Questions and Answers
What year was the first Sinhala Dynasty established?
Who was the first king of the Sinhala Dynasty?
Prince Vijaya
Prince Vijaya reigned from 543 CE to 505 CE.
True
Which religion became major in the Sinhala kingdom after King Tissa's conversion?
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What was the name of the ruler of the Anuradhapura Kingdom?
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How long did the Lambakanna dynasty rule?
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Kalingas invaded Sri Lanka during the reign of the Polonnaruwa dynasty.
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What are the names of some texts that provide information about Sinhala Dynasties?
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What factors contributed to the decline of agriculture in Sri Lanka?
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The first kingdom established by Prince Vijaya was called ______.
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Study Notes
Establishment of the First Sinhala Dynasty
- The first Sinhala Dynasty was established in 543 BCE when Prince Vijaya was banished from Sinhapura by his father due to misconduct.
- Vijaya arrived in Puttalam, Sri Lanka with 700 followers and founded the kingdom of Tambapanni after defeating the Yaksha inhabitants.
Reign of Prince Vijaya
- Prince Vijaya ruled from 543 BCE to 505 BCE, followed by his nephew Panduvasudeva.
- Subsequent dynasties were hereditary monarchies.
- A significant Buddhist pilgrimage from eastern India led to the spread of Buddhism in Sri Lanka, initiated by a sermon delivered to King Tissa.
- Buddhism became a principal religion, with Jainism, Hinduism, and Christianity also practiced.
Kingdom of Anuradhapura and the Vijaya Dynasty
- Duttagami Abhaya ruled the Anuradhapura Kingdom from 167 to 137 CE, extending political control over Sri Lanka.
- The Vijaya dynasty persisted until 165 CE when Vasabha established the Lambakanna dynasty, which ruled for four centuries.
- The Lambakanna dynasty was known for developing multiple irrigation systems.
- The dynasty ultimately fell to invasions from southern India.
Polonnaruwa Dynasty and Its Decline
- The Polonnaruwa dynasty thrived initially but saw a decline in effectiveness under various kings.
- In 1214, Kalinga forces invaded Sri Lanka, leading to the fall of Polonnaruwa and control over the island.
- The invasion resulted in severe economic and social repercussions, with agriculture and population sharply reduced.
Overview of Sinhala Dynasties
- From 543 BCE to 1300 CE, six dynasties governed Sri Lanka, all deeply influenced by Buddhism.
- Key texts such as Mahavamsa, Dipavamsa, and Culavamsa provide detailed historical accounts of the Sinhala dynasties and their rulers.
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Explore the rich history of Sinhala dynasties through these flashcards. Delve into the foundational tales such as the establishment of the first dynasty by Prince Vijaya in 543 BC. Enhance your understanding of ancient Sri Lankan history with engaging definitions and insights.
