Sovereigns of Sri Lanka: King Moggallana II [535-555 CE]

Moggallana, the eldest son of King Silakala and the rightful heir to the throne was denied his succession when his younger brother, Dathapabhuti, claimed the throne after their father’s death. Six months later, the two brothers faced each other in single combat to decide the matter. Dathapabhuti was defeated and lost his life in the conflict. Following this, Moggallana ascended the throne and was crowned as King Moggallana II. He is also referred to by various names, including Mugalan, ‘Dala Mugalan‘, and ‘Cula Mogallana‘.

He was a gifted poet and a virtuous man known for his purity, generosity, self-control, and kindness. Through kind words and efforts to help others, he earned the people’s admiration. He organized alms givings, built viharas, and provided medicine, clothing, and protection, gaining the clergy’s favor.

He generously supported those who preached the Doctrine, arranged for the Tripitakas and Atthakatha to be recited, and taught young boys the doctrine by enticing them with sweets. He composed a poem praising the Doctrine, which was recited at the end of sermons. He also had sacred texts written and celebrated with a grand festival.

King Moggallana II ruled for 20 years before passing away of natural causes. His queen, a determined and powerful woman, ensured that her son, Prince Kitsiri Meghavanna, ascended the throne by eliminating all rivals to the crown.

Works of King Mogallana II

1. Pattapasanavapi Reservoir: by damming Kadamba River (Malwathu Oya)
2. Dhanavapi Reservoir: by damming Kadamba River (Malwathu Oya)
3. Garitara Reservoir: by damming Kadamba River (Malwathu Oya)

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. Blaze, L. E. (2004). History of Ceylon. Asian Educational Services. (Original work published 1933)
2. Geiger, W., & Rickmers, C. M. (1929). Culavamsa: Being The More Recent Part Of The Mahavamsa: Vol. Part I–II. Pali Text Society.
3. 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.
4. Obeyesekere, D. (1911). Outlines of Ceylon History. The Times of Ceylon Colombo.
5. Paranavitana, S. (1959). History of Ceylon (University of Ceylon): Vol. 1 (part 1)–3. Ceylon University Press.
6. Suraweera, A. V. (2014). රාජාවලිය. Education Publication Department of Sri Lanka. (Original book published in 1976 from the original documents from the 17th century)

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