Funday Times - Mahavamsa

1. The victorious Sinhala armies that fought in South India, were on their way back home. When they were coming to the capital city, crowds had gathered on either side of the road, to get a view of the gallant soldiers. As they arrived, people shouted in glee. They honoured them and organized festivals to welcome them. The first few days after their arrival, the country was in a carnival mood. King Sena 11 also organized a party to celebrate this victory.

2. At this party, the chief minister gave a description of the battle fought in India. He said, "We crossed the sea and landed in the Pandyan country. Beginning from the place we landed, we went on destroying their land, till we reached the city of Madura. We besieged the city, closed the city gates and burnt their granaries. By then, the Pandyan king had come with an army to fight us. Our soldiers displayed a wonderful show of fighting.

3. The Pandyan army was shocked. Being unable to fight back, they fled in all directions. The Pandyan king too tried to run away, but he was a little too late. Our archer was quick. His arrow pierced the chest of the Pandyan king. He fell dead. We were able to win the city of Madura." The crowd stood motionless, listening to this story in wonder.

4. King Sena 11, honoured these brave soldiers. Generous gifts were given to them. All those who were gathered there that day, ate, drank and feasted. After a long while, the festivities came to an end. From the next day, the king's attention was diverted to other matters. He started the task of repair and reconstruction of all the ruined temples. The valuables that belonged to the temples, which were brought back, were kept in their original locations.

5. Whatever the soldiers had plundered from that country, was distributed among the poor. This benevolent king did a lot for the progress of the country. Tanks, canals and bunds that needed repair were attended to. The country became plentiful in food. The society turned to be a law-abiding one. The people were righteous to a great extent. In 897 AD, King Sena 11 died. He was succeeded by his brother.

6. He was named Udaya and so he was crowned as King Udaya 11. Kashyapa, the son of his other senior brother, also named Kashyapa, was made the ‘Mahadipada.’ The daughter of Yuvaraja Mihindu was married to him. The other daughter of the Yuvaraja - who was named Tissa, was made the queen of this king himself. There was also a son of Yuvaraja Mihindu. He was Kitu-Agbo ‘Adipada’

7. This prince Kitu-Agbo, fled to the South one night and raised a rebellion there. The ruler of the South, at the time was this prince's uncle - his mother's brother. It is interesting to note, that when it comes to power, relationships are forgotten. The uncle was killed. When King Udaya got to know this, he got very upset and thought of teaching a very good lesson to Kitu-Agbo. The king discussed this with the Yuvaraja. The Yuvaraja had a warrior son.

8. This warrior son was Mahinda, by name. He was very clever in warfare. The king, somehow managed to persuade Prince Mahinda through his father, the Yuvaraja, to go to battle with Prince Kitu-Agbo. A huge army was assembled. Prince Mahinda was allowed a free hand in getting the soldiers trained in the art of fighting. He was placed in charge of this army.

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