Funday Times

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

King Manavamma
1. King Narasinghe, the Pallava king, treated this prince, who was the heir to the throne in Sri Lanka, in a fitting manner. He was employed in the king's service. Prince Manavamma too was able to win the heart of the Pallava king. Before long, King Narasinghe and Prince Manavamma became good friends. Whenever the king toured his kingdom, he had this prince too with him for company. One day, both of them toured the streets, seated on the royal elephant.

2. The king felt very thirsty on the way and he stopped at a wayside boutique, for a drink. When the boutique keeper brought a drink and offered it to the king, Manavamma took it first, took a sip off it and said it was alright and gave it to the king. This act of Manavamma, brought the king closer to him.

3. The king gave many gifts to the prince. Thereafter it is not only on official duties but even in private matters, that the king sought Manavamma's participation. He gave him powers in the royal army too. Time passed in this manner. One day, the Vallabha king, took an army and came to fight King Narasinghe Pallava. (Vallabhas were a tribe of South Indians). King Narasinghe too took his army and advanced, ready for battle.

4. Prince Manavamma was left in the palace. He thought, "It is well and good if King Narasinghe wins in the battle. If he loses, all my hopes of getting back to Sri Lanka and gaining kingship will be shattered. More than that, I'll be left helpless even in this country. My wife and children too will have to undergo difficulties". Thus considering, he took a small contingent of soldiers and marched to the battle-ground. King Narasinghe was shocked to notice this act of loyalty.

5. When his army too joined, the battle became more serious. Prince Manavamma displayed a great skill in the use of arms. He managed to kill a large number in the enemy camp. Many were the dead. Bodies either without limbs or disfigured were piled up. The battle-ground was red with the blood that was shed. The battle came to an end as the armies of Vallabha were thoroughly weakened. King Narasinghe was extremely happy to note the skill of Prince Manavamma.

6. The victorious armies of the Pallavas were cheering. Then King Narasinghe went up to Prince Manavamma and said, "You are the hero in this battle. I'm indebted to you, for all you have done". Later, when the king's armies came back to the city, they celebrated their victory. Showing Prince Manavamma, the king told his ministers. "This is the one who brought me victory". He praised Prince Manavamma for all his skills in fighting and gave him more positions and responsibilities. Prince Manavamma was happy to be recognized in this manner.

7. At the end of the celebrations, King Narasinghe was thinking thus about Manavamma. "This prince risked his life and fought for me. Now I have to help him, in return. If he could display such skill in a foreign land, what if he gets back to his own country and wins the throne for himself? I must help him to win the throne of Sri Lanka. That is one way in which I can show my gratitude to him. Besides, it is what has to be done now".

8. The following day, the king called Manavamma and said, "I'll help you to come to power in your own country. From now onwards start collecting armies for that purpose. Let me know what else you need". The king informed his ministers too, about his intentions. They were also very happy about it. Even vehicles were offered to Manavamma to travel about, organizing matters. Prince Manavamma was able to gather a huge army.

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