The Dambadeniya Kingdom: A Glorious Chapter in Sri Lankan History
The Dambadeniya Kingdom holds a unique place in Sri Lanka’s historical narrative as a period of resilience, cultural revival, and political reorganization. Established during the 13th century amidst the turmoil caused by foreign invasions, Dambadeniya served as a capital that symbolized the island’s perseverance and ingenuity. Spanning approximately from 1220 to 1273 CE, the kingdom was marked by the reign of noteworthy kings, flourishing literature, and vibrant cultural developments.
The Founding of the Dambadeniya Kingdom
The origins of the Dambadeniya Kingdom are rooted in the efforts of King Vijayabahu III, who ascended the throne in 1220. At the time, the island was reeling from the devastation caused by Kalinga Magha, a ruthless invader who had usurped the earlier capital, Polonnaruwa. Recognizing the strategic importance of Dambadeniya’s central location and its defensibility, Vijayabahu III established it as the new capital. His reign is celebrated for fostering unity among the Buddhist Sangha, who had dispersed due to the invasions. In 1226, he convened a historic Buddhist convention, ensuring peace and harmony among the clergy and laying the foundation for a revived spiritual and cultural milieu.
The Reign of Parakramabahu II
After Vijayabahu III, his son, Parakramabahu II (1236–1270 CE), took the throne and elevated the Dambadeniya Kingdom to its zenith. Known as a visionary ruler, Parakramabahu II not only strengthened the kingdom’s defenses but also contributed significantly to Sri Lanka’s literary and cultural heritage. Under his guidance, the kingdom experienced political stability, and the arts flourished.
Parakramabahu II was an accomplished poet and patron of literature. One of his most notable contributions to Sri Lankan literature is the "Kausilumina," a poetic work that reflects his literary prowess. The king’s court became a hub for scholars and artists, fostering the development of Sinhala prose and poetry. His reign is often regarded as a golden age of Sri Lankan literature.
The Transition to Yapahuwa
The Dambadeniya Kingdom’s prominence began to wane after the assassination of Vijayabahu IV, Parakramabahu II’s successor. Following his death, Bhuvanekabahu I ascended to the throne amidst considerable internal strife. Viewing Dambadeniya as insecure, Bhuvanekabahu I shifted the capital to Yapahuwa, a fortified rock fortress, in 1273. This marked the end of Dambadeniya’s status as the royal capital, but its contributions to the island’s history remained enduring.
Rule from Polonnaruwa
Before the establishment of the Dambadeniya Kingdom, Polonnaruwa served as the administrative and cultural hub of Sri Lanka from the 11th to the early 13th century. The kingdom of Polonnaruwa was known for its grandeur, with rulers such as Parakramabahu I (Parakramabahu the Great) who implemented ambitious irrigation projects and fostered economic prosperity. The city’s strategic location and robust fortifications made it a thriving center for trade and governance.
However, Polonnaruwa fell into decline due to repeated invasions, particularly by Kalinga Magha. His ruthless rule, marked by destruction and oppression, led to the disintegration of the centralized administration. The fall of Polonnaruwa necessitated the establishment of new capitals, ultimately leading to the rise of Dambadeniya.
Rule from Kurunegala
After the decline of Dambadeniya and the brief prominence of Yapahuwa, the kingdom’s center shifted to Kurunegala in the late 13th and early 14th centuries. Kurunegala, surrounded by rocky outcrops and hills, was a strategically chosen location that offered natural defenses against invaders. The rulers of Kurunegala continued the legacy of their predecessors, focusing on rebuilding the island’s infrastructure and maintaining Buddhist traditions.
Prominent kings such as Bhuvanekabahu II ruled from Kurunegala and played a significant role in stabilizing the kingdom during turbulent times. The Sacred Tooth Relic, an important symbol of sovereignty, was also housed in Kurunegala, reinforcing its status as a spiritual and political center. The city’s architecture and governance reflected continuity from earlier capitals while adapting to the challenges of the time.
Literature and Cultural Achievements
The Dambadeniya period was a time of literary and cultural revival. Works such as "Kausilumina," attributed to Parakramabahu II, and "Dambadeni Asna," a chronicle, reflect the intellectual vibrancy of the era. Buddhist literature flourished under royal patronage, with translations and commentaries on the Tripitaka ensuring the preservation of Buddhist teachings.
The kingdom also saw the compilation of various historical records and texts, which helped document the island’s rich heritage. The encouragement of the arts and literature by the kings of Dambadeniya contributed to the continuation of Sinhala culture during a time of significant external threats.
Governance and Administration
The governance of the Dambadeniya Kingdom was centered around a feudal system. The king was the supreme authority, supported by a council of ministers and regional chieftains who administered various provinces. The kingdom’s administration emphasized maintaining law and order, ensuring agricultural productivity, and protecting the Buddhist religion.
Agriculture formed the backbone of the economy. The rulers focused on rebuilding and maintaining irrigation systems that had been neglected during earlier invasions. Paddy cultivation and trade thrived under their administration. The kingdom also fostered local craftsmanship, including metalwork, pottery, and textile production.
Religious and Spiritual Life
Buddhism was central to the life and governance of the Dambadeniya Kingdom. The kings took great efforts to restore the religion, which had suffered under Kalinga Magha’s oppressive rule. Monasteries, temples, and stupas were rebuilt, and the Buddhist Sangha regained its organizational structure and prominence. The Sacred Tooth Relic, a symbol of royal legitimacy and divine authority, was enshrined in Dambadeniya, further solidifying the kingdom’s spiritual significance.
The Buddhist convention convened by Vijayabahu III in 1226 was a landmark event. It not only resolved disputes within the Sangha but also reestablished the island’s religious harmony. The royal patronage extended to the propagation of Buddhist teachings and the commissioning of religious texts.
Architectural Legacy
The architectural remnants of Dambadeniya, though limited, provide insight into the kingdom’s ingenuity and craftsmanship. The ruins of the royal palace, monasteries, and fortifications highlight the strategic and aesthetic considerations of the time. Defensive structures, such as walls and moats, were constructed to protect the kingdom from invasions.
The royal palace, located atop a small hill, served as the administrative and residential center of the kingdom. Its layout included several chambers, audience halls, and courtyards, indicative of a sophisticated administrative structure. While only remnants of its foundation and stone walls remain, these ruins reflect the grandeur of its design.
Temples built during this period were centers of worship and cultural activity. Among the notable temples in Dambadeniya, the Vijayasundararamaya stands out. This temple, adorned with intricate stone carvings and murals, showcases the artistic talent of the era. The temples also housed relics and served as centers for Buddhist learning, preserving the spiritual and cultural essence of the kingdom.
Stone carvings, sculptures, and murals from the Dambadeniya era showcase the skill and creativity of Sri Lankan artisans. The blending of local styles with South Indian influences created a unique architectural identity that endured beyond the kingdom’s existence.
Legacy of the Dambadeniya Kingdom
Though its period as a capital was relatively short, Dambadeniya left an indelible mark on Sri Lankan history. It was a time of recovery and resurgence, when the island’s rulers overcame adversity to lay the groundwork for future prosperity. The kingdom’s contributions to literature, religion, governance, and culture are remembered as hallmarks of resilience and creativity.
Dambadeniya’s story serves as a testament to the enduring spirit of Sri Lanka and its ability to rise from the ashes of conflict to achieve cultural and spiritual revival. Its kings, particularly Vijayabahu III and Parakramabahu II, are celebrated for their leadership and dedication to preserving the island’s heritage during one of its most challenging eras.