Funday Times

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

The in-laws clash
1. King Dhatusena got an image hall constructed and offered it to the Abhayagiri temple. He wanted to be kind towards his brother, Kumarasena, who according to some is the same as Prince Salatisbo, referred to earlier. So he demarcated half of Kala Wewa and a hundred fields and gave it to him, as his share of the property.

2. King Dhatusena repaired the Thuparama temple. He got a beautiful gem-studded casket made for the tooth relic. To the left of the Sri Maha Bodhi, he got an image-house erected. The statue of Maithree Buddha was adorned with gems and jewels. The king organized a grand 'Dhatu Pooja'- a ceremony to pay respect to the relics.

3. This king had two sons and a daughter. The two sons were from two queens. The elder one was named Kashyapa or Kasup and the younger one was Mugalan. Some scholars are of the opinion that Kashyapa's mother belonged to a low caste, whereas Mugalan's mother was from a high caste.

4. However, we have only to remember that the two sons were from two queens. King Dhatusena's daughter was very pretty. She was given in marriage to one of the nephews of the king, Commander Migara. He was soon made Commander-in-Chief. But before long the daughter had to face a lot of trouble.

5. Real trouble started when Migara's mother did not tolerate the daughter-in-law. Ond day there was a big quarrel between these two. The mother-in-law was said to be a sister of King Dhatusena and a wicked one. However, Migara loved his mother very much. He believed everything she said and acted accordingly.

6. Whenever there was an argument between these two ladies, Migara took the mother's side, causing immense pain to his wife, the king's daughter. Knowing the reaction of the son, this woman made it a point to kick up a quarrel every now and then, when the son was out of home. The innocent princess tried her best not to get involved, but it was difficult. The mother-in-law, often scolded her.

7. When Migara came home, his mother used to make false complaints against the daughter-in-law and start crying. Returning home after a hard day's work and listening to these complaints, Migara would lose his temper and started beating his wife. Being unable to bear up any more, the princess went to her father. The king felt very sorry for his daughter. He took full responsibility for all this, as he had arranged the marriage. So called up Migara to the palace and advised him on several occasions.

8. Promising to keep to the king's advice, the princess was taken back by Migara. Though she went through a lot of suffering, the princess too, loved Migara and there was peace, once again. But it was Migara's mother's intervention, that spoilt the peace at home. Migara forgot about all his promises to the king and was harsh to his wife once more.

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