Funday Times - Mahavamsa

1. The Anuradhapura Pillar inscription of King Kashyapa V, has been discovered in a place called 'Gal-Vihara', amidst the rocks which, surrounded 'Ratna-Prasada', close to Abhayagiri Vihara. Rev. Kotmale Amarawansa Thera has read this inscription and the translation of the same appears in the book ‘Inscriptions of Sri Lanka.’ We know that as historical evidence, inscriptions are of greater value than the books, written later. This Anuradhapura Pillar Inscription reveals a lot of informarion.

2. The pillar inscription proves that information in the Mahavamsa, regarding King Kashyapa V is correct, to a great extent. The details about the organization of judicial matters and the governing of the viharas and aramas - that are included, have to be appreciated. However, in 923 AD, this pious king passed away. The Yuvaraja Dappula became the next king and he appointed an Adipada also named Dappula, as his Yuvaraja.

3. This king too was as righteous as King Kashyapa V. He donated an entire village for Mirisavetiya. Unfortunately, his life-span was short. Seven months after his coronation, he died. He was better known as King Dappula 111.

The next to come to the throne was the Yuvaraja, Dappula. He was crowned as King Dappula 1V. Adipada Udaya became his Yuvaraja..

4. During the rule of this king, the Cholas invaded the Pandya country. The Pandya king became so frightened that he fled his country and landed in Mantota in Sri Lanka. King Dappula welcomed him with royal honours and treated him well. He made arrangements for his lodging, in a place close to Anuradhapura and gave him all the treatment that a king deserves. But what the Pandya king wanted was something else. He wanted to save his country from the Cholas.

5. So he requested some troops to be taken to fight the Chola king. Seeing the sad plight, the Pandya king was in, King Dappula felt sorry for him and decided to help. He organized a fairly large army and gave the soldiers a good military training. But unfortunately for the Pandya king, Dappula had to face a fight in the country itself.

6. The provincial rulers rose against the king. Seeing the internal disturbance, the Pandya king gave up hopes of help. He knew Sri Lanka would not be able to help him. So he kept his crown and other royal regalia here and went to the Kerala country. But before long, King Dappula 1V was able to win the battle here.

7. Rejoicing in the victory gained, the king donated a village, near the town, to the Mahabodhi. The Commander-in-Chief, Rakkhaka Ilanga, too built a pirivena in the name of the king and donated it to Thuparama. In 935AD, King Dappula 1V died. He made an Adipada named Sena, his Yuvaraja. This king was crowned as Udaya 111.

8. The ministers did not like this king. When the king got to know this, the ministers got scared. Thinking that the king would take revenge on them, they gave up their posts. They went to Thapovana, and lived in hiding. King Udaya too was scared about their living in hiding. He knew they would get organized and come and fight against him one day. He went along with the Yuvaraja Sena and ransacked the whole area around Thapovana.

By Halaliye Karunathilake Edited and translated by Kamala Silva Illustrated by Saman Kalubowila