Introduction to King Vijayabahu I:
- Birth and Early Life: Known as Keerthi or Kiththi in his childhood, Vijayabahu I was born to Maha Sami Moggallana and Lokitha Devi. Key Sources for his life: Mahavamsa (ancient chronicle) Panakaduwa copper plate Ambagamuwa stone inscription
Historical Context:
- Chola Rule in Lanka: The Chola Empire from South India invaded Lanka and captured King Mihindu V, which led to the Cholas ruling Rajarat (Central Lanka) from around 1017 AD. They sought to kill Prince Kassapa (Vickramabahu), the heir to the throne, but failed in their attempts.
- Revolt Against Chola Rule: After King Mihindu V died in 1029 AD in Chola captivity, an anti-Chola movement began in Ruhunu Rata (Southern Lanka). The Cholas used tactics such as destroying property and killing heirs to prevent the establishment of political power in Ruhuna.
Vijayabahu’s Rise to Power:
- Assistance from Buddharaja: A nobleman, Buddharaja (Sithnaru Bim Budalna), helped protect Prince Kiththi (Vijayabahu) and his family from enemies. The Panakaduwa copper plate records this help, including military assistance in battles against Keshadhathu Kashyapa, the ruler of Ruhuna.
- Victory and Ascension: Prince Kiththi, after being helped by Buddharaja, defeated Keshadhathu Kashyapa and became King Vijayabahu I in 1055 AD. He established Kataragama as his ruling center.
Liberating Lanka from Chola Rule:
- Chola Invasions and Initial Defeats:
- Resistance and Rebellion:
Reign and Achievements:
- Rule of Polonnaruwa: Vijayabahu ruled Lanka for 40 years starting from 1070 AD, marking the beginning of the Polonnaruwa era. His major accomplishments include: Re-establishment of the traditional administrative system, including the positions of Epa and Mapa. Renovation of irrigation systems and fostering economic development. Construction of a royal palace in Anuradhapura.
Foreign Policy and Relations:
- Preventing Future Invasions: Vijayabahu’s foreign policy focused on preventing future Chola invasions and building alliances with states against the Cholas. He married Princess Miththa to a Pandya prince and made alliances with Pandya, Kalinga, and the Western Chalukya dynasty. He also established diplomatic ties with Burma for economic and religious cooperation.
Religious Contributions:
- Promotion of Buddhism: Obtaining Bhikkus (Buddhist monks) from Burma and re-establishing Upasampada (higher ordination) in Lanka. Establishment of the Dalada Mandiraya (Sacred Tooth Relic temple) in Polonnaruwa. Renovation of Sri Pada (Sacred Mountain) access roads and donation of lands for the temple. Restoration of temples and stupas in Anuradhapura and Ruhuna.
Lessons from Vijayabahu’s Life:
- Resilience and Perseverance: King Vijayabahu overcame severe hardships in his childhood, including living in the forest and struggling for food. Despite repeated defeats by the Cholas, he never lost hope and always persevered, learning from his defeats. His gratefulness towards those who helped him, particularly Buddharaja, reflects his noble character. His confidence and strategic planning in defending Lanka from foreign invasions serve as an inspiration.
- Character and Leadership: The Ambagamuwa stone inscription elaborates on the king's exceptional leadership qualities, including his determination, honesty, and strategic foresight.
Conclusion:
King Vijayabahu I stands out as one of Lanka’s great kings, not only for liberating the country from Chola rule but also for rebuilding the nation’s economy, administration, and religious life. His legacy is marked by his unyielding perseverance, strategic foresight, and leadership, which remain an inspiration for future generations.
Here is a list of multiple-choice questions (MCQs) based on the provided content about King Vijayabahu the Great:
Basic Facts About King Vijayabahu I
- What was King Vijayabahu I's childhood name? a) Kassapa b) Kiththi c) Rajendra d) Buddharaja Answer: b) Kiththi
- Who were the parents of King Vijayabahu I? a) Mihindu V and Lokitha Devi b) Maha Sami Moggallana and Lokitha Devi c) Rajendra I and Princess Miththa d) Buddharaja and Sithnaru Bim Answer: b) Maha Sami Moggallana and Lokitha Devi
- Which sources provide information about King Vijayabahu I? a) Mahavamsa, Chola manuscripts, and the Ambagamuwa inscription b) Mahavamsa, Panakaduwa copper plate, and Ambagamuwa stone inscription c) Panakaduwa copper plate, Chola records, and Ruhuna chronicles d) Ambagamuwa inscription, Rajarata records, and Kalinga manuscripts Answer: b) Mahavamsa, Panakaduwa copper plate, and Ambagamuwa stone inscription
Chola Invasion and Resistance
- Who invaded Lanka and captured King Mihindu V? a) King Rajendra I b) King Kassapa c) King Vijayabahu I d) King Buddharaja Answer: a) King Rajendra I
- What was the Cholas' objective after capturing King Mihindu V? a) To destroy Ruhuna's irrigation systems b) To find and kill Prince Kassapa (Vickramabahu) c) To establish alliances with Burma d) To invade the Kalinga Kingdom Answer: b) To find and kill Prince Kassapa (Vickramabahu)
- What tactics did the Cholas use to destabilize Ruhuna? a) Forming alliances with Ruhuna rulers b) Destroying property and killing heirs to the throne c) Offering royal grants to local nobles d) Negotiating with Buddhist monks in Ruhuna Answer: b) Destroying property and killing heirs to the throne
Rise to Power
- Who protected Prince Kiththi and his family during his childhood? a) General Buddharaja b) King Mihindu V c) King Rajendra I d) Prince Kassapa Answer: a) General Buddharaja
- Where was the Panakaduwa copper plate discovered? a) Kataragama b) Polonnaruwa c) A paddy field in the Morawak Korale, Southern Province d) Anuradhapura Answer: c) A paddy field in the Morawak Korale, Southern Province
- What significant event took place in 1055 AD? a) King Mihindu V was captured b) Prince Kiththi became King Vijayabahu I in Ruhuna c) The Cholas invaded Polonnaruwa d) The Panakaduwa copper plate was created Answer: b) Prince Kiththi became King Vijayabahu I in Ruhuna
Liberation and Battle
- What did King Vijayabahu I do when the Cholas invaded Ruhuna? a) Fled to Malaya (hill country) b) Made an alliance with the Chola Emperor c) Surrendered to the Cholas d) Captured Polonnaruwa immediately Answer: a) Fled to Malaya (hill country)
- In which year did King Vijayabahu I liberate Lanka from Chola rule? a) 1055 AD b) 1029 AD c) 1070 AD d) 1017 AD Answer: c) 1070 AD
- Where did King Vijayabahu I station his army to prevent Chola reinforcements? a) Malaya b) Polonnaruwa c) Mahathiththa d) Ruhuna Answer: c) Mahathiththa
Reign and Policies
- How long did King Vijayabahu I rule Lanka? a) 30 years b) 40 years c) 50 years d) 70 years Answer: b) 40 years
- What was the key feature of King Vijayabahu I’s foreign policy? a) Preventing Chola invasions and establishing trade relationships b) Expanding the Lankan territory to South India c) Supporting Buddhist practices exclusively in Ruhuna d) Building royal palaces in Burma Answer: a) Preventing Chola invasions and establishing trade relationships
- Who did King Vijayabahu I marry to establish an alliance with Kalinga? a) Princess Miththa b) Princess Thilokasundari c) Princess Lokitha Devi d) Princess Buddharaja Answer: b) Princess Thilokasundari
Religious and Developmental Contributions
- What religious service did King Vijayabahu I provide? a) Restored Upasampada higher ordination b) Built a new irrigation system c) Established the Kalinga Kingdom in Lanka d) Constructed a royal palace in Polonnaruwa Answer: a) Restored Upasampada higher ordination
- What was one of King Vijayabahu I's key construction projects? a) The Dalada Mandiraya in Polonnaruwa b) The royal palace in Ruhuna c) The irrigation system in Rajarata d) A fortress in Mahathiththa Answer: a) The Dalada Mandiraya in Polonnaruwa
- What lesson can be learned from King Vijayabahu I’s life? a) Always depend on foreign alliances for success b) Perseverance and gratitude lead to great accomplishments c) Military strength alone ensures victory d) Avoid engaging in prolonged battles Answer: b) Perseverance and gratitude lead to great accomplishments
This set of questions covers major events, contributions, and lessons from the life of King Vijayabahu I. Let me know if you need more or wish to refine these!
