Campaign of Danture (1594) facts for kids

The Battle of Danture was a very important fight that happened in 1594. It was a big moment when King Vimaladharmasuriya I of the Kingdom of Kandy successfully defeated the Portuguese. This battle showed the strength of the Kandyan kingdom and its ability to protect its land.

Who Was Involved?

This battle was mainly fought between two powerful groups.

The Kandyan Kingdom

The Kandyan Kingdom was an independent kingdom located in the central highlands of Sri Lanka. It was known for its strong defenses, thanks to the mountainous terrain. At the time of the battle, its king was Vimaladharmasuriya I. He was a skilled leader who had recently taken the throne. He was determined to keep Kandy free from foreign control.

The Portuguese Empire

The Portuguese were a European power that had arrived in Sri Lanka many years before. They had already taken control of many coastal areas. Their goal was to expand their power and control the entire island. They had a strong army with advanced weapons. Their leader in this campaign was Captain-General Pedro Lopes de Sousa.

Why Did They Fight?

The main reason for the battle was control over the Kandyan Kingdom.

Portuguese Ambition

The Portuguese wanted to place a princess named Dona Catarina on the Kandyan throne. She was a Christian and they believed she would be easier to control. If she became queen, the Portuguese would have more influence over Kandy. This would help them expand their empire across Sri Lanka.

Kandyan Resistance

King Vimaladharmasuriya I had taken the throne from a previous ruler. He was seen as a hero by many Kandyans. He did not want the Portuguese to control his kingdom. He knew that if Dona Catarina became queen, Kandy would lose its independence. So, he prepared his forces to fight for freedom.

The Road to Battle

The Portuguese army, led by Pedro Lopes de Sousa, marched towards Kandy.

The Portuguese March

The Portuguese army was large and well-equipped. They brought many soldiers, including local allies. They also brought Dona Catarina with them. Their plan was to march into Kandy, place her on the throne, and secure their control. The journey to Kandy was difficult because of the mountains and thick forests.

Terrain near Kandy: much of the kingdom was mountainous, thickly forested and devoid of roads; the climate was often cold, with violent winds and rains.

Looking down from the Balana pass

Kandyan Strategy

King Vimaladharmasuriya I knew the land very well. He decided not to fight the Portuguese in a direct, open battle. Instead, he used a clever strategy. He allowed the Portuguese to enter Kandy. He then planned to trap them and cut off their supplies. He also used the difficult terrain to his advantage.

The Battle Begins

The main fighting happened near a place called Danture.

Portuguese Trapped

Once the Portuguese army was deep inside Kandyan territory, King Vimaladharmasuriya I's forces began their attack. They surrounded the Portuguese. The Kandyan soldiers were very good at fighting in the mountains and forests. They used hit-and-run tactics, attacking quickly and then disappearing.

The route taken by the Portuguese on 5 October 1594 is shown with red arrows. Halloluwa village is located several kilometers north of the Portuguese camp, on the west bank of the Mahaveli River.

Fierce Fighting

The Portuguese found themselves in a very difficult situation. They were running out of food and water. Many of their local allies started to leave them. The Kandyan attacks became more intense. The Portuguese tried to retreat, but the Kandyan forces pursued them relentlessly. The fighting was very fierce, and many soldiers on both sides were lost.

The route taken by the Portuguese columns during the fighting retreat on 8 October 1594. They made their last stand on a hilltop at Danture.

What Happened Next?

The Battle of Danture ended in a clear victory for the Kandyan Kingdom.

Kandyan Victory

The Portuguese army suffered a massive defeat. Many soldiers were killed or captured. Captain-General Pedro Lopes de Sousa was also killed during the battle. This was a huge blow to Portuguese power in Sri Lanka. King Vimaladharmasuriya I's victory secured Kandy's independence for many years.

Impact of the Battle

The Battle of Danture was a turning point. It showed that the Kandyan Kingdom could stand up to a powerful European empire. It boosted the morale of the Kandyan people. It also made King Vimaladharmasuriya I a legendary figure. This battle helped Kandy remain independent for a long time, even as the Portuguese continued to try and expand their control over other parts of the island.

Images for kids

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  Political map of Sri Lanka soon after the Spoiling of Vijayabahu. In 1538 Sitawaka annexed the Principality of Raigama and gradually captured Kotte territories.

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  Growth of the Sitawaka kingdom from 1521 to 1587

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  The Danture battle site and other locations important to the campaign

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  Princess Dona Catarina being welcomed to Kandy by Captain-General Pedro Lopes de Sousa with local princes and chieftains.