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

The battle of Palatu-pahana

By Halaliye Karunathilake
Edited and translated by Kamala Silva
Illustrated by Saman Kalubowila

1. Realising that it was difficult to face this massive army, King Vijayabahu fled with all his forces. They went and camped in Palatu-pahana. This was good news for the Cholas. They thought that the entire Ruhuna was now, under their control. But what the two Sinhala commanders Ravi and Chala wanted was to put an end to Vijayabahu.

2. They were on the look out for news of him and got to know, that he was at Palatu-pahana. They gave this information to the Cholas too. They then got their army ready, joined Ravi and Chala and marched to Palatu-pahana. They besieged the fort. King Vijayabahu who expected them, had made all possible strategies. His army was in readiness.

3. For two to three days the Cholas stood surrounding this hill. As there was no opposition, they tried to go through the pass. It was a great surprise. The armies of Vijayabahu came on roaring and the fighting started. It was a terrible battle. There were losses for both parties. King Vijayabahu's armies were quite skilled. Moreover, they fought with a lot of patriotism.

4. Time passed and the Sinhala armies were able to defeat the Cholas. The Sinhala leaders who supported the enemy were also killed. The Chola Commander-in-Chief who displayed a lot of authority and power, fled. Vijayabahu's soldiers did not idle. They chased the enemy, attacking them all the way. They were able to kill a couple of soldiers who were fleeing.

5. When they reached Thambavitagama, they managed to capture the Chola Commander-in-Chief. His head was cut off. The vehicle in which he travelled was taken, with all the valuables in it. They returned victorious. This victory made the people of Ruhuna proud. They were jubilant. They celebrated the victory. Malaya-Rata too joined in the celebrations. There was an awakening in the Pihiti-Rata too. This was a very big victory for the people of the entire country.

6. The Sinhala people thought that they were now sure of a king for the 'Thri-Sinhala' – Ruhuna, Maya and Pihiti-Rata. The people of Pihiti-Rata too celebrated this victory on a grand scale. Except for the few village leaders, who had been supporting the Cholas, all others joined in the celebrations. This was an eyesore for the Cholas of Polonnaruwa. They had to bear up everything, as they had lost in the battle.

7. The Chola Commander-in-Chief, who died in battle was a powerful leader of the Chola empire. He was a great warrior and had won many a battle before. His death was a great loss to the Cholas. The entire Chola camp was disheartened. They lost their morale. They mourned the death of their leader, in silence.

8. In distant Ruhuna, celebrations continued. Big and small, everyone was happy about the victory of Vijayabahu. The soldiers joined their commanders in eating, drinking and enjoying thoroughly. King Vijayabahy too joined them, in all these celebrations. It was long past midnight when all the festivities came to an end.