Pandukabhaya of Sri Lanka
Encyclopedia
Pandukabhaya is, according to the Mahavansa, the 6th king of Sri Lanka since the arrival of the Prince Vijaya, he reigned from 437 BC to 367 BC. According to many historians and philosophers, he is the first truly Sri Lankan king since the Vijayan invasion, and also the king who ended the conflict between the Sinha clan and local community, reorganizing the populace. His story is one wrapped in myth and legend.
According to Mahavansa and folklore, he was prophesied by astrologers to kill his ten uncles, and thus his mother was kept in a tower avoiding contact with the outside world. Somehow the princess fell in love and gave birth to him. He was raised in a village (Doramndalawa) aided by Yakkas and/or demons. His legend is filled with attempts by his uncles on his life, but he survived each of them. Other sources give different versions of the story.
Origin
There are three prevailing opinions on his origin.- In the Mahavansa, his mother is Umaddha Citta and father is Digha Gamini, both of Aryan origin.
- Kumarathunga Munidasa's opinion is that his father is Chittharaja.
- He has no affiliation to the Aryan dynasty. He is a local hero.
According to Mahavansa and folklore, he was prophesied by astrologers to kill his ten uncles, and thus his mother was kept in a tower avoiding contact with the outside world. Somehow the princess fell in love and gave birth to him. He was raised in a village (Doramndalawa) aided by Yakkas and/or demons. His legend is filled with attempts by his uncles on his life, but he survived each of them. Other sources give different versions of the story.
See also
- Aba (film)Aba (film)ABÁ is the high-budget Sinhalese film directed by Jackson Anthony, based on the historical legend of King Pandukabhaya which is set in Sri Lanka more than 2400 years ago. The title is derived from "Pandu Aba", another name for the title character....
, a 2008 film based on the historical legend of Pandukabhaya - List of monarchs of Sri Lanka
- History of Sri LankaHistory of Sri LankaThe History of Sri Lanka begins around 30,000 years ago when the island was first inhabited. Chronicles, including the Mahawansa, the Dipavamsa, the Culavamsa and the Rajaveliya, record events from the beginnings of the Sinhalese monarchy in the 6th century BC; through the arrival of European...