Khanjadeva: Iron-Limbed Warrior of Dutugemunu

Khanjadeva: Iron-Limbed Warrior of King Dutugemunu

In the traditional history of Sri Lanka, the unification of the island under King Dutugemunu (r. 161–137 BCE) is remembered as a heroic era shaped by the legendary Dasa Maha Yodhayo, the ten great warrior giants who formed the king’s elite command. While several of Khanjadeva‘s companions were renowned for speed, archery, or other specialized skills, Khanjadeva’s reputation was built on his ability to overcome a physical disability and perform feats of strength equal to, or even surpassing, those of fully able-bodied warriors.

Lineage and a Prodigious Childhood

Khanjadeva was born in the mid-2nd century BCE in the village of Mahisadonika (also known as Mahendradoni or Mideni), located in the district of Nakulanaga (Nakulgala) in the southern principality of Ruhuna. He was the youngest of several sons born to a respected householder named Abhaya.

At birth the child was named Deva. As he grew older, however, it became evident that he had a slight physical impairment that caused him to limp; thus, he came to be called Khanjadeva, with the prefix khanja meaning “the lame.” Despite this limitation, he possessed an unusually large and powerful physique, along with immense natural strength that greatly exceeded that of his older brothers.

The Feat of the Whirling Buffaloes

Khanjadeva’s youth was spent in the rugged landscape of Ruhuna, where he often joined villagers on hunting expeditions. It was during these hunts that his extraordinary strength was witnessed.

Chronicles such as the Mahavamsa and legends recount that he would pursue large wild buffaloes during these hunts on his own. Once he caught up with the animal, he would seize it by one leg with his bare hand, lift the entire creature into the air, whirl it around his head, and then throw it violently to the ground. The impact was said to be so powerful that the buffalo’s bones shattered instantly. This astonishing display of strength—often compared to the power of ten elephants—made Khanjadeva a recognizable figure throughout the southern districts long before he entered royal service.

Recruitment and Royal Service

Reports of a young man in Mahisadonika who could hurl buffaloes through the air despite walking with a limp eventually reached the royal court. King Kakavannatissa summoned him to the capital at Magama. There, Khanjadeva was formally accepted into the service of Prince Gemunu (later King Dutugemunu) and granted an honorable royal payment.

As one of the ten principal champions, Khanjadeva also played an important role in expanding the royal army. Following the king’s recruitment system, each of the ten giants enlisted ten additional warriors. Those recruits then brought in ten more each, eventually forming a specialized elite force of 11,110 soldiers who served as the king’s personal army. During his time at court, Khanjadeva lived within the prince’s military establishment and participated in daily training, practicing martial skills and the traditional sixty-four arts alongside his fellow champions.

Feats in Battle: The Siege of Vijithapura

Khanjadeva participated in the entire northern campaign against the forces of King Elara, taking part in the capture of many Tamil fortresses along the Mahaweli River. His most important military actions occurred during the siege of Vijitapura, a formidable fortress protected by high walls, triple moats, and massive iron-covered gates.

The siege lasted four months, culminating in a large-scale assault. During this attack, the ten giants were assigned to different gates of the fortress. While Nandhimitta and Suranimila attacked the South Gate together with the royal elephant Kandula, Khanjadeva led the assault on the North and West Gates. He was supported by the warriors Bharana, Phussadeva, and Labhiya Vasabha, along with selected groups of elite soldiers.

The chronicles describe how Khanjadeva displayed “Homeric feats of valor” during the fierce fighting. Using his immense strength, he helped break through the fortress defenses and weaken the enemy positions, allowing the Sinhala army to enter the city and scatter the garrison of Elara.

The Battle for Anuradhapura and Later Life

After the fall of Vijitapura, Khanjadeva joined the final advance toward Anuradhapura. In the decisive battle near the South Gate of the city, the Sinhala army confronted the main forces of Elara. Khanjadeva fought among the elite warriors who helped rout the Tamil army, creating the conditions for the famous duel between Dutugemunu and Elara.

Following the death of Elara, Khanjadeva also participated in defeating the reinforcements commanded by Bhalluka, who landed at Mahatittha but arrived too late to aid his uncle. With the final victory and the unification of Lanka, King Dutugemunu rewarded his champions with high honors, titles, and generous gifts in recognition of their service.

References

Gunasekara, B. (1900). The Rajavaliya or a historical narrative of Sinhalese kings from Vijaya to Vimala Dharma Suriya II. George J. A. Skeen.
Mahanama, Geiger, W., & Bode, M. H. (1912). The Mahavamsa or the Great Chronicle of Ceylon. Translated into English by Wilhelm Geiger. For the Pali Text Society by Henry Frowde.
Nicholas, C. W., & Paranavitana, S. (1961). A Concise History of Ceylon : From the Earliest Times to the Arrival of the Portuguese in 1505. University of Ceylon.
Senaveratna, J. M. (1946). Dutugemunu: His Life and Times. Sinha Publications.