Kingdom of Dambadeniya: Map & History

History

The first king to choose Dambadeniya as his capital was Vijayabahu III. He was able to bring about the unity among the Sangha that had fled in various directions due to the hostile activities of the invader Kalinga Magha and succeeded in holding a Buddhist convention in 1226 to bring about peace among the Buddhist clergy.

Parakramabahu II succeeded his father, King Vijayabahu III. He was regarded as a gifted ruler, celebrated both as a poet and a prolific writer. Among his notable works is Kausilumina, which is considered a masterpiece of Sinhala literature.

His eldest son, Bosath Vijayabahu, was crowned in 1270. He was well known for his modest character and religious devotion.

Culture

Parakramabahu IV, the son of Bhuvanekabahu II, was a wise and learned ruler, earning the title Panditha Parakramabahu. He authored Dalada Siritha and was responsible for renaming Mahanuwara as Senkadagala. He also translated important Pali texts into Sinhala, including Sinhala Bodhiwansaya and Sanda Kinduru Daa Kava, contributing significantly to Buddhist education and literature.

The Dambadeniya period is regarded as a golden era of Sinhala literature. Many significant literary works were produced in Sinhala, Pali, and Sanskrit during this time, including Sinhala Thupavamsa, Dalada Siritha, and Sarajothi Malai. Notable poetic works include Kausilumina, Muwadewdawatha, Sidath Sangarawa, Buthsarana, and Saddharma Rathnawaliya.