989, p. 323.
5. ^ Keuneman 1983, p. 39.
6. ^ Fernando & Pieris 1973, pp. 14–15, 19.
7. ^ Haraprasad Ray 2007, p. 172.
8. ^ Corrington 1926, pp. IV.
9. ^ Obesekara, pp. 136–8.
10. ^ Mendis 1996, p. 65
11. ^ Manchanayake & Bandara 1999, p. 4.
12. ^ Yapa 2010.
13. ^ Finegan 1989, p. 468
14. ^ Robert, pp. 224–225.
15. ^ Paranavitana & Nicolas 1961, pp. 204–205.
16. ^ Barnes & Parkin 2015.
17. ^ Mendis 1996, p. 248.
18. ^ Siriweera 2002, p. 174.
19. ^ Siriweera 2002, p. 285.
20. ^ Edirisuriya, C., Parakramabahu I
21. ^ Richard, S. Sri Lanka. p. 228.
22. ^ The Maritime Frontier of Burma: Exploring Political, Cultural and Commercial Interaction in the Indian Ocean World, 1200-1800. p. 43
23. ^ Obesekara, p. 38.
24. ^ Wijesekera 1984, p. 176.
25. ^ Rambukwelle 1993, pp. 136, 163.
26. ^ Corrington 1926, p. 67.
27. ^ Harvey 1925, p. 55.

### Sources[edit]

* Balasubrahmanyam, S. R. (1971). Early Chola Temples: Parantaka I to Rajaraja I, A.D. 907-985. Orient Longman.
* Barnes, Ruth; Parkin, David (2015). Ships and the Development of Maritime Technology on the Indian Ocean. India: Routledge. ISBN 978-1-317-79343-4.
* Corrington, H.W (1926). A Short History of Ceylon. London: Macmillian publishers.
* de Silva, K. (1981). A History of Sri Lanka. University of California Press. ISBN 978-0-520-04320-6.
* Fernando, M.; Pieris, M. (1973). History of Ceylon (Sri Lanka).[full citation needed]
* Finegan, Jack (1989). An Archaeological History of Religions of Indian Asia. Paragon. ISBN 0-913729-43-4.
* Haraprasad Ray, ed. (2007). Studies on India, China, and South East Asia: Posthumous Papers of Prof. Adhir Chakravarti. RNB. ISBN 978-81-87661-39-9.
* Harvey, Godfrey Eric (1925). History of Burma from the Earliest Times to 10 March 1824. London: Longmans.
* Keuneman, Hubert (1983). Gottberg, John; Anthonis, Ravindralal (eds.). Sri Lanka. Apa Productions. ISBN 978-9971-925-22-2.
* Manchanayake, Palitha; Bandara, M. (1999). Water Resources of Sri Lanka. National Science Foundation. ISBN 978-955-590-008-9.
* Mendis, G. C. (December 1996). The Early History of Ceylon and Its Relations with India and Other Foreign Countries. Asian Educational Services. ISBN 978-81-206-0209-0.
* Obesekara. Heritage of Sri Lanka.[full citation needed]
* Paranavitana, Senarat; Nicolas, C. (1961). A Concise History of Ceylon. Colombo: Ceylon University Press. OCLC 465385.
* Rambukwelle, P. B. (1993). Commentary on Sinhala Kingship: Vijaya to Kalinga Magha. P.B. Rambukwelle. ISBN 978-955-95565-0-3.
* Robert, R. A history of Early Southeast Asia.[full citation needed]
* Siriweera, W. I. (2002). History of Sri Lanka: From Earliest Times Up to the Sixteenth Century. Dayawansa Jayakody & Company. ISBN 978-955-551-257-2.
* Wijesekera, Nandadeva (1984). Heritage of Sri Lanka. Archaeological Society of Sri Lanka.
* Wright, Arnold (1999). Twentieth Century Impressions of Ceylon: Its History, People, Commerce, Industries, and Resources. Asian Educational Services. ISBN 978-81-206-1335-5.

## Further reading[edit]

* Briggs, P. (2018). Sri Lanka. Bradt Travel Guides.
* Sein, M. Burma.
* von Schroeder, Ulrich. (1990). Buddhist Sculptures of Sri Lanka. (752 p.; 1620 illustrations). Hong Kong: Visual Dharma Publications, Ltd. ISBN 962-7049-05-0
* von Schroeder, Ulrich. (1992). The Golden Age of Sculpture in Sri Lanka - Masterpieces of Buddhist and Hindu Bronzes from Museums in Sri Lanka, [catalogue of the exhibition held at the Arthur M. Sackler Gallery, Washington, D. C., 1 November 1992 – 26 September 1993]. Hong Kong: Visual Dharma Publications, Ltd. ISBN 962-7049-06-9
* Yapa (2010). Sri Lanka. Imgram Publications.

## External links[edit]

* Polonnaruwa. www.ancientworlds.com
* gov.lk

* v
* t
* e

* ← Polonnaruwa period topics →

* Chola conquest of Anuradhapura 1017 – 1070
* Kingdom of Polonnaruwa 1055 – 1232

Background|

* Outline
* Bibliography
* Timeline
* Years
* Anuradhapura period

History|

| Chola conquest

(1017-1070)

* Chola conquest
* Sinhalese Resistance

|

Polonnaruwa Kingdom

(1055-1232)

* Velakkara revolt
* First Polonnaruwa War of Succession
* Queen Sugala rebellion
* Ruhuna Rebellion
* Polonnaruwa–Pagan War
* Pandyan Civil War (1169–1177)
* Rajarata Rebellion
* 1173 Polonnaruwa invasion of Chola
* Second Polonnaruwa War of Succession
* 1209 invasion of Polonnaruwa
* 1212 invasion of Polonnaruwa
* 1215 invasion of Polonnaruwa

Government|

| Monarchs

(1017-1056)

* Kassapa VI (1029–1040)
* Mahalana-Kitti (1040–1042)
* Vikrama Pandu (1042–1043)
* Jagatipala (1043–1046)
* Parakrama Pandu (1046–1048)
* Loka (1048–1054)
* Kassapa VII (1054–1055)

|

Monarchs

(1056-1232)

* Vijayabahu
* Kalinga
* Others
* Lokissara
* Parakrama Pandyan II
* Kalinga Magha

Politics|

* Foreign relations
* Tamil mercenaries
* Kahavanu
* Rajakariya
* Capital city

Geography|

* Administrative divisions
* Malaya Rata
* Maya Rata
* Rajarata
* Ruhuna

Society|

* Caste system
* Immigration
* Notable figures
* Gurulugomi
* Lankapura Dandanatha
* Mahākassapa Thera
* Moggallāna Thera
* Sāriputta Thera

Culture|

| Architecture|

* Constructions
* Irrigation network
* Tank cascade system
* Parakrama Samudra
* Sites
* Dimbulagala Raja Maha Vihara
* Gal Vihara
* Hatadage
* Jetavanaramaya
* Nissanka Latha Mandapaya
* Polonnaruwa Vatadage
* Rankoth Vehera
* Statue of Parakramabahu I

|

Literature|

* in Pali
* Abhidhānappadīpikā
* in Sinhalese

Religion|

* Buddhism
* Brahmanism
* Tantric Buddhism
* Monasteries
* Jetavana monastery

Other|

* Perahera
* Panakaduwa copper plate
* Popular culture

* Category
* Portal
* WikiProject

* v
* t
* e

Sinhalese monarchy

Sinhala Kingdom

Timeline|

* Dipavamsa
* Mahavamsa
* Culavamsa
* Rajavaliya

Periods|

* Pre Anuradhapura & Anuradhapura period
* Tambapanni
* Anuradhapura
* Polonnaruwa period
* Chola occupation
* Polonnaruwa
* Transitional period
* Dambadeniya
* Gampola
* Kotte
* Sitawaka
* Kandyan period
* Kandy

Dynasties|

* Vijaya
* Lambakanna I
* Moriya
* Lambakanna II
* Vijayabahu
* Kalinga
* Siri Sanga Bo
* Kandyan
* Nayaks

Monarchs|

* By reign
* Family tree
* Interregnums
* 1st
* 2nd
* 3rd
* 4th
* Sinhalese female monarchs
* Sinhalese Queens
* Usurpers

Royal Residences|

* Tambapaṇṇī
* Upatissagāma
* Vijithapura
* Anuradhapura
* Sigiriya
* Rohana
* Polonnaruwa
* Dambadeniya
* Yapahuwa
* Kurunegala
* Gampola
* Dedigama
* Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte
* Rayigama
* Sitawaka
* Kandy

Related dynasties|

* Kalinga
* Vanga
* Shakya
* Vedda
* Pandyan
* Mauryan
* Madurai Nayak

Other|

* Sinhapura
* Sinhabahu
* Titles
* Crown Jewels
* Royal Standards
* Pretenders
* Relic of the tooth of the Buddha
* Vijayabā Kollaya

* v
* t
* e

Monarchs of the Sinhala Kingdom

* List of monarchs
* by reign
* Queens
* Family tree

Pre-Anuradhapura period
House of Vijaya (543–237 BCE)|

* Prince Vijaya (543 BCE–505 BCE)
* Upatissa (505 BCE–504 BCE)
* Panduvasdeva (504 BCE–474 BCE)
* Abhaya (474 BCE–454 BCE)
* Tissa (454 BCE–437 BCE)

Anuradhapura period
House of Vijaya (543–237 BCE)
Chola dynasty (237–215 BCE)
House of Vijaya (215–205 BCE)
Chola dynasty (205–161 BCE)
House of Vijaya (161–103 BCE)
The Five Dravidians (103–89 BCE)
House of Vijaya (89 BCE–66 CE)
House of Lambakanna I (66–436)
The Six Dravidians (436–463)
House of Moriya (463–691)
House of Lambakanna II (691–1017)|

* Pandukabhaya (437–367 BCE)
* Mutasiva (367–307 BCE)
* Devanampiya Tissa (307–267 BCE)
* Uttiya (267–257 BCE)
* Mahasiva (257–247 BCE)
* Suratissa (247–237 BCE)
* Sena and Guttika (237–215 BCE)
* Asela (215–205 BCE)
* Elara (205–161 BCE)
* Dutugamunu (161–137 BCE)
* Saddha Tissa (137–119 BCE)
* Thulatthana (119 BCE)
* Lanja Tissa (119–109 BCE)
* Khallata Naga (109–104 BCE)
* Valagamba (104–103 BCE)
* Pulahatta (103–100 BCE)
* Bahiya (100–98 BCE)
* Panya Mara (98–91 BCE)
* Pilaya Mara (91–90 BCE)
* Dathika (90–88 BCE)
* Valagamba (89–76 BCE)
* Mahakuli Mahatissa (76–62 BCE)
* Chora Naga (62–50 BCE)
* Kuda Tissa (50–47 BCE)
* Siva I (47 BCE)
* Vatuka (47 BCE)
* Darubhatika Tissa (47 BCE)
* Niliya (47 BCE)
* Anula (47 BCE)
* Kutakanna Tissa (42–20 BCE)
* Bhatikabhaya Abhaya (20 BCE–9 CE)
* Mahadathika Mahanaga (9–21)
* Amandagamani Abhaya (21–30)
* Kanirajanu Tissa (30–33)
* Chulabhaya (33–35)
* Sivali (35–35)
* Interregnum (35–38)
* Ilanaga (38–44)
* Chandamukha (44–52)
* Yassalalaka Tissa (52–60)
* Subharaja (60–66)
* Vasabha (66–110)
* Vankanasika Tissa (110–113)
* Gajabahu I (113–135)
* Mahallaka Naga (135–141)
* Bhatika Tissa (141–165)
* Kanittha Tissa (165–193)
* Cula Naga (193–195)
* Kuda Naga (195–196)
* Siri Naga I (196–215)
* Voharika Tissa (215–237)
* Abhaya Naga (237–245)
* Siri Naga II (245–247)
* Vijaya Kumara (247–248)
* Sangha Tissa I (248–252)
* Siri Sangha Bodhi I (252–254)
* Gothabhaya (254–267)
* Jettha Tissa I (267–277)
* Mahasena (277–304)
* Sirimeghavanna (304–332)
* Jettha Tissa II (332–341)
* Buddhadasa (341–370)
* Upatissa I (370–412)
* Mahanama (412–434)
* Soththisena (434)
* Chattagahaka Jantu (434–435)
* Mittasena (435–436)
* Pandu (436–441)
* Parindu (441)
* Khudda Parinda (441–447)
* Tiritara (447)
* Dathiya (447–450)
* Pithiya (450–452)
* Dhatusena (463–479)
* Kashyapa I (479–497)
* Moggallana I (497–515)
* Kumara Dhatusena (515–524)
* Kittisena (524)
* Siva II (524–525)
* Upatissa II (525–526)
* Silakala Ambosamanera (526–539)
* Dathappabhuti (539–540)
* Moggallana II (540–560)
* Kittisiri Meghavanna (560–561)
* Maha Naga (561–564)
* Aggabodhi I (564–598)
* Aggabodhi II (598–608)
* Sangha Tissa II (608)
* Moggallana III (608–614)
* Silameghavanna (614–623)
* Aggabodhi III (623)
* Jettha Tissa III (623–624)
* Aggabodhi III (624–640)
* Dathopa Tissa I (640–652)
* Kassapa II (652–661)
* Dappula I (661–664)
* Dathopa Tissa II (664–673)
* Aggabodhi IV (673–689)
* Unhanagara Hatthadatha (691)
* Manavanna (691–726)
* Aggabodhi V (726–732)
* Kassapa III (732–738)
* Mahinda I (738–741)
* Aggabodhi VI (741–781)
* Aggabodhi VII (781–787)
* Mahinda II (787–807)
* Dappula II (807–812)
* Mahinda III (812–816)
* Aggabodhi VIII (816–827)
* Dappula III (827–843)
* Aggabodhi IX (843–846)
* Sena I (846–866)
* Sena II (866–901)
* Udaya I (901–912)
* Kassapa IV (912–929)
* Kassapa V (929–939)
* Dappula IV (939–940)
* Dappula V (940–952)
* Udaya II (952–955)
* Sena III (955–964)
* Udaya III (964–972)
* Sena IV (972–975)
* Mahinda IV (975–991)
* Sena V (991–1001)
* Mahinda V (1001–1029)

Anuradhapura from Rohana|

* Kassapa VI (1029–1040)
* Mahalana–Kitti (1040–1042)
* Vikrama Pandu (1042–1043)
* Jagatipala (1043–1046)
* Parakrama Pandu (1046–1048)
* Loka (1048–1054)
* Kassapa VII (1054–1055)

Polonnaruwa period
House of Vijayabahu (1055–1187)
House of Kalinga (1187–1197)
House of Vijayabahu (1197–1200)
House of Kalinga (1200–1209)
House of Vijayabahu (1209–1210)
Lokissara (1210–1211)
House of Vijayabahu (1211–1212)
Pandyan dynasty (1212–1215)
Eastern Ganga dynasty (1215–1236)|

* Vijayabahu I (1055–1110)
* Jayabahu I (1110–1111)
* Vikramabahu I (1111–1132)
* Gajabahu II (1132–1153)
* Parakramabahu I (1153–1186)
* Vijayabahu II (1186–1187)
* Mahinda VI (1187)
* Nissanka Malla (1187–1196)
* Vira Bahu I (1196)
* Vikramabahu II (1196)
* Chodaganga (1196–1197)
* Lilavati (1197–1200)
* Sahassa Malla (1200–1202)
* Kalyanavati (1202–1208)
* Dharmasoka (1208–1209)
* Anikanga (1209)
* Lilavati (1209–1210)
* Lokissara (1210–1211)
* Lilavati (1211–1212)
* Parakrama Pandya (1212–1215)
* Kalinga Magha (1215–1236)

Transitional period
House of Siri Sanga Bo (1220–1505)|

* Vijayabahu III (1220–1234)
* Parakramabahu II (1234–1270)
* Vijayabahu IV (1270–1272)
* Bhuvanaikabahu I (1272–1284)
* Interregnum (1285–1286)
* Parakramabahu III (1287–1293)
* Bhuvanaikabahu II (1293–1302)
* Parakramabahu IV (1302–1326)
* Bhuvanaikabahu III (1326–1335)
* Vijayabahu V (1335–1341)
* Bhuvanaikabahu IV (1341–1351)
* Parakramabahu V (1344–1359)
* Vikramabahu III (1357–1374)
* Bhuvanaikabahu V (1371–1408)
* Vira Bahu II (1391/92–1397)
* Vijayabahu VI (1397–1409)
* Parakramabahu Epa (1409–1412)
* Parakramabahu VI (1410–1467)
* Jayabahu II (1467–1472)
* Bhuvanaikabahu VI (1469–1477)
* Parakramabahu VII (1477)
* Parakramabahu VIII (1477–1489)
* Parakramabahu IX (1489–1513)
* Vijayabahu VII (1513–1521)
* Bhuvanaikabahu VII (1521–1551)
* Dharmapala (1551–1597)

* Kingdom of Sitawaka
* Mayadunne (1521–1581)
* Rajasinha I (1581–1593)
* Rajasuriya (1593–1594)

Kandyan period
House of Dinajara (1591–1739)
Nayaks of Kandy (1739–1815)|

* Vimaladharmasuriya I (1591–1604)
* Senarat (1604–1635)
* Rajasinha II (1635–1687)
* Vimaladharmasuriya II (1687–1707)
* Vira Narendra Sinha (1707–1739)
* Sri Vijaya Rajasinha (1739–1747)
* Kirti Sri Rajasinha (1747–1782)
* Sri Rajadhi Rajasinha (1782–1798)
* Sri Vikrama Rajasinha (1798–1815)

Italics indicate regent.

* Category

* v
* t
* e

Sri Lanka topics

Overviews|

* Sri Lankans
* Outline
* Bibliography
* Timeline
* Years
* 2024

History|

| Periods|

* Prehistory
* Pre Anuradhapura period
* Anuradhapura period
* Polonnaruwa period
* Transitional period
* Kandyan period
* British Ceylon period
* Sri Lanka (1948–present)

|

Epochs|

* Mahāvaṃsa
* Vijaya
* Tambapanni
* Anuradhapura
* Chola conquest of Anuradhapura
* Polonnaruwa
* Jaffna
* Dambadeniya
* Gampola
* Kotte
* Crisis of the Sixteenth Century
* Sitawaka
* Kandy
* Portuguese Ceylon
* Dutch Ceylon
* British Ceylon
* Kandyan Wars
* Uva Rebellion
* Matale rebellion
* Independence movement
* Dominion of Ceylon
* Civil War

Topics|

* Chronicles
* Monarchs
* Demographic
* Economic
* Education
* Military
* Sexual Minorities

Government|

| Law|

* Constitution
* Constitutional Council

|

Executive|

* President
* Executive Office
* Cabinet / Ministries
* Administrative Service
* National Security Council
* Law enforcement

Judiciary|

* Supreme Court
* Court of appeal
* High Courts
* District courts
* Magistrate's Courts
* Primary Courts
* Labour Tribunal

Legislature|

* Parliament
* Prime Minister
* Office
* Speaker
* Deputy speaker and chairman of committees
* Deputy Chairman of Committees
* Leader of the House
* Leader of the Opposition
* Chief Government Whip
* Chief Opposition Whip
* Secretaries-General
* 15th Parliament
* Members

National security|

* Armed Forces
* Air Force
* Army
* Navy
* Coast Guard
* Intelligence
* State Intelligence Service
* Directorate of Military Intelligence
* Criminal Investigation Department
* Sri Lanka Police Service

Devolution|

* Provincial governments
* Local governments
* Municipal councils
* Urban councils
* Pradeshiya Sabha
* Wards

Politics|

* Capital city
* Electoral districts
* Elections
* Foreign relations
* Parties
* Sri Lanka Freedom Party
* United National Party
* Scandals

Geography|

* Administrative divisions
* Provinces
* Districts
* Divisional Secretariats
* Grama Niladhari divisions
* Cities
* Towns

* Ecoregions
* Environment
* Extreme points
* Islands
* Mountains
* Pidurutalagala
* Central Highlands
* Hanthana Mountain Range
* Knuckles Mountain Range
* National parks
* Protected areas
* Rivers
* Mahaweli
* Malvathu
* Kelani
* Kalu
* Gin
* Waterfalls
* Wildlife

Economy|

* Agriculture
* Banking
* Central Bank
* Communications
* Companies
* Energy
* Information technology
* Public debt
* Rupee
* Science and technology
* Stock Exchange
* Taxation
* Trade
* Transport
* Unemployment
* Welfare

* Industries
* Apparel
* Beer
* Cinnamon
* Cocoa
* Coconut
* Coffee
* Gems
* Graphite
* Rice
* Rubber
* Sugar
* Tea
* Tourism

Society|

| Topics|

* Birth
* Demographics
* Women
* Sexual Minorities
* Education
* Health
* Languages
* Sinhala
* Tamil
* Media
* Mass media
* Public holidays
* Religion
* Social class
* World Heritage Sites

|

Culture|

* Architecture
* Art
* Cinema
* Cuisine
* Dance
* Fashion
* Flag
* Folklore
* Literature
* Music
* National symbols
* Philosophy
* Radio
* Sport
* Traditional games
* Angampora
* Cheena di
* Television
* Theatre

Issues|

* Capital punishment
* Crime
* Disability
* Gender inequality
* Human rights
* Immigration
* International rankings
* LGBT history
* LGBT rights
* Poverty
* Terrorism

* Category
* Portal

*[v]: View this template
*[t]: Discuss this template
*[e]: Edit this template