This article is part of a continuing series on the 'Mahavamsa,' the recorded chronicle of Sri Lankan history

The battle at Kataragama

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

1. Things were not in favour of the Cholas. They were not familiar with the geography of the area. Moreover, all who were in occupation in this area were Sinhala subjects. The Cholas could not trust any of them. But where Kesadana was concerned, things were different. All the Sinhala people were on his side. They were people born and bred in this part of the land and were quite familiar with the locality. They did not have any opponents. They were all united against the Cholas. The Cholas retreated after their defeat. Kesadana Kasubu attacked the Cholas, chasing them.

2. In this manner Kesadana was able to chase the Cholas from the boundary of Ruhuna. He hoisted the flag of victory and went back. The people of Ruhuna were jubilant. They began to respect Kesadana Kasubu. He, on his part, made maximum use of this respect and loyalty and tried to win over the other provinces. He succeeded in this attempt as the people began to treat Kesadana as a real hero. They obeyed his orders.

3. This was the end of the year 1054 AD. By this time, Prince Keerti was quite concerned about what was going on in Malaya-Rata. He was a little disturbed by the victories of Kesadana as things had changed in Ruhuna. This posed a very big loss to him. It was an obstacle to his plan of uniting the entire country under one flag. Prince Keerti contemplated on this. He summoned his commanders and told them about the situation. The only thing left for him to do was to fight Kesadana.

4. Everyone agreed to this suggestion and they added that it should be done without much delay. The prince gathered his army and notified them about the battle. He ordered that loss to human lives and to property, should be minimized in their campaign. Prince Keerti led the army. They marched towards Ruhuna. On the way, there were other units of soldiers, waiting to join them.

5. The prince reached Pasyodunrata. There the people welcomed the prince and supported him. So he set up camp there and rested a while. After spending a few days there, they marched to Kataragama. The prince was in the forefront and was followed by the army. Wherever they went, the people supported them. The people valued Prince Keerti, much more than Kesadana. The reason was that in spite of all the gallantry of Kesadana, he did not claim any connection to royalty.

6. The people did not want a person like Kesadana, with no royal blood in him, to ascend the throne. It is with some reluctance that they accepted him even as a temporary ruler. Then, of course, they had no alternative. Now they had Prince Keerti who had a direct claim to royalty. He had all the other qualities of leadership too. For them, Prince Keerti was a charming prince, who could win the hearts of others. He was pleasant in his speech and knew how to treat people kindly. These qualities made the people love the prince and support him.

7. Kesadana realized that the people preferred Prince Keerti and would support him. Thinking that this was a big disadvantage, he left Kataragama and went to Badirangana. This was a war strategy and the prince understood it. The prince came as far as Kataragama, facing no obstacle on his way. But he was very careful. He strengthened his army as he knew that Kesadana would attack at whatever time. For about four months, he stayed in Kataragama.

8. All of a sudden, Kesadana Kasub, came with his army. Prince Keerti, however, was ready to face them. Kesadana was a person who was skilled in the art of fighting. He was quite strong too. As such, a fight with him was no easy task. On the other hand, Prince Keerti was also a determined person. He did not want to lose. He had skilled soldiers on his side. He continued to fight. Kesadana's army was weakened.