Anuradhapura; The City of Anuradha (Part 25)
By Ama H. Vanniarachchy
Tempests of turmoil brewed within the palace walls of Dhathusena
Peace was short-lived for the life of this great heroic king. This time, it was not from a faraway land beyond the ocean, but from the king’s kin. This chaos, a tale filled with jealousy, hatred, vengeance, and hunger for power, ended the life of this great king, striking a tragic and agonising death for Dhathusena and his sister, and both sons. The family dispute also brought political turbulence to the island, disturbing its peace.
The next monumental and transformative conflict in Sri Lankan history was the epic struggle between Prince Kasyapa and Prince Mugalan, the sons of King Dhathusena. When Kasyapa seized the throne, he became the King of Sri Lanka, while his brother Mugalan, or Moggallana, fled to India, fearing for his life. According to ancient texts, Mugalan sought refuge in India for 18 long years, living as a political exile, though the exact region remains shrouded in mystery.
After nearly two decades in exile, Mugalan returned to Sri Lanka with a strong army, boosted by Indian military support, ready to reclaim what he believed was rightfully his. The brothers, once bound by blood, now stood as bitter enemies on the battlefield. Kasyapa, though equipped with a mighty army and unparalleled military strength, was ultimately defeated by his brother.
In a final act of defiance and honour, Kasyapa, facing inevitable capture, chose to take his own life on the battlefield. Kasyapa, the God King of Lanka, beheaded himself with his own sword, dying as a true warrior, preferring death to the humiliation of falling into enemy hands.
Political connections and military activities between the Pallava, Pandya, and Chalukya Kingdoms and the Sinhala Kingdom of Anuradhapura (6th century CE onwards) During the reign of King Dhathusena (459 – 477 CE), the military prowess, security, and fortifications of Anuradhapura reached their zenith. This ancient city, well-fortified and steeped in resilience, endured numerous battles—some victorious, others costly.
The city’s gates, ramparts, and forts bore the scars of these invasions, and though the city occasionally fell to invaders, it invariably rose from the ashes like a phoenix. These relentless conflicts forged Anuradhapura into a city of iron; its resilience unmatched as each successive king rebuilt and strengthened its defences, enhancing its military capabilities.
Alongside its martial fortitude, Anuradhapura flourished in wealth, economic grandeur, and financial stability. Towering stupas, often compared to the Great Pyramids of Giza, dominated the skyline; complex irrigation systems nourished the land; and hospitals, equipped with advanced medical facilities, served both humans and animals. Such prosperity and political stability inevitably attracted the attention of invaders, particularly from the Dravidian kingdoms of South India, whose ambitions were often intertwined with those of the Sinhala kings.
The relationship between the Sinhalese and the Dravidian royal dynasties was complex, marked by both rivalry and alliance. While some Dravidian kingdoms saw Anuradhapura as a threat to their political authority or as an opportunity to extend their dominion beyond South India, others were allies of the Sinhala kingdom. The invasions from these South Indian kingdoms were not merely driven by a desire for territorial expansion or racial dominance but were deeply rooted in the shifting dynamics of political power and wealth. Notably, some invaders embraced Buddhism, ruling as Buddhist kings in Anuradhapura, while others lent military support to the Sinhala kings against rival Dravidian kingdoms or during internal strife.
Furthermore, the bonds between these royal dynasties extended beyond the battlefield. South Indian kings and princes occasionally sought military aid and political refuge from the Sinhalese rulers of Anuradhapura, and the reverse was also true. During times of turmoil in Sri Lanka, particularly in the Anuradhapura period, Buddhist monks found refuge in South India, highlighting a shared cultural and religious connection between the two regions. These interactions underscore the complex web of alliances, animosity, and mutual support that defined the ancient political landscape of Anuradhapura and its relationship with the Dravidian kingdoms. Since the era of King Vijaya, the Sinhalese and Dravidian royals wove their political, social, and cultural bonds ever tighter through the union of marriage.
By the 6th century CE, the political landscape of the South Indian subcontinent was a turbulent arena, with power shifting rapidly between rival dynasties. The Chalukyas of Badami emerged as a notable force, joining the already fierce power struggle among the Pandyas and Pallavas. These dynasties were locked in a relentless contest for supremacy, each competing to dominate the region. The intensity of these conflicts echoed beyond the borders of South India, directly influencing the political climate in Sri Lanka.
Anuradhapura, the heart of the Sinhala kingdom, was not merely a passive observer of these shifting tides. Instead, it played a pivotal role in the unfolding drama, intricately tied to the power struggles of its South Indian neighbours.
The Cholas, still on the rise during this period, had yet to reach their zenith, while the Pallavas and Pandyas were enjoying considerable political and cultural influence over Sri Lanka.
In earlier times, the South Indian Dravidian kingdoms frequently launched invasions into Anuradhapura, seeking to impose their will on the island. However, as Anuradhapura’s military strength and political stability grew, the Sinhalese kings began to shift the narrative. No longer content to be mere targets of invasion, Anuradhapura started to declare its power on the regional stage. These kings actively engaged in the power struggles of South India, either by supporting allied Dravidian kingdoms or by directly confronting their rivals in battle.
The rise of Anuradhapura as a military power marked a turning point in the region’s history, as the once vulnerable kingdom transformed into a formidable force, capable of influencing the complex web of alliances and conflicts that defined the South Asian political landscape.
Pallava Kingdom and Anuradhapura
The Pallavas, who established their dominance in the Tamil region of South India, were key players in the region’s power struggles during this period. Their capital Kanchipuram became a cultural and military hub, influencing the political landscape of the surrounding regions, including Sri Lanka. The Pallavas maintained both hostile and allied relations with the Sinhala kingdom of Anuradhapura, depending on the prevailing political circumstances.
One of the most significant interactions between the Pallavas and Anuradhapura occurred during the reign of King Manavamma of Anuradhapura (684-718 CE). Manavamma was an exiled prince who sought refuge at the Pallava court under King Narasimhavarman I (630-668 CE). With Pallava military support, Manavamma successfully reclaimed the throne of Anuradhapura. This marked a crucial alliance, where the Pallavas extended their influence over the Sinhala kingdom, and in return, Manavamma became a loyal ally, even sending troops to aid the Pallavas in their conflicts with the Chalukyas and Pandyas.
The relationship between the Pallavas and Anuradhapura continued to evolve in the following centuries. The Pallavas, under the reign of Nandivarman II (731-796 CE), supported Sinhalese rulers like Aggabodhi VI (741-781 CE) in their internal conflicts.
These interactions highlight the Pallava influence in the political affairs of Anuradhapura, as well as the strategic importance of Sri Lanka in Pallava military campaigns.
Pandya Kingdom and Anuradhapura
The Pandyas, based in the southernmost part of the Indian subcontinent, were another major power with significant interactions with Anuradhapura. The Pandyas frequently engaged in military campaigns against the Sinhala kingdom, driven by both territorial ambitions and the desire to control the lucrative trade routes between India and Sri Lanka.
The reign of King Jatila Parantaka (731-765 CE) was marked by repeated Pandya invasions to Anuradhapura. The Pandya king Maravarman Rajasimha I (735-765 CE) led several campaigns against Anuradhapura, seeking to establish Pandya dominance over the island.
Although these invasions were initially successful, they were met with fierce resistance from the Sinhalese forces. The conflict between the Pandyas and Anuradhapura during this period demonstrates the intense rivalry between these two powers.
In the late 9th century, during the reign of King Sena II (853-887 CE), Anuradhapura launched a successful counter-invasion against the Pandyas. Sena II sent a large army to South India, which managed to capture the Pandya capital of Madurai. This victory was a significant reversal of fortunes, demonstrating the military capabilities of the Sinhala kingdom and its ability to project power across the Palk Strait. Sena II’s this act of valour brought immense glory to the Sinhalese, further shining the importance of Anuradhapura as a powerful fortified city, elevating its importance in the region.
Chalukya Kingdom and Anuradhapura
The Chalukyas of Badami, who rose to prominence in the Deccan region, were another influential dynasty with connections to the Sinhala kingdom. Their interactions with Anuradhapura were primarily driven by the Chalukya-Pallava rivalry, which often drew in other regional powers, including the Sinhala kingdom.
One notable instance of Chalukya involvement in Sri Lankan affairs occurred during the reign of King Vijayaditya II (733-746 CE) of the Chalukyas. The Chalukyas, who were involved in a prolonged conflict with the Pallavas, sought to weaken their rival’s influence by creating political turmoil in Anuradhapura.
This led to a brief period of Chalukya-Sinhalese cooperation, though it did not result in a lasting alliance.
Later, in the 8th century, the Chalukya king Vikramaditya II (733-744 CE) also interacted with the Sinhala kingdom. During this period, the Chalukyas were engaged in a series of campaigns against the Pallavas and sought to secure alliances with other regional powers, including Anuradhapura. While the exact nature of these interactions remains unclear, it is evident that the Chalukyas recognised the strategic importance of Sri Lanka in their efforts to counter Pallava influence.
Political and military dynamics
The political and military interactions between the Pallava, Pandya, and Chalukya kingdoms and Anuradhapura were shaped by a combination of factors, including territorial ambitions, trade interests, and dynastic rivalries. These interactions were characterised by both conflict and cooperation, with the Sinhala kingdom and Anuradhapura often playing a pivotal role in the regional balance of power.
The alliances and rivalries between these South Indian kingdoms and Anuradhapura were fluid, with shifting loyalties depending on the prevailing political and military circumstances. The Pallavas, Pandyas, and Chalukyas all sought to enhance their connections with Anuradhapura to gain an advantage over their rivals, while the Sinhalese kings used these relationships to strengthen their own position within the region.
The military campaigns between these powers were marked by invasions, counter-invasions, and occasional cooperation. The Sinhala kingdom’s ability to resist invasions from South India, as well as its capacity to project power across the Palk Strait, weaved its significance in the regional power dynamics. At the same time, the involvement of South Indian kingdoms in Anuradhapura’s internal affairs highlighted the interconnectedness of the political landscapes of South India and Sri Lanka.
To be continued…
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