The Sri Lankan royal dynasty, representing the continuous line of kings of Sri Lanka (Ceylon), is one of the longest-lasting royal traditions in the world. It endured from 543 BCE, spanning more than 2,350 years, until 1815, when the last Kandyan monarch, Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe, was captured by invading British forces.
The complete royal dynasty of Sri Lanka is documented in a number of historical documents, with the primary document being the Mahavamsa (The Great Chronicle of Sri Lanka).
Primary Ancient Manuscripts Detailing the Sovereigns of Sri Lanka
The primary ancient manuscripts detailing the sovereigns of Sri Lanka include several crucial chronicles. Here’s an overview of each:
- Dipavamsa: meaning “Chronicle of the Island,” is Sri Lanka’s earliest known historical chronicle, believed to have been compiled between the 3rd and 4th centuries CE. The chronicle is anonymous but was likely a collective work by Buddhist monks. It serves as foundational “source material” for the later Mahavamsa, which expanded on its accounts with more detail and style, reinforcing the significance of the Buddhist tradition in Sri Lankan history and culture.
- Mahavamsa: meaning “The Great Chronicle,” is a highly detailed historical account of Sri Lanka, covering events up until the reign of King Mahasena of Anuradhapura. 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.
- Culavamsa: meaning “The Lesser Chronicle,” starts where the Mahavamsa stops and records the history of Sri Lankan rulers from the 4th century to 1815. Compiled over centuries by various Buddhist monks, it is generally regarded as a continuation of the Mahavamsa, thus forming a comprehensive historical chronicle covering over two thousand years. Together, the Mahavamsa and Culavamsa are often seen as one extended chronicle, commonly referred to simply as the Mahavamsa. This unified text remains a crucial source for understanding the royal, cultural, and religious history of Sri Lanka over millennia.
- Rajavaliya: meaning “Chronology of Kings,” is 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. It is believed this manuscript is the work of several authors.
The reign periods of rulers of ancient Sri Lanka, as documented in historical manuscripts, can vary due to differences in how these records were compiled, translated, or interpreted over centuries. Texts like the Dipavamsa, Mahavamsa, and Culavamsa, as well as other historical sources, were written by different authors and at various times, sometimes with updates that added new information or interpretations. Additionally, dates were often recorded using methods specific to each era, making them challenging to standardize when converted to the modern calendar.
These variations are why some modern books and publications present different years for the same ruler’s reign. Researchers and historians rely on comparative studies of different manuscripts to establish approximate timelines, but exact years often remain a topic of scholarly interpretation.
Chronological list of Kings of Sri Lanka (Royal Dynasty of Sri Lanka)
| Ruler | Details | Period | |||
| Tambapanni | |||||
| Vijaya | Arrived in Sri Lanka from India | 543-505 BC 5 | |||
| Regent Upatissa | A minister of Vijaya. Vijaya had no children from Pandi Queen 3 | 505-504 BC 5 | |||
| Vijitapura | |||||
| Panduvasdeva | Son of Sumitta and Vijaya’s nephew who came from Sagala – India. Upatissa handed the crown to him when he arrived in Sri Lanka. | 504-474 BC 5 | |||
| Abhaya | Eldest Son of Panduvasdeva. He had 9 brothers. The youngest was a sister called Chitta who later became known as Unmadachitra who was imprisoned in a chamber built upon a tower (Ek-tam-ge). | 474-454 BC 5 | |||
| Tissa* | Second Son of Panduvasdeva. Ruled for a very brief period. When the 9 other brothers disputed Abhaya giving up some land to Pandukabhaya, he gave up the throne and the brothers gave the throne to the next eldest brother Tissa before going to war with Pandukabhaya according to Mahavamsa. Deepavamsa and Rajavaliya has no mention of this event. | ?? | |||
| Anuradhapura | |||||
| Pandukabhaya | Unmadachitra ‘s son. Fathered by Prince Deegha Gamini. Killed 8 uncles to become the king as predicted by the Brahmins. | 437-367 BC 5 | |||
| Ganatissa 3 | Son of Pandukabhaya, who ruled for 40 years and his son was Mutasiva according to Rajavaliya. However, much older Deepavamsa and Mahavamsa don’t mention a Ganatissa and state son of Pandukabaya was Mutasiva | (40 years) 5 | |||
| Mutasiva | Son of Ganatissa, according to Rajavaliya. However, according to Deepavamsa and Mahavamsa, he is the son of Pandukabaya | 367-307 BC 5 | |||
| Devanampiyatissa | Son of Mutasiva (Devenipetissa: Rajavaliya) | 307-267 BC 5 | |||
| Arrival of the Great Mahinda Thero and introduction of Buddhism to Sri Lanka. | 307 BC 5 | ||||
| Arrival of Theri Sanghamitta with a branch of the original Sri Maha Bodhi in India | 306 BC | ||||
| Uttiya | Brother of Devamnampiyatissa | 267 – 257 BC 5 | |||
| Mahasiva | Brother of Devamnampiyatissa | 257 – 247 BC 5 | |||
| Suratissa | Brother of Devamnampiyatissa | 247 – 237 BC 5 | |||
| Sena and Guttgaka | Indian Invaders | 237 – 215 BC 5 | |||
| Asela | Youngest brother of Devanampiyatissa | 215 – 205 BC 5 | |||
| Elara | A Tamil invader from the Chola country in India. Killed King Asela | 205-161 BC 5 | |||
| Mana | Mentioned in Pujavaliya, not in Mahavamsa. Regional Kings? | ||||
| Yatala Tissa | Mentioned in Pujavaliya, not in Mahavamsa. Regional Kings ? | ||||
| Golu Aba | Mentioned in Pujavaliya, not in Mahavamsa. Regional Kings? | ||||
| Kanvantissa | Mentioned in Pujavaliya, not in Mahavamsa. Regional Kings? | ||||
| Dutugemunu | Son of King Kavanthissa of Ruhuna and queen Vihara Maha Devi. Kavanthissa is a brother of Devanampiyatissa | 161-137 BC 5 | |||
| Saddhatissa | Brother of Dutugemunu | 137-119 BC 5 | |||
| Thulatthana | Second son of Saddhatissa. (Tul : Pujavaliya, Tulana: Rajavaliya) | 119 BC 5 | |||
| Lanjatissa | Elder son of Saddhatissa, who ousted Thulatthana. (Lemini Tissa: Pujavaliya, Leminitissa: Rajavaliya) | 119-109 BC 5 | |||
| Khallata Naga | Son of Saddhatissa. (Kalun Na: Pujavaliya) | 109-104 BC 5 | |||
| Wattagamini Abhaya (Walagamba) | Youngest son of Saddhatissa (Walagambahu: Rajavaliya) | 104 BC 5 | |||
| Pulahatta | One of the seven South Indian Tamil Invaders who defeated Vattagamini Abaya. Two went back and the other five stayed back and killed each other for the throne. | 104-101 BC 5 | |||
| Bahiya | Bahiya was the commander of Pulahatta’s troops. Slew Pulahatta and took the throne | 101-99 BC 5 | |||
| Panayamara | Panayamara was the commander in chief of Bahiya’s troops. Slew Bahiya and took the throne | 99-92 BC 5 | |||
| Pilayamara | Pilayamara was the commander in chief of Panayamara’s troops. Slew Panayamara and took the throne | 92 BC 5 (7 months) | |||
| Dathika | Dathika was the commander in chief of Pilayamara’s troops. Slew Pilayamara and took the throne | 91-89 BC 5 | |||
| Wattagamini Abhaya (restored) | Defeated the South Indian Tamil Invaders (Dathika) and regained his sovereignty. | 89-76 BC 5 | |||
| Documentation of Thripititaka in Pali during the reign of Vattagamini Abaya at Alu Viharya in Matale. These ola manuscripts were burnt by the British in 1848 and was lost forever for the Buddhists around the world | |||||
| Mahaculi Mahathissa | Son of Khallata Naga and adopted son of Vattagamini Abhaya. (Maha Deliya Tissa: Pujavaliya,Rajavaliya Mahasilu Mahatissa) | 76-62 BC 5 | |||
| Coranaga | Son of Wattagamini Abhaya who was poisoned by his queen Anula | 62-50 BC 5 | |||
| Tissa | Son of Mahaculi Mahathissa was also poisoned by Anula. (Kuda Tissa : Pujavaliya, Rajavaliya) | 50-47 BC 5 | |||
| Siva | Queen Anula’s lover, a palace guard. Made Anula his queen and ruled for one year and two months. Was poisoned by Anula for the love of Vatuka. (Balat Siva: Pujavaliya, Surakit: Rajavaliya) | 47 BC | |||
| Vatuka | A Tamil which Queen Anula fell in love with. Was a city carpenter. Made Anula his queen and ruled for one year and two months. Was poisoned by Anula for the love of Darubhatika Tissa. (Mukavetti : Rajavaliya) | 46 BC | |||
| Darubhatika Tissa | A wood carrier which Queen Anula fell in love with. Made Anula his queen and ruled for one year and one month. Was poisoned by Anula for the love of Niliya. (Peravi: Pujavaliya) | 45 BC | |||
| Niliya | A brahman who was the palace-priest, which Queen Anula fell in love with. Made Anula his queen and ruled for six months. Was poisoned by Anula. (Vasuki: Pujavaliya) | 44 BC | |||
| Bela Tissa | Mentioned in Pujavaliya, not in Mahavamsa. | ||||
| Anula (Queen) | Took control of the crown after poisoning all six previous rulers | 43 BC | |||
| Kutakanna Tissa | Mahaculi Mahathissa’s second son. Slayed Anula (Makalan TIssa: Pujavaliya,Rajavaliya) | 42-20 BC 5 | |||
| Bhatika Abhaya | Son of Kutakanna Tissa. Also written as Bhatika Abaya , Bhatiya Abhaya | 20 BC-9 AC 5 | |||
| Mahadathika Mahanaga | Younger brother of Bhatika Abhaya. (Maha Deliya: Pujavaliya,Rajavaliya) | 9-21 AC 5 | |||
| Amanda Gamini Abhaya | Son of Mahadathika Mahanaga. (Adagemunu: Pujavaliya, Rajavaliya) | 21-30 5 | |||
| Kanirajanu Tissa | The younger brother of Amanda-Gamini Abhaya. Killed his brother. (Kinihiridala: Pujavaliya, Kinihirideli: Rajavaliya) | 30-33 5 | |||
| Chulabhaya | Son of Amanda-Gamini Abhaya. Ruled for 1 year. (Kuda Aba: Pujavaliya, Rajavaliya) | 33-35 5 | |||
| Seevali: Queen (Revati) | Younger sister of Gulabhaya. Ruled for 4 months. (Sinha Valli: Pujavaliya, Sivalli: Rajavaliya) | 35 5 | |||
| Ilanaga | A nephew of Amanda-Gamini Abhaya (sister’s son). Dethroned Queen Seevali and took her as his queen. (Elun Na: Pujavaliya, Elana: Rajavaliya) | 35 | |||
| The Lambakanna Clan | Who imprisoned the king in his first year and administered the Government. But the king escaped to Malaya Rata (Hill Country) and came back after 3 years to battle the Lambakannas | 35-38 | |||
| Ilanaga (restored) | Defeated the Lambakannas and took back control | 38-44 5 | |||
| Candamukha Siva | Son of Ilanaga. (Sandamuhumu: Pujavaliya, Rajavaliya) | 44-52 5 | |||
| Yasalalaka Tissa | Younger brother of Candamukha Siva. Slew his brother for the throne. (Yasasilu: Pujavaliya, Rajavaliya) | 52-59 4 | |||
| Subha | The gate watchman of the Palace. The king used to swap places with him from time to time due to the close resemblance of the two. In one instance the Guard dressed as the king ordered to slay the king (dressed as the guard) thus becoming the king. (Suba Balata: Rajavaliya) | 59-65 4 | |||
| Vasabha | From the Lambakanna Clan. Defeated Subha. (Vahap: Rajavaliya) | 65-110 4 | |||
| Vankanasika Tissa | Son of Vasabha. Married the daughter of Suba. (Vehep Waknehe: Pujavaliya, Bapa Vannesi, Vannesinambapa, Sinambapa: Rajavaliya) | 110-113 4 | |||
| Gajabahu I (Gajabahuka Gamini) | Son of Vankanasika Tissa (Gajaba: Rajavaliya) | 113-135 4 | |||
| Mahalla Naga | Father-in-law of Gajabahu I. (Mahalu Mana: Pujavaliya, Rajavaliya) | 135-141 4 | |||
| Bhathika Tissa | Son of Mahalla Naga. (Bhatiya Tissa: Pujavaliya, Rajavaliya) | 140-164 4 | |||
| Kanittha Tissa | Youngest brother of Bhathika Tissa (Chula Tissa: Pujavaliya) | 164-192 4 | |||
| Khujja Naga | Son of Kanittha Tissa. (Kuhun Na: Pujavaliya) | 192-194 4 | |||
| Kuncha Naga | Brother of Khujja Naga. Killed Khujja Naga. (Kuda Na: Pujavaliya, Rajavaliya) | 194-195 4 | |||
| Siri Naga I | brother of the Kuncha Naga’s consort. Was the commander of the troops. Defeated Kuncha Naga. (Kuda Siri Na: Pujavaliya) | 195-214 4 | |||
| Voharika Tissa | Son of Siri Naga. (Vohara TIssa: Pujavaliya, Veratissa: Rajavaliya) | 214-236 4 | |||
| Abhaya Naga | The younger brother of Voharika Tissa had an affair with the queen. Slew Voharika Tissa to take power. (Abaya Tissa: Pujavaliya, Aba Sen: Rajavaliya) | 236-244 4 | |||
| Sirinaga II | Son of Voharika Tissa (Siri Na:Rajavaliya) | 244-246 4 | |||
| Vijaya-Kumara | Son of Sirinaga. (Vijayindu: Pujavaliya, Rajavaliya) | 246-247 4 | |||
| Sanghatissa I | Of the Lambakanna clan. Three friends (Sangha Tissa, Sanghabodhi and Gothabhaya) killed Vijaya and Samghatissa took over. | 247-251 4 | |||
| Siri Sangha Bodhi | one of the three friends of Sanghatissa. Took over after the death of Sanghatissa I. Better known as Siri Sanga Bo. (Dehimi Siri Sangabo: Pujavaliya, Siri Sangabo: Rajavaliya) | 251-253 4 | |||
| Gothabhaya | The third friend. Took control of the Kingdom after Sirisamghabodhi fled from the city (Golu Aba: Rajavaliya) | 253-266 4 | |||
| Jettatissa I | Son of Gothabhaya. (Makalan Detu Tissa: Pujavaliya, Kalakandetu Tissa:Rajavaliya) | 266-276 4 | |||
| Mahasena | Younger brother of Jettatissa I. Better known as Mahasen | 276-303 4 | |||
| Sirimeghavanna | Son of Mahasena. (Kitsirimevan : Rajavaliya) | 303-331 4 | |||
| Arrival of Tooth Relic in Sri Lanka during King Sirimeghavanna’s rule | 312 | ||||
| Jettasissa II | Younger brother of Sirimeghavanna. (Detu Tissa: Pujavaliya, Detutis:Rajavaliya) | 331-340 4 | |||
| Buddhadasa | Son of Jettasissa. (Bujas: Pujavaliya, Rajavaliya) | 340-368 4 | |||
| Upatissa I | Son of Buddhadasa | 368-410 4 | |||
| Mahanama | 2nd son of Buddhadasa | 410-432 4 | |||
| Arrival of Chinese monk Fa-Hien to Sri Lanka | 412/13 | ||||
| Translation of Sinhalese Buddhist Commentaries to Pali by Buddhaghosa Thero during the reign of King Mahanama | |||||
| Sotthisena | A son of Mahanama from an unequal queen who ruled only for one day. He became the king in the forenoon and died in the afternoon from the poison given by his step-sister, Princess Sangha. (Sengot: Pujavaliya, Rajavaliya) | 432 4 | |||
| Chattagahaka Janthu | Husband of Princess Sangha. (Lemini Tissa: Pujavaliya, Chattagahaka: Rajavaliya) | 432 4 | |||
| Mittasena | An imposter installed by one of the Janthu’s ministers. (Mit Sen Karalsora: Pujavaliya, Mitsen: Rajavaliya) | 432-433 4 | |||
| Pandu | Chola Invaders who took control | 433-438 4 | |||
| Parinda | Chola Invaders who took control | 438-441 4 | |||
| Kuda Parinda | Chola Invaders who took control | 441-456 4 | |||
| Tiritara | Chola Invaders who took control | 456 4 | |||
| Dathiya | Chola Invaders who took control | 456-459 4 | |||
| Pithiya | Chola Invaders who took control | 459 4 | |||
| Dhatusena | A monk with royal blood who gave up the robe to fight the Tamil invaders after King Mahanama. (Da Sen Keliya: Pujavaliya, Rajavaliya) | 459-477 4 | |||
| Kassapa I | Son of Dhatusena. Killed his father for the throne and built the rock fortress at Sigiriya.(Sigiri Kasubu: Pujavaliya, Kasabu: Rajavaliya) | 477-495 4 | |||
| Moggallana I | Stepbrother and the rightful owner to the throne. Defeated Kassapa to gain the throne. Kassapa committed suicide. (Mugalan: Pujavaliya, Rajavaliya) | 495-512 4 | |||
| Arrival of the Hair Relic of Buddha to Sri Lanka – by Silakala during the reign of Moggallana | |||||
| Kumara-Dhatusena | Son of Moggallana. Died by jumping into the funeral pyre of his friend Kalidasa. (Kumaradasa: Pujavaliya, Kumara Dasen: Rajavaliya) | 512-520 4 | |||
| Kittisena | Son of Kumara-Dhatusena (Kirthi Sena: Pujavaliya, Rajavaliya) | 520-521 4 | |||
| Siva | Uncle of Kittisena. Killed Kittisena (Medi Sivva: Pujavaliya, Medisivi: Rajavaliya) | 521 4 | |||
| Upatissa II | From the Lamani clan. Killed Siva and ruled for 1 year 10 months. (Lemini Upa Tissa: Pujavaliya, Rajavaliya) | 521-522 4 | |||
| Amba Samanera Silakala | Killed Upatissa. From the same clan. (Ambaherana: Pujavaliya) | 522-535 4 | |||
| Dathapabhuti | Son of Amba Samanera Silakala. Ruled for six months. (Dapulu Sena: Pujavaliya, Rajavaliya) | 535 4 | |||
| Moggallana II | Nephew of Dathapabhuti. (Dala Mugalana: Pujavaliya, Dalamugalan: Rajavaliya) | 535-555 4 | |||
| Kittisiri Meghavanna | Son of Dalamugalan. (Kuda Kit Siri Mevan: Pujavaliya, Rajavaliya) | 555-573 4 | |||
| Mahanaga | From the Okkaka clan. Killed Kittisiri Meghavanna, (Senevi: Pujavaliya, Senevi Mana: Rajavaliya) | 573-575 4 | |||
| Aggabodhi I | Nephew of Mahanaga. (Lemini Singana Akbo: Pujavaliya, Lemini Agbo: Rajavaliya, Lemeni Sinha, Saladala Bona: Rajavaliya) | 575-608 4 | |||
| Aggabodhi II | Nephew of Aggabodhi I. (Kuda Akbo: Pujavaliya, Rajavaliya) | 608-618 4 | |||
| Sanghatissa II | The younger brother of Aggabodhi II. Reigned for two months | 618 4 | |||
| Moggallana III | Killed Sanghatissa II. (Lemini Bona: Pujavaliya, Medi Bo Mugalan: Rajavaliya) | 618-623 4 | |||
| Silameghavanna | Killed Moggallana III. (Asiggahaka: Pujavaliya, Rajavaliya) | 623-632 4 | |||
| Aggabodhi III | Son of Silameghavanna. (Siri Sanga Bo: Pujavaliya, Rajavaliya) | 632 4 | |||
| Jettatissa III | Expelled King Aggabodhi. (Katusara: Pujavaliya, Katusara Detis:Rajavaliya) | 632 4 | |||
| Aggabodhi III (restored) | Aggabodhi defeats Jettatissa. | 632-643 4 | |||
| Dathopatissa I | A minister of Jettatissa. (Dalupa Tissa: Pujavaliya, Lemini Dalupatissa: Rajavaliya) | 643-650 4 | |||
| Kassapa II | (Pesulu Kasubu: Pujavaliya, Rajavaliya) | 650-659 4 | |||
| Dappula I | Son of Mahatissa and Samghasiva. They had 3 sons, Aggabodhi, Dappula and Maniakkhika. Rohana seems to be operating as an independent kingdom in the 7th century 1 . Ruled only for seven days in Anuradhapura and for three years – in the South (kingdom of Rohana) (Dapulu: Rajavaliya) | 659 4 | |||
| Dathopatissa II | (Lemini Dalupa Tissa: Pujavaliya, Rajavaliya) | 659-667 4 | |||
| Aggabodhi IV | Younger brother of Dathopatissa. A very popular king who died in Polonnaruwa. (Siri Sanga Bodhi: Pujavaliya, Rajavaliya) | 667-683 4 | |||
| Datta | A puppet king installed by the Tamil Minister Potthakuttha of Aggabodhi IV after imprisoning the rightful heir. (Valpita Vesidatta: Pujavaliya, Valpitivesidat: Rajavaliya) | 683-684 4 | |||
| Hetthadatha II | Second puppet king installed by Potthakuttha after the death of Datta. (Hunannaru Riyandala: Pujavaliya, Rajavaliya) | 684 4 | |||
| Manavamma | Son of Kassapa II (Mahalepano: Pujavaliya, Rajavaliya) | 684-718 4 | |||
| Aggabodhi V | Elder son of Manavamma (Agrabodhi: Pujavaliya, Akbo: Rajavaliya) | 718-724 4 | |||
| Kassapa III | Second son of Manavamma (Kasabu: Pujavaliya, Rajavaliya) | 724-730 4 | |||
| Mahinda I | Younger son of Manavamma (Midel: Pujavaliya, Midelpana: Rajavaliya) | 730-733 4 | |||
| Aggabodhi VI | Son of Kassapa III (Sulu Akbo: Pujavaliya, Akbo: Rajavaliya) | 733-772 4 | |||
| Aggabodhi VII | Son of Mahinda I. (Kuda Akbo: Pujavaliya, Rajavaliya) | 772-777 4 | |||
| Mahinda II | Son of Aggabodhi VII. (Salamevan Mihindu: Pujavaliya, Rajavaliya) | 777-797 4 | |||
| Udaya I | Son of Mahinda II. Also known as Dappula II (Uda: Rajavaliya) | 797-801 4 | |||
| Mahinda III | Son of Udaya I (Somihindu: Pujavaliya, Heligeravil Iskebo Mihindu: Rajavaliya) | 801-804 4 | |||
| Aggabodhi VIII | Second son of Udaya I (Akbo: Pujavaliya, Akbo: Rajavaliya) | 804-815 4 | |||
| Dappula III | Younger son of Udaya I (Dapulu: Pujavaliya, Rajavaliya) | 815-831 4 | |||
| Aggabodhi IX | Son of Dappula III. Used the name Sirigangabo in inscriptions. (Akbo: Pujavaliya) | 831-833 4 | |||
| Sena I | Second son of Dappula III (Sen: Pujavaliya, Abha Salamevan) | 833-853 4 | |||
| Sena II | Nephew of Sena I. Used the name Sirigangabo in inscriptions. (Mugayin Sen: Pujavaliya, Rajavaliya). | 853-887 4 | |||
| Udaya II | Brother of Sena II. Used the name Abha Salamevan in inscriptions. (Uda: Pujavaliya, Rajavaliya). | 887-898 4 | |||
| Kassapa IV | Brother of Sena II. Used the name Sirigangabo in inscriptions. (Kasup: Pujavaliya, Kasub: Rajavaliya) | 898-914 4 | |||
| Kassapa V | Son of Sena II. Used the name Abha Salamevan in inscriptions. (Pesalu Kasubu: Pujavaliya, Kasubu: Rajavaliya) | 914-923 4 | |||
| Dappula IV | Son of Sena II. Ruled only for 7 months. Used the name Sirigangabo in inscriptions. (Dapulu: Pujavaliya, Rajavaliya) | 923-924 4 | |||
| Dappula V | Son of Sena II and half brother of Kassapa V (Kuda Dapulu: Pujavaliya, Rajavaliya) | 924-935 4 | |||
| Udaya III | Father was Mahadipada Mahinda who was a brother of Sena II. Used the name Sirigangabo in inscriptions. (Uda: Rajavaliya) | 935-938 4 | |||
| Sena III | Son of Udaya II (Sen: Pujavaliya, Rajavaliya) | 938-946 4 | |||
| Udaya IV | Son of Kassapa IV. (Uda: Rajavaliya) | 946-954 4 | |||
| Sena IV | (Pesulu Sen: Pujavaliya, Sen: Rajavaliya) | 954-956 4 | |||
| Mahinda IV | Nephew of Udaya IV | 956-972 4 | |||
| Sena V | Son of Mahinda IV. Became the king at the age of 12 | 972-982 4 | |||
| Mahinda V | Brother of Sena V. Last king of Anuradhapura Kingdom. Was captured by the Cholas from Rohana and deported to India | 982-1029 4 | |||
| Fall of the Anuradhapura Kingdom after almost 1500 years from its formation to Cola invaders | 1017 | ||||
| Vickrama Bahu (Kassapa VI) | Son of Mahinda V. Ruled from Rohana for 12 years after driving the Colas across Mahaweli River. | 1029-1040 4 | |||
| Senapati Kitti | A senapathi who seized authority after the death of Kassapa VI. Ruled only for 8 days before Mahale Kitti killed him took the throne. | 1040 4 | |||
| Mahale Kitti | Ruled from Rohana while the Rajarata was under the Cola Admininistration | 1040-1042 4 | |||
| Vikrama Pandita | Son of Mahale Kitti. Ruled from Kalutara while the Rajarata was under the Cola Admininistration | 1042-1043 4 | |||
| Jagatpala | A prince from Oudh in North India. Ruled from Rohana while the Rajarata was under the Cola Admininistration | 1043-1046 4 | |||
| Prakramabahu Pandi | Son of the Pandya king. Ruled from Rohana while the Rajarata was under the Cola Admininistration | 1046-1048 4 | |||
| Loka | An army commander. Ruled from Kataragama while the Rajarata was under the Cola Admininistration | 1048-1054 4 | |||
| Kassapa VII | A chieftain of Loka. Ruled from Kararagama while the Rajarata was under the Cola Admininistration | 1054-1055 4 | |||
| Polnnaruwa | |||||
| “Chola” Invaders | South Indian invaders | 1017-1070 4 | |||
| Vijayabahu I | (Mahalu Vijaya Bahu: Pujavaliya, Rajavaliya) | 1055-1110 4 | |||
| Jayabahu I | Younger brother of Vijayabahu I | 1110-1111 4 | |||
| Vikramabahu I | Son of Vijayabahu I | 1111-1132 4 | |||
| Gajabahu II | Son of Vikramabahu I | 1132-1159 4 | |||
| Parakramabahu I | The father of Parakramabahu, Manabharana was the son of Mitta, who was the sister of Vijayabahu. The mother of Parakramabahu was Rathnavali who was a daughter of Vijayabahu. (Mahalu Parakramabahu: Pujavaliya) | 1153-1186 4 | |||
| Vijayabahu II | Son of Parakramabahu’s sister. (Pandita Vijaya Bahu: Pujavaliya) | 1186-1187 4 | |||
| Nissanka Malla | Came from the Kalinga kingdom in India. (Kirti Nissanka: Rajavaliya) | 1187-1196 4 | |||
| Virabahu | Son of Nissanka Malla. Ruled only for 1 day | 1196 4 | |||
| Vikramabahu II | Younger brother of Nissanka Malla. Ruled only for 3 months before being murdered by Choda Ganga | 1196 4 | |||
| Choda Ganga | A nephew of Nissanka Malla. Ruled only for 9 months before being killed by a General named Senevirat | 1196-1197 4 | |||
| Queen Leelavathi | Chief wife of Parakramabahu I. She was placed at the throne by General Senevirat (Kitti) | 1197-1200 4 | |||
| Sahasa Malla | A half-brother of Nissanka Malla (inscription) who came from the Kalinga kingdom in India, supported by General Ayasmanta (same general Senevirat?) | 23rd August 1200-1202 4 | |||
| Queen Kalyanavathi | Second wife of Nissanka Malla. Supported by General Ayasmanta, who deposed Sahasa Malla | 1202-1208 4 | |||
| Dharmashoka | Was made the king at the age of three months. Supported by General Ayasmanta, who deposed Queen Kalyanavathi | 1208-1209 4 | |||
| Anikanga Mahadipada | Came with a Cola army and killed Dharmashoka and General Ayasmanta. Pujavaliya states Dharmashoka was Anikanga’s son. Ruled the country for 17 days (Eniyanga: Rajavaliya) | 1209 4 | |||
| Queen Leelavathi (restored) | Anikanga was assassinated by General Vikkantacamunakka of the Polonnaruwa Army and placed Queen Leelavathi from the Pandyan Dynasty on the throne for the 2nd time | 1209-1210 4 | |||
| Lokeshwara | An invader from the Kalinga Dynasty in India. He ruled only for 9 months according to Culavamsa, 5 months according to Pujavaliya and 3 years according to Rajavaliya. | 1210-1211 4 | |||
| Queen Leelavathi (restored) | Lokeshwara was dethroned by a General called Parakrama, and Queen Leelavathi was placed on the throne for the 3rd time. She ruled only for 7 months this time | 1211-1212 4 | |||
| Parakrama Pandu | An invader from the Pandyan kingdom in India who deposed the Queen and General Parakrama | 1212-1215 4 | |||
| Kalinga Magha | An invader from the Kalinga kingdom in India. Deposed Parakramabahu Pandu. His 24,000-strong army looted, plundered, and sacked Rajarattha on an unprecedented scale. | 1215-1236 4 | |||
| Dambadeniya | |||||
| Vijayabahu III | Also called “Vijayabahu Vathimi” , “Vanni Vijayabahu” and ” Kalinga Vijayabahu” . Does not belong to any Royal bloodline from Polonnaruwa. Origin is unclear | 1232-1236 4 | |||
| Parakramabahu II | Elder Son of Vijayabahu III. Also known as Panditha Parakramabahu. Defeated the Indian invader Magha in Polonnaruwa | 1236 -1270 4 | |||
| Vijayabahu IV | Son of Parakramabahu II | 1270-1272 4 | |||
| Yapahuwa | |||||
| Bhuvanekabahu I | Brother of Vijayabahu IV. After living in Dambadeniya for some years, shifted his rule to Yapahuwa | 1272-1284 4 | |||
| interregnum | the period without a king | 1284-1287 4 | |||
| Parakramabahu III | Son of Vijayabahu IV | 1287-1293 4 | |||
| Kurunegala | |||||
| Bhuvanekabahu II | Son of Buwanekabahu I. Defeated Parakramabahu III and shifted the Kingdom to Kurunegala | 1293-1302 4 | |||
| Parakramabahu IV | Son of Buwanekabahu II. | 1302-1326 4 | |||
| Buwanekabahu III | Also Known as Vanni Buvanekabāhu. Chronicle are silent on details of his reign. Presesumed to have been ruling from Kurunegala | 1326-1335 4 | |||
| Vijayabahu V | Also Known as Savulu Vijayabahu. Chronicle are silent on details of his reign. Presesumed to have been ruling from Kurunegala | 1335-1341 4 | |||
| Gampola | |||||
| Buwanekabahu IV | Son of Vijayahu V. Made Gampola the capital of the Kingdom | 1341-1354 | |||
| Arrival of Ibn Buta to a nothern port of Sri Lanka | 1344 | ||||
| Parakramabahu V | Another son of Vijayabahu V. Also known as Savuļu Parakum. Ruled the Dedigama Kingdom in Kegalle District along with with brother, Buwanekabahu IV in Gampola | 1344-1359 4 | |||
| Vikramabahu III | Nephew (sisters son) of Buwanekabahu and Parakramabahu. Ruled in Peradeniya at during the time of Buwanekabahu IV. Shifted to Gampola after Buwanekabahu IV | 1357-1374 4 | |||
| Buwanekabahu V | Last ruler in Gampola. Escaped to Kotte in fear of Jaffna Kingdom. Spent the last years in Kotte | 1372-1408 4 | |||
| Kotte | |||||
| Parakramabahu VI | Also known as Rukule Parakramabahu. Attacked Jaffna (led by one of his adopted sons – Sapumal Kumaraya) and took it under the Sri Lankan Kingdom. | 1412-1467 4 | |||
| Jayabahu II | Also known as Jayavira Parakramabahu. Grandson of Parakramabahu IV | 1467-1469 4 | |||
| Buwanekabahu VI | Was Prince Sapumal who successfully attacked Jaffna and took it under the Sri Lankan Kingdom during Parakramabahu. Later killed Jayaweera to capture the Kotte Kingdom. ruled for 6 years | 1471-1477 4 | |||
| Pandita Parakramabahu VII | Adopted son of Buvanekabahu VI | 1478-1484 4 | |||
| Vira Parakramabahu VII | Adopted son of Parakramabahu VI and brother of Buwanekabahu VI (Sapumal Kumaraya). Was called “Ambulugala Raja“. Killed Panditha Parakramabahu VII. He had four sons, Dharma Parakramabahu, Sakalakala Vallabha, Vijayabahu IV, Taniya Vallabha and Sri Rajasinghe | 1484-1508 4 | |||
| Arrival of the Portuguese | 1505 | ||||
| Dharma Parakramabahu IX | Eldest son of Vira Parakramabahu VIII | 1509-1528 | |||
| Vijayabahu VI | Brother of Parakramabahu VIX. According to Rajavaliya, he came to the throne in 1513 A.D | 1513-1521 | |||
| Buwanekabahu VII | Vijayabahu VI was killed by the 3 sons – Buwanekabahu , Pararajasinhe and Mayadunne . Split the country into two and Buwanekabahu took Kotte , Pararajasinhe took the Raigama Kingdom and Mayadunne the Seethawaka Kingdom. | 1521-1551 | |||
| Dharmapala | Was baptised at a young age by the Portuguese Missionaries. Converted to Christianity in 1555. Kelaniya Temple and the Kotte Dalada Maligawa were taken from the Buddhists and given to the missionaries. | 1551-1597 | |||
| End of the the Kotte Kingdom. Dharmapala presented the Kingdom to the Portuguese by a deed after his death | 1597 | ||||
| Fall of the Portuguese rule in coastal areas to the Dutch | 1655-1656 | ||||
| End of Portugese Rule in Sri Lanka | 1658 | ||||
| Fall of Dutch Rule and Capture of Costal areas by the English | by 1796 | ||||
| Offical Handing over the Dutch Controlled areas to the Brithsh by “Amion Peace Accord” | 1892 | ||||
| Raigama | |||||
| Pararajasinhe | One son of Vijayabahu VI of Kotte . | 1521-1538 | |||
| Seethawaka | |||||
| Mayadunne | One son of Vijayabahu VI of Kotte . Pararajasinhe (his brother) voluntarily gave control of his kingdom to Mayadunne during his last years. Mayadunne attached Raigama Kingdom after the death of Pararajasinhe in 1538 | 1521-1581 | |||
| Rajasinghe I | Son of Mayadunne . Warrior prince who led his first battle at the age of 12. Was known as Prince Tikiri. Took over the Kandyan Kingdom after disposing of Dona Catherina, a Portuguese-appointed queen in Kandy | 1581-1592 | |||
| Rajasuriya | Elder Son of Rajasinghe I. The kingdom was run by a person called ” Manamperuma”, an Indian who advised Rajasinghe I. Also instrumental in turning Rajasinghe I against the Buddhist establishment. | 1593 | |||
| Nikapitiye Bandara | Manamperuma removed both sons of Rajasinghe I and gave the crown to ” Nikapitiye Bandara” who was a grandson of the sister of Rajasinghe I . Was only 5 years old at that time. | 1593-1594 | |||
| Fall of the Sitawaka Kingdom to Portuguese | 1594 | ||||
| Kandy | |||||
| Sena Sammatha Vikramabahu | Belongs to Kotte Royal Blood line (Ruled Kandy as a semi-indipendent kingdom under the Kotte Kingdom) | 1473-1511 | |||
| Jayavira Bandara | Also called Javira Astana. Son of Sena Sammatha Wickramabahu . Became a Christian in 1546 | 1511-1551 | |||
| Karaliyadde Bandara | Son of Jayaweera. Captured the throne from Jayaweera . Became a Christian to get protection from the Portuguese | 1551-1581 | |||
| Rajasingha I | Disposed Karaliyadde Bandara who fled to Trincomalee where he and the queen died of smallpox. Ruled from Sitawaka Kingdom. | 1581-1591 | |||
| Vimaladharmasuriya I | His name was Konappu Bandara and then Don Juan. Became a Buddhist again and married Dona Catherina to establish the Royal Bloodline. Fought the Portuguese and freed Kandy from them. The famous battle of Danture was fought by him. | 1592-1604 | |||
| Dona Catherina (Kusumasana Devi) | Daughter of Karaliyedde Bandara. Converted to Catholicism by the Portuguese and appointed the queen of the Kandyan Kingdom by them | 1594 | |||
| Senarat | A cousin brother of King Vimaladharmasuriya I. Was a Buddhist monk and a devoted Buddhist. Didn’t have the strength of a king. Married Dona Catherina again to establish a Royal Bloodline | 1604-1635 | |||
| Rajasinghe II | A warrior king who build up the Kandy again and faced two major battles with the Portuguese and two with the Dutch. | 1635-1687 | |||
| The Dutch captures Colombo from Portuguese | 1656 | ||||
| 1658 | ||||
| Vimaladharmasuriya II | Son of Rajasinghe II. Maintained harmony with the Dutch. | 1687-1707 | |||
| Sri Vīra Parakrama Narendrasinha | Son of Vimaladharmasuriya II. Last Singhalese King of the Country | 1707-1739 | |||
| Sri Vijaya Rajasinha | Brother of the Viraparakrama Narendrasinha ‘s queen, who was of south Indian Nayakkar origin. Became a Buddhist | 1739-1747 | |||
| Kirti Sri Rajasinha | Brother of Sri Vijaya Rajasinghe’s queen | 1747-1781 | |||
| Sri Rajadhi Rajasinha | Brother of Kirti Sri Rajasinghe | 1781-1798 | |||
| Sri Vikrama Rajasinha | Last Sri Lankan King. Captured by the British and imprisoned in Vellore, India | 1798-1815 | |||
| Fall of Kandyan Kingdom to the British | 1815 Feb 15 | ||||
| The capture of the last king in Sri Lanka Thus ending probably the longest Royal Dynasty in the world which survived in Sri Lanka since 543 BC (over 2350 years). | 1815 Feb 18 | ||||
References
- 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.
- මහාවංශය (සිංහල) . Buddhist Cultural Center (2010)
- Gunasekara, B. (1900). The Rajavaliya or 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.
- Codrington, H. W., & Hocart, A. M. (1926). A Short History of Ceylon. Mac Millan and Co Limited.
- Liyanagamage, A., 1963. The Decline of Polonnaruwa Kingdom and the Rise of Dambadeniya (circa 1180 – 1270 AD). Doctor of Philosophy. •University of London.
- Gunasekara, B. (1895). A Contribution to the History of Ceylon: Translated from Pujavaliya. H.C. Cottle.
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