King of PandukabhayaPandukabhaya is, according to the Mahavansa, the 6th king of Sri Lanka since the arrival of the Aryans, he reigned from 437 BC to 367 BC. According to many historians and philosophers, he is the first truly Sri Lankan king since the Aryan invasion, and the also the king who ended the conflict between the Aryans and local community, reorganizing the populace. His story is one wrapped in myth and legend.
Princess Umaddha Citta had entrusted the education of her son, Pandukabhaya, to a Brahmin by the name of Pandula. This Brahmin made his own son, Canda (Chandra), the fellow student of the Prince and the two became good friends. Ones he came of age, the young prince gathering troops from the local villages, waged war against his uncles in which he was aided by demons. This war is interpreted as a freedom struggle of the ancient local tribes.
Pandukabhaya married a beautiful princess named Swarnapali (Pali), daughter of Girikandasiva, an uncle of his who was governing the territory of Girikandaka. Following the war, they were consecrated King and Queen of Lanka.
Pandukabhaya founded the city of Anuradhapura and the seat of government was moved to the new city. He appointed his friend, Canda (son of his Brahin teacher), to the office of Adigar (Minister). He also appointed his uncle Abhaya, Mayor of the city. To his father-in-law Girikandasiva he restored the city of Girikandaka. He devoted much of his time to the adornment and civil government of the new capital city of Anuradhapura. Agriculture too received his due share of attention. He constructed the Jaya Wewa and Gamini Wewa.
Magnificent was the tolerance and encouragement of all religious systems during this period of Lanka’s history. He also built a special palace for his mother, Umaddha Citta, at Anuradhapura. He died after having reigned for seventy years.
