| This
article is part of a continuing series on the ‘Mahavamsa’,
the recorded chronicle of Sri Lankan history
Valagamba is king again
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Rev. Maha-Tissa left the commanders to talk to Rev. Tissa. the
commanders were engaged in a short discussion. After a while they
arrived at a decision to join King Valagamba. So they went to
Rev. Maha-Tissa and said, “Reverend Sir, we’ve decided
to forget the unfortunate events of the past and rally round King
Valagamba once more”. Rev. Maha-Tissa was overjoyed.
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Then, Rev. Maha-Tissa, along with the commanders, went to meet
King Valagamba. Rev. Tissa was also there. The king was happy
to see the commanders. They paid their respects to the king and
stood aside. The king made apologies for the wrong he had committed.
All of them, then vowed to forget the past and unite once more.
The king thanked both priests for the part they have played in
bringing the commanders and making a happy union with the king.
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The commanders took charge of their respective units. The king
trained more and more men and the army was kept in readiness.
They only wanted an auspicious day to march for the attack. The
astrologers carefully calculated and got an auspicious day and
an hour cast. When that day dawned, the king led the army. The
commanders, with their troops, followed. The priests led by Rev.
Maha-Tissa chanted Seth Pirith.
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Then came the auspicious hour. Blowing of conch shells ushered
the beginning of the march. Amidst sounds of ‘Magul bera”,
the army headed to the north of Vessagiri. From there to Anuradhapura
was a difficult journey and it would take days to march to the
destination. So they had to take enough supplies of provisions
for the journey. Fortunately for them, the villagers saw to the
comfort of the army as they passed their villages.
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The armies that marched amidst all pomp and glory, had to set
up camp at dusk. Early the following morning, they started again.
In the meantime, news reached Anuradhapura, that King Valagamba
and his army were marching towards the city. King Dathiya ordered
his army to get ready for the attack. In his army, commanders
and even ordinary soldiers were drawn from both Sinhala and Tamil
communities. They were so far loyal to King Dathiya.
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The Tamil king addressed his army thus. “This is a very
crucial moment. Quite unexpectedly, King Valagamba accompanied
by his army is marching to fight us. Let us march forward to face
them”. Then everyone in the army in one chorus shouted,
“We are ready”. King Dathiya, along with his army,
marched forward.
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They left the city of Anuradhapura and came as far as the southern
gate. By that time, King Valagamba too had reached that point.
There followed a serious battle. King Valagamba’s army was
more powerful. They were very tactful and fought with confidence.
King Dathiya’s army was losing. Gradually, the Sinhala soldiers
in Dathiya’s army began to cross over to Valagamba’s
side. They joined the Sinhala king’s army and fought against
the Tamils.
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King Dathiya was left helpless. He was killed by the Sinhala soldiers.
A large number of Tamil soldiers were killed in the fighting.
Valagamba became king of Anuradhapura, for the second time. The
Tamil power which lasted from 103 BC, was finally crushed completely.
The 14 year long Tamil rule came to an end with King Valagamba
on the throne again.
By
Halaliye Karunathilake
Edited and translated by
Kamala Silva
Illustrated by
Saman Kalubowila
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