Sovereigns of Sri Lanka: King Amanda Gamini Abhaya [21-30 CE]

King Amanda Gamini Abhaya of Anuradhapura was the son of King Mahadathika Mahanaga and came to power upon the death of his father.

During the 73-year period under the last four sovereigns, from King Kutakanna Tissa [42-20 BCE] to King Amanda Gamini Abhaya [22-31 CE], the country experienced a time of relative peace, free from external invasions or internal power struggles. During this era, kings, nobles, and citizens collectively participated in religious celebrations, sometimes held with great splendor and extravagance, such as the Giribanda Maha Puja during the reign of King Mahadathika Mahanaga.

Numerous religious institutions were established across the island, while those built by earlier generations were carefully maintained. Irrigation projects were undertaken to boost food production, contributing to a generally contented population. The rulers of this period left behind numerous inscriptions, which indicate that their rule was recognized throughout the island. According to Paranavitana (1969), “All throughout the Island’s history of two thousand years, there does not appear to have been any other period during which the people were happier.”

Amanda Gamini had two children, a son called Prince Chulabhaya and a daughter, Princess Sivali. A sister of Amanda Gamini had a son called Illanga, who dethroned Queen Sivali four months after she ascended to the throne.

Works of King Amanda Gamini Abhaya

1. Building of a Chathra above the exiting Chathra of Ruwanweli Maha Seya
2. Building of an inner courtyard and an inner verandah in Lovamahapaya
3. Building of an inner courtyard and an inner verandah in Upostagara of Thuparama Viharaya
4. Rajathalena Viharaya: now Ridi Viharaya
5. Mahagamendivapi Reservoir: on the south side of Anuradhapura and donated to Dhakkina Viharaya

Ancient Manuscripts Detailing the Sovereigns of Sri Lanka

Sovereigns of Sri Lanka are chronicled in several ancient manuscripts. These texts not only record the lineages of kings but also the significant events and developments of their reigns. Some of the most significant ancient sources are:

1. Dipavamsa: compiled between the 3rd and 4th centuries CE, and the earliest known historical chronicle
2. Mahavamsa: Initially compiled by Mahanama Thero in the 5th or 6th century CE, this chronicle was later expanded upon by other authors who added additional chapters. Covers events up until the reign of King Mahasena of Anuradhapura
3. Culavamsa: Starts where the Mahavamsa stops and records the history of Sri Lankan rulers from the 4th century to 1815. Mahavamsa and Culavamsa are often seen as one extended chronicle, commonly referred to simply as the Mahavamsa.
4. Pujavaliya: Written by a monk in or around 1266 during the reign of King Panditha Parakrama Bahu of Dambadeniya Kingdom
5. Rajavaliya: A 17th-century historical chronicle of Sri Lanka, covering the history of the island from its beginnings up to the accession of King Vimaladharmasurya II in 1687.

References

1. 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.
2. Oldenberg, H. (2001). The Dipavamsa : An Ancient Buddhist Historical Record. Asian Educational Services. (Original work published 1879)
3. Paranavitana, S. (1959). History of Ceylon (University of Ceylon): Vol. 1 (part 1)–3. Ceylon University Press.

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