Sovereigns of Sri Lanka: King Mahasiva [257–247 BCE]

Predecessor		Successor
King Uttiya [267–257 BCE] -House of Vijaya-	King Mahasiva [257–247 BCE] -House of Vijaya-	King Suratissa [247–237 BCE] -House of Vijaya-
COMPLETE LIST OF RULERS OF SRI LANKA

King Mahāsiva (r. 257–247 BCE) ruled the early Anurādhapura Kingdom for a comparatively brief period. As the third son of King Mutasiva to ascend the throne, his reign formed part of an era marked by dynastic continuity and the consolidation of Buddhism following its introduction to Sri Lanka. Although overshadowed in historical prominence by his brother Devānampiya Tissa, his rule contributed to the stability of the kingdom during this formative phase.

Lineage and Early Life

Mahāsiva was born in the fourth century BCE as one of the ten sons of King Mutasiva. His grandfather, King Paṇḍukābhaya, had recently formalized the municipal boundaries of Anurādhapura, while his father had established the Mahāmēghavana park, which would later become central to the island’s Buddhist heritage.

He had nine brothers. Among the most prominent were his elder brothers Devānampiya Tissa and Uttiya, and his younger brothers Sūratissa and Asela. He also had two sisters, Anulā and Sīvalī.

Rise to Power and Reign

Mahāsiva’s accession followed the established principle of collateral succession, whereby the throne passed from one brother to another. After the death of King Uttiya, who had succeeded Devānampiya Tissa, Mahāsiva was consecrated as king.

He ruled for ten years and is credited with constructing the Nagaragaṇa Vihāraya in the eastern quarter of the city. Beyond this religious foundation, the chronicles provide limited detail regarding his reign.

Upon his death in 247 BCE, he was succeeded by his brother King Sūratissa, continuing the pattern of fraternal succession within the royal house.

Works of King Uttiya

Nagarahgana Viharaya: in the eastern quarter of Anuradhapura. Not identified.

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:

Dipavamsa: compiled between the 3rd and 4th centuries CE, and the earliest known historical chronicle
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
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.
Pujavaliya: Written by a monk in or around 1266 during the reign of King Panditha Parakrama Bahu of Dambadeniya Kingdom
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

Blaze, L. E. (1900). History of Ceylon: For Schools. Asian Educational Services.
Codrington, H. W., & Hocart, A. M. (1926). A Short History of Ceylon. Mac Millan and Co Limited.
Geiger, W., & Rickmers, C. M. (1929). Culavamsa: Being The More Recent Part Of The Mahavamsa: Vol. Part I–II. Pali Text Society.
Gunasekara, B. (1900). The Rajavaliya or a historical narrative of Sinhalese kings from Vijaya to Vimala Dharma Suriya II. George J. A. Skeen.
Gunasekara, B. (1895). A Contribution to the History of Ceylon: Translated from Pujavaliya. H.C. Cottle.
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.

Predecessor		Successor
King Uttiya [267–257 BCE] -House of Vijaya-	King Mahasiva [257–247 BCE] -House of Vijaya-	King Suratissa [247–237 BCE] -House of Vijaya-
COMPLETE LIST OF RULERS OF SRI LANKA

Also See

Full list of Sovereigns of Sri Lanka

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