![cover image](https://wikiwandv2-19431.kxcdn.com/_next/image?url=https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/e5/Anuradhapura17.jpg/640px-Anuradhapura17.jpg&w=640&q=50)
Dutugamunu
King of Anuradhapura / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Dutugamunu the Great (Sinhala: දුටුගැමුනු), also known as Duṭṭhagāmaṇī Abhaya, was a king of the Anuradhapura Kingdom[1] who reigned from 161 BC to 137 BC. He is renowned for first uniting the whole island of Sri Lanka by defeating and overthrowing Elara, a Tamil trader from the Chola Kingdom, who had invaded the Anuradhapura kingdom in 205 BC.[2] Dutugamunu also expanded and beautified the city of Anuradhapura and projected the power of the Rajarata kingdom across the island of Sri Lanka.
Dutugamunu the Great ගාමිණී අභය | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
King of Anuradhapura | |||||
![]() Statue of King Dutugamunu beside Ruwanwelisaya Stupa | |||||
Reign | 161 BC – 137 BC | ||||
Coronation | 161 BC | ||||
Predecessor | Elara | ||||
Successor | King Saddha Tissa | ||||
Born | Thissamaharama, Hambanthota | ||||
Died | 137 BC Anuradhapura | ||||
Spouse | Queen Consort Ramani Bariya Kathi Queen Consort Rajitha Royal Concubine Kathika, ruler of Katiyawa division Royal Concubine Shardha(Krishna) A naagin | ||||
Issue | Prince Saliya Princess Abhihitha Prince Ayesiva | ||||
| |||||
House | House of Vijaya | ||||
Dynasty | House of Vijaya | ||||
Father | Kavan Tissa | ||||
Mother | Viharamahadevi | ||||
Religion | Theravāda Buddhism |
Due to his significance as one of the most potent symbols of Sinhalese historical power, Dutugamunu's story is swathed in myth and legend.[3] However, many aspects of the accounts of his life have been verified by contemporary inscriptions, and the basic account of his life is generally accepted as accurate.[4]