Pandukabhaya of Anuradhapura facts for kids

Pandukabhaya (born 474 BC, died 367 BC) was an important king in ancient Sri Lanka. He ruled from 437 BC to 367 BC. He was the first king of the Anuradhapura Kingdom, a powerful kingdom on the island.

Many people believe he was the first king to truly unite the different groups of people in Sri Lanka. He helped bring peace between the Sinha clan and local clans. His story is a mix of history and old legends.

Pandukabhaya was the only child of Princess Unmadachithra and Prince Dighagamini. His teacher was named Pandula, and Pandula's son, Chandra, became his advisor.

Early Life and Family

Pandukabhaya's mother was Princess Unmadachithra. His father was Prince Dighagamini. His parents were told about a prophecy. This prophecy said that their son would kill his uncles.

Because of this prophecy, his parents promised to kill any son born to them. But when Pandukabhaya was born, his mother, Chithra, could not bring herself to harm him.

A Secret Exchange

Princess Chithra decided to swap her baby boy with another woman's baby girl. This happened on the same day Pandukabhaya was born. Chithra told her father and husband that she had given birth to a girl. Only her mother, Baddha-Kacchayana, knew the real secret.

The woman who gave up her daughter took Prince Pandukabhaya to a village called Doramadalawa. There, he was raised as the son of a herdsman.

Attempts on Pandukabhaya's Life

Pandukabhaya's life was in danger from the very beginning. His nine uncles feared the prophecy. They tried many times to kill him.

The First Danger

When Pandukabhaya was a baby, he was being carried to Doramadalawa in a covered basket. The woman carrying him met nine of Chithra's brothers. These uncles wanted their sister's child to be killed. They asked what was in the basket. The woman said it was food.

The uncles were suspicious and asked her to open the basket. Luckily, two wild boars ran by. The uncles forgot about the basket and chased the animals. The baby was safely delivered to the herdsman. It is said that the wild boars were actually two commanders from the Yakka tribe, named Chithraraja and Kalawela, who were protecting the prince.

Later Attempts

When Pandukabhaya was about seven years old, rumors reached his uncles. They heard about a boy in Doramadalawa who seemed like royalty, not a herdsman's son. They suspected this boy might be their nephew. They sent soldiers to kill all boys in the village who were his age.

The plan was to kill the boys while they were bathing in a certain pond. Many young children were killed. But Pandukabhaya was hiding and escaped death.

Years later, the uncles became suspicious again. They heard more stories about the boy who looked like a prince. They tried to kill him again, but failed once more.

When Pandukabhaya was about sixteen, his mother, Princess Chitra, worried for his safety. She arranged for him to live with a wise man named Pandula.

Claiming the Throne

When Pandukabhaya was old enough, he left Pandula. He married his cousin, Pali. Then, he fought his uncles to claim his rightful place as king. This war lasted for seventeen years. Eight of his ten uncles died in the fighting.

However, two uncles were not killed: Abhaya, who had never fought against Pandukabhaya, and Girikandasiva, who was Pali's father.

Pandukabhaya became a good king. He ruled Sri Lanka for seventy years. He left the country in a strong and successful state when he died.

King Pandukabhaya's Achievements

King Pandukabhaya did many important things for his kingdom:

• He created an organized system for how the government would work.
• He set up a new position called "Nagara Gutthika" to rule the city. He appointed his uncle Abhaya to this role.
• In his tenth year as king, he ordered that all the villages on the island be marked out. He was the first king to do this.
• He built three important water tanks: Abaya Wewa, Gamini Wewa, and Jaya Wewa. These tanks helped with farming and water supply.

In Media

• Aba (film), a 2008 film based on the historical story of King Pandukabhaya.
• Mahaviru Pandu (TV series), a TV show based on the historical story of King Pandukabhaya.

See also

• List of Sri Lankan monarchs
• History of Sri Lanka