Funday Times

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

King Agbo V
1. King Manavamma carried on a successful rule. He ruled righteously, doing a lot of meritorious deeds. He passed away in 718 AD. He was succeeded by his son. Prince Agbo. He was crowned as King Agbo V. He was so pious that along with his subjects, he observed 'sil' on all important poya days. He repaired the Godagamuwa tank and supported agricultural activities.

2. King Agbo V could rule only for about six years. He died in 724 AD. He was succeeded by his brother, Prince Kashyapa. He was crowned as Kashyapa 111. He was a very modest person and treated his subjects as his children. He prohibited the killing of animals. A number of temples were built by him. They were offered to the monks. His period of rule lasted for about six years and next came his youngest brother to the throne.

3. He was Prince Mahinda by name. He came to power in 730 AD. He had a good friend named Neela who had died suddenly, even before Mahinda ascended the throne. Prince Mahinda was very sad about the loss of his friend. He did not want to have even a coronation ceremony. Yet, he carried on the administration as the ruler.

4. He gave the post of 'Yuva-raja' to his brother's son. He was the former King Kashyapa's son. His name was Agbo. He was given a lot of wealth and sent ot be in charge of the Eastern Province. He is said to have prepared ten cartloads of rice a day, for distribution as meals, at the Mahapali Hall. He also got used to having normal meals, like the rest of the citizens. He built a nunnery in his name and donated it to the Buddhist nuns.

5. The ruler Mahinda also had a son named Agbo. He was kept in charge of the administration of the south. After a short period of three years, Mahinda died in 733 AD. His son, the ruler of the south was at his death bed. So he was made the next ruler. But he did not want to accept kingship.

6. Later, a message was sent to Prince Agbo, King Kashyapa's son, who was the ruler of the Eastern Province. This prince was offered the kingship. He came to the capital city, accepted kingship and made Agbo, Mahinda's son, Yuva-raja (second in command). This Yuva-raja did his best to make the king's task an easy one.

7. These two carried on the affairs of state, in a very friendly manner. There was a section of people who were jealous of this. They tried to create disunity between the two of them. They met the king and said that the Yuva-raja was planning to kill him. The king believed this and tried to punish the Yuva-raja. The Yuva-raja smelt trouble and fled.

8. He began to rise in revolt. He collected an army and advanced to the capital city, ready to fight. The king too marched with his army. Both armies met at a place called Kadalivata and the fighting began.

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