Re-throning a largely forgotten monarch
View(s):The Great Vijayabahu/Ever-living Great Leader by Dr. P. G. Punchihewa is a huge compilation that provides a wealth of knowledge on a monarch of great significance.
The authors of the great chronicle Mahavansa documented the important records of history of the country. Unfortunately for understandable reasons of favouritism, certain deeds of some monarchs were not fully chronicled. It seems Vijayabahu’s greatness had remained hidden until 1948 when the bronze plate of Panakaduwa emerged and was given meaning by the famed archaeologist, Professor Senerath Paranavithana.
The greatest tribute is paid by the erudite Professor acknowledging that Great Vijayabahu was not second to King Dutugemunu and Parakkramabahu the Great. These two great monarchs are well known and highly respected. But in the eyes of the author, ‘Great Vijayabahu’ is the greatest monarch that ever ruled this country for his simplicity, courage, humaneness and ability to chase away the Chola dynasty of India from
Sri Lanka.
What is significant is that he faced many hardships when he was young, having to spend time hiding in the hilly jungles and caves. Yet he was driven by a great determination to get rid of the Cholas and make Lanka a great nation and he succeeded in this mission.
The bronze plate was discovered by a farmer, Suraweerage Carolis Appuhamy when he was ploughing a paddy field. He had thought it was a gold plate and preserved it not knowing its archaeological value. Fortunately it later came to the notice of the erudite archaeologist who determined its meaning. He pronounced that “if great monarch Vijayabahu was not there it would have been a possibility that we would not have had in Sri Lanka a Sinhala nation.”
In the Preface Dr Punchihewa reckons that Vijayabahu cannot be undermined because he had undergone many hardships in life having inordinate courage and determination to defeat the Cholas and expel them from the country. After the great successes he gained he also spent his time doing humane social activities.
Dr.Punchihewa states that in the Mahawansa there are 10 chapters for King Dutugamunu and for Parakramabahu the Great – 13 chapters. These are devoted to establishing how the two monarchs were considered great rulers and how they shaped the history of the country. Yet only five chapters have been dedicated to Great Vijayabahu.
The most salient feature in this book is the manner in which Dr Punchihewa records history, sorting out the interesting and relevant historical developments in the country from the early pre-Christian period of the 6th century. He deals firstly with the geographical composition of the island and how the Cholas occupying the country became the long-standing settlers as foreigners plus controlling a number of natural seaports, the main being Mathota. The author also deals with different occupiers and commercial connections with the outside world. He records many facts also implying how great an island Sri Lanka had been.
| Book facts | |
| Maha Vijayabahu / Amaraneeya Narapathi By Dr. P. G. Punchihewa Reviewed by Dr. Namel Weeramuni |
Searching for an ideal partner? Find your soul mate on Hitad.lk, Sri Lanka's favourite marriage proposals page. With Hitad.lk matrimonial advertisements you have access to thousands of ads from potential suitors who are looking for someone just like you.