King Mahinda IV [954-956 CE] | AmazingLanka.com

Predecessor		Successor
Sena IV [954-956 CE] -House of Lambakanna-	Mahinda IV [956-972 CE] -House of Lambakanna-	Sena V [972-982 CE] -House of Lambakanna-
COMPLETE LIST OF RULERS OF SRI LANKA

King Mahinda IV (956–972 CE) was a monarch of the Second Lambakaṇṇa Dynasty and is remembered in historical tradition as the last great ruler of the Anurādhapura period. His reign marked a final phase of stability and prosperity before the Chola invasions ultimately brought an end to the Anurādhapura Kingdom, nearly 1,500 years after its foundation.

Royal Heritage

The ancient chronicles do not clearly define the genealogical relationships of the rulers between Dappula IV and Mahinda IV, leaving their precise connections to the principal royal line uncertain. However, inscriptional evidence suggests that Mahinda IV may be the son of King Kassapa V and Queen Dev Gon (Devā).

Before ascending the throne, he served as yuvarāja (heir apparent) during the brief reign of (his cousin?), Sena IV. Following Sena IV’s death in 956 CE, Mahinda IV was formally consecrated at Anuradhapura, assuming the royal title Sirisanghabodhi.

Political Environment and Indian Invasions

The political climate of Mahinda IV’s reign was shaped largely by the expanding influence of the Chola Empire in South India and the continuing presence of the Rāṣṭrakūṭa power.

Early in his rule, a military force sent by the “Vallabha king” (most likely the Rāṣṭrakūṭa ruler Krishna III or a Chola general acting under his authority) landed at Nagadeepa, with the intention of subduing the island. Mahinda IV responded decisively by dispatching his senāpati, Sena, who successfully repelled the invaders. As a result, the Vallabha ruler was compelled to conclude a friendly settlement.

During a later period, while the Cholas were weakened by conflict with the Rāṣṭrakūṭas, they nevertheless attempted further incursions into Sri Lanka, including a landing at Kayts in 959 CE. These efforts were again successfully resisted by Mahinda IV, although the growing naval strength of the Cholas remained a persistent threat throughout his reign.

Marriage and Foreign Policy

Recognizing the strategic necessity of strong external alliances under the continued threats from Colas, Mahinda IV adopted a deliberate diplomatic policy. Although a native aristocracy existed in Lanka, he chose to take his chief queen (mahesī) from the royal house of Kalinga. According to the chronicles, this union established what later writers described as the royal lineage of the Sīhalas, a dynastic foundation that carried lasting political and symbolic importance.

Inscriptions

Mahinda IV left behind an extensive body of inscriptions that offer valuable insight into both his administration and the religious life of the period. Among the most important are the Mihintale Slab Inscriptions, which set out detailed regulations governing the administration and spiritual discipline of the Mihintalē monastery. The Vessagiri Slab Inscription records his victory over the Vallabha invasion and proclaims his success in bringing the “riches of the whole of Daṇḍabiva” under his authority. The Jetavanārāma (Abhayagiri) Slabs reflect his concern for the welfare of the Saṅgha and the proper management of monastic institutions, while the Polonnaruva Raja-maligava Pillar Inscription further illustrates his commitment to supporting religious establishments in the capital.

Impact on the Future Kingdom

The reign of Mahinda IV represents the final period of strength and harmony in the Anurādhapura Kingdom. Although his military leadership and diplomatic skill temporarily safeguarded the island, the administrative weakness and lack of resolve shown by his successors—Sena V and Mahinda V—eventually enabled the Cholas to conquer the kingdom. Nevertheless, Mahinda IV’s establishment of a Kalinga-linked dynastic identity remained a defining influence on the political and cultural consciousness of the Sinhalese monarchy for centuries to come.

Works of King Mahinda IV

Built an alms-hall on the grounds of the Elephant House and gave to beggars alms and couches.
Build the pasada called Candana in the Mirisaveti Viharaya
Restored the beautiful temple of the four cetiyas in Padalanchana which had been burnt down by the troops of the Cola King
Restored the burnt temple of the Tooth Relic in the centre of the town, the Dhammasangani House
Restored the burnt-down Mahapali Alms Hall
Completed the Maniprasada, which was begun by his maternal uncle, King Udaya (IV).

Royal Dynasty from Kassapa V to King Dappula III to Vickramabahu I

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

Geiger, W., & Rickmers, C. M. (1929). Culavamsa: Being The More Recent Part of The Mahavamsa: Vol. Part I–II. Pali Text Society.
Gunasekara, B. (1895). A Contribution to the History of Ceylon: Translated from Pujavaliya. H.C. Cottle.
Gunasekara, B. (1900). The Rajavaliya, a Historical Narrative of Sinhalese Kings Vijaya to Vimala Dharma Suriya II. George J. A. Skeen.
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.
Paranavitana, S. (1959). History of Ceylon (University of Ceylon): Vol. 1 (part 1)–3. Ceylon University Press.

Predecessor		Successor
Sena IV [954-956 CE] -House of Lambakanna-	Mahinda IV [956-972 CE] -House of Lambakanna-	Sena V [972-982 CE] -House of Lambakanna-
COMPLETE LIST OF RULERS OF SRI LANKA