Anula of Anuradhapura facts for kids

Queen Anula of Anuradhapura (died 44 BC) was a powerful ruler in ancient Sri Lanka. She is known as the first queen in Sri Lankan history to hold real power and authority. She was also the first female head of state in Asia.

Anula first became important as the wife (or consort) of King Chora Naga. He was the son of King Valagambahu of Anuradhapura. During her five-year rule, Queen Anula had several husbands and eventually ruled the kingdom of Rajarata by herself. The main historical book about her reign is the Mahavamsa.

Anula's Rise to Power

The time before Queen Anula's rule was very unsettled in Sri Lanka. There were many changes in who was king. In 104 BC, King Khallata Naga was removed from power. His younger brother, Valagambahu, then became king. Valagambahu also adopted his nephew, Mahakuli, as his own son.

Valagambahu ruled for just over a year. Then, invaders called the Damilas attacked. Valagambahu lost a battle and had to leave the throne. It took him 16 years to get his kingdom back. By this time, Mahakuli was chosen as the next king instead of Chora Naga.

Becoming Queen

Mahakuli became King Mahakuli Mahatissa in 76 BC. Chora Naga, however, lived as a rebel. It is not clear if he was fighting for the throne. When Chora Naga became king in 62 BC, it might have been after he took power from Mahakuli Mahatissa. The Mahavamsa says that one of King Chora Naga's first actions was to destroy 18 temples. These temples had not helped him when he was an outlaw.

King Chora Naga ruled for 12 years. He then died mysteriously while Anula was his consort.

Anula Takes Control

We don't know why Anula's husband died. The next king, Kuda Tissa, was the son of Mahakuli Mahatissa. The name Kuda means little. This might mean the new king was very young. If so, Anula might have been in control.

King Kuda Tissa did not rule for long. He also died mysteriously. Anula then gave power to one of the palace guards. From this point on, Queen Anula became the real ruler of Rajarata. Even though she had other people as kings, she was the one making the decisions.

End of Her Reign

Queen Anula ruled on her own for four months. Then, Mahakuli Mahatissa's second son, Kutakanna Tissa, removed her from power. The Mahavamsa states that Kutakanna Tissa had Anula killed. Other historical sources say she was burned to death in the palace.

See also

In Spanish: Reina Anula para niños