Principality of Ruhuna

The Principality of Ruhuna, also referred to as the Kingdom of Ruhuna, is a region of present-day Southern and Eastern Sri Lanka. It was the center of a flourishing civilization and the cultural and economic centers of ancient Sri Lanka. Magama, Tissamaharama and Mahanagakula (now called as Ambalantota), were established here.[1][2]

Ruhuna (Ruhunu)

History

Ruhuna was founded around 200 BC by Prince Mahanaga, brother to Devanampiya Tissa of Anuradhapura, after a personal dispute. This region played a vital role in building the nation as well in the establishment of Buddhist culture.[3]

The area identified with Ruhuna in ancient times is mainly the Southern Province, a large part of the Uva Province and small parts of, Sabaragamuwa & Eastern Provinces.[3]

Princes of Ruhuna

Portrait	Name	Birth	Death	King From	King Until	Relationship with Predecessor(s)
	Mahanaga	-	-	?	?	Younger brother of Devanampiya Tissa
	Yatala Tissa	-	-	?	?	Son of Mahanaga
	Gothabhaya	-	-	?	205 BC	Son of Yatala Tissa
	Kavan Tissa	-	-	205 BC	161 BC	Son of Gothabhaya
	Vikramabahu (aka Kassapa VI before coronation)	-	-	1029	1041	*Son of Mahinda
	Kirthi (Minister)	-	-	1049	1049	*A nobleman of Ruhuna
	Mahalana Kirthi	-	-	1049	1052	*A Chief
	Vikkama Pandya	-	-	1052	1053	*A Sinhala Prince
	Jagathpala	-	-	1053	1057	*A native of Ayodhya
	Pârakkama Pandya	-	-	1057	1059
	Lokeshwara (Minister)	-	-	1059	?	*An inhabitant of Ruhuna

See also

• Provinces of Sri Lanka
• History of Sri Lanka
• University of Ruhuna

References

1. "South Asia-China Dialogue: Proceedings of the Joint Seminar of South Asian and Chinese Scholars, Beijing, 9-16 June 1980". Marga Institute. Retrieved 15 January 2014.
2. Ring, Trudy (1996). Asia and Oceania: International Dictionary of Historic Places. New York: Routledge.
3. Sīnigama Mahānāma, Maṅgalasiri (1996). Ruhuṇu puda bima. Sri Lanka: Ministry of Education (Sri Lanka). ISBN 955-923-700-4.