Sri Lumay facts for kids

Sri Lumay, also known as Rajahmura Lumaya, was the very first ruler, or Rajah, of the Rajahnate of Cebu. This was an ancient kingdom in the Philippines that had strong influences from India.

According to an old Bisayan epic story called Aginid, Bayok sa atong Tawarik, Sri Lumay was a prince from the Chola dynasty. This was a powerful kingdom in ancient India. Sri Lumay was also the grandfather of Rajah Humabon, another famous ruler of Cebu.

Some people call Sri Lumay a "semi-legendary" figure. This means his story is mostly known through old tales and oral traditions. There are no other written records from his time that mention him.

The Story of Sri Lumay

Sri Lumay was a prince from the Chola dynasty. He came to the island of Cebu. His original mission was to set up a military base for his king. However, he decided to create his own kingdom instead. This kingdom became known as the Rajahnate of Cebu.

Sri Lumay ruled this new kingdom. His sons, Sri Alho and Sri Ukob, helped him. Sri Alho ruled the southern part of the kingdom, called Sialo. This area included places like Carcar and Santander today. Sri Lumay also founded a city called Singhapala. This city became the capital of the Rajahnate. Today, it is part of Mabolo in Cebu City.

Protecting the Kingdom

Sri Lumay was known for being a strong leader. He often had to defend his kingdom from attackers. These attackers were called Magalos, which means "destroyers of peace." They were warriors from Mindanao who would raid Cebu. They were looking for valuable items like gold and ceramics, and also took people captive.

Sri Lumay had strict rules to protect his people. He used a special tactic to fight off the invaders. When attackers came, he would order his people to burn their own homes and crops. This was called "scorched earth" tactics. It meant there would be nothing left for the invaders to take or use. This tactic helped to drive the attackers away.

Because of these fires, the town of Sugbo was sometimes called Kang Sri Lumayang Sugbu. This means "that of Sri Lumay's great fire." Later, this name was shortened to just Sugbu, which means "scorched earth." This is where the name Cebu comes from!

Old folk stories also mention that these attacks were a problem even before Sri Lumay's time. A legendary chief named Datu Daya had even built a watch tower to spot upcoming raids.

His Last Battle

Sri Lumay died while fighting to protect his kingdom. He was in a battle against the Magalos attackers from Mindanao.

Family of Sri Lumay

Sri Lumay had two known sons who helped him rule:

• Sri Ukob ruled the northern part of the kingdom. This area was known as Nahalin. It included towns like Consolacion and Danao today.
• Sri Alho ruled the southern part, called Sialo. This area included places like Carcar and Santander in modern-day Cebu.

See also

• Datu Daya - an early chief who settled in northern Cebu.
• Rajahnate of Cebu - the ancient kingdom Sri Lumay founded.
• Singhapala - the old capital city of the Rajahnate of Cebu.
• Rajah Humabon - Sri Lumay's grandson and another important ruler of Cebu.
• Cebu City - the modern city where the Rajahnate once stood.
• Lapu-lapu - a famous chief who fought against Ferdinand Magellan.
• Ferdinand Magellan - a famous explorer.