Funday Times

This article is part of a continuing series on the 'Mahavamsa', the recorded chronicle of Sri Lankan history
King Mugalan 111
1. King Sanghatissa got disgusted of life, when he had to stoop down to the level of obtaining meals from the Mahapali Hall. He, with his son, took a small army and marched towards the Tissa rock, in the East, to fight an army of Cammander Mugalan. This fight took a different turn as there was another enemy battalion just behind the king. King Sanghatissa was shocked. He looked inquiringly at this army and found to his surprise, that his own commander, who was supposed to be sick was leading this army.

2. The king's son was greatly disturbed at this betrayal. Being annoyed, he wanted to kill the commander. As he turned, with his sword drawn out, the king stopped him saying, "Let us be patient. We don't have enough soldiers here, to fight". However, in this turmoil, the king was pushed between two armies. A few of his soldiers too joined the enemy commander.

3. King Sanghatissa began to retreat. When he was going on elephant back, at one point as the elephant went under a tree, the king dropped the 'Sesath' (insignia of royalty), that he was carrying in his hand. The enemy soldiers soon picked it up and gave it to their commander. He took it, went to the top of the rock and held it high. The soldiers who were on the king's side saw this, thought that the king was there and went up. This was a terrible blow to the king. He was left helpless. Finally he was left with only his son and the commander named 'Suharta'.

4. The three of them fled to the forest. This king Sanghatissa's rule lasted only for about two months. Commander Mugalan, who won in battle, marched to Anuradhapura. In 614A.D., he was crowned as King Mugalan 111. Meanwhile the youngest son of King Sanghatissa was still living in Anuradhapura.

5. When King Mugalan got to know this, he sent his men and brought the prince. The men were ordered to cut off the limbs of this prince. As the men got ready to do so, the young prince began to cry saying, "When you cut off my hands, how can I eat the oil-cakes that I like so much?" The men were moved by these words. Yet, they had to do the king's bidding. So they finally cut only his left had and left leg.

6. There was another son of King Sanghatissa, who was named Detu-tis, still living in Anuradhapura. He disguised himself and fled to the Malayarata. In the meantime, King Sanghatissa, his eldest son, who was with him and his loyal minister went to Veluvana temple. There they donned the yellow robes and the three of them went to Ruhuna.

7. When these three came towards the Sigiriya area, the people there, who were loyal to King Mugalan, recognized King Sanghatissa and arrested him. King Mugalan who heard this, was pleased with these people and sent a message to kill the king and his son, but to bring the minister safe to Anuradhapura.

8. When this message was received, they took the prisoners to Sigiriya and got ready to act according to the king's orders. The king's son, who observed this said, "You cowards, do come and kill me first". The men who were after the gifts from the king, cut off the head of this prince.

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