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

Chola power on the decline

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

1. King Vijayabahu had great self-confidence. He was never discouraged. His one ambition was to free the country from foreign rule. It was a difficult task and Vijayabahu knew the gravity of it. All this time, more local leaders too were giving him trouble. They took the side of the foreigner. Yet nothing could deter him.

2. By this time, King Vijayabahu was on the banks of the Walawe Ganga, organizing his army. The all powerful Chola emperor, King Raja Raja at Bali died and then dawned a good period for Vijayabahu. King Raja Raja came to the Chola throne in 983 AD and he led a huge army.

3. That tempted him to undertake many foreign invasions. The spread of both Chola power and Hinduism were his main aims. Our king Mihindu V, had to die as a prisoner under him. After that, many of our princes tried to free the country from Chola domination but could not as the Cholas were still powerful. Every time they had to give up half-way.

4. After the death of King Raja Raja, there was unrest in the Chola empire as there was a struggle for power. Meanwhile, the countries that were included in the Chola empire, thought of making that an opportunity to free themselves. It was difficult for the Cholas to suppress these uprisings.

5. King Vijayabahu too thought of making maximum use of this opportunity. He assembled his commanders and discussed matters with them. When he addressed them, he said, "Our good time has come now. There is trouble in the Chola empire. I am sure there won't be peace there, for quite some time. Let us make use of this opportunity and attack the Cholas."

6. The commanders were all agreeable. The king then added, "At the rate things are happening in the Chola empire, they will not be able to get back their armies that were sent to foreign countries. So we should besiege Polonnaruwa on three sides. One commander should march with his army, across Maya-Rata, to reach Anuradhapura. Another should go along the eastern coast with his army."

7. "I shall take the old route." All the commanders agreed to this suggestion. They organized their armies quickly and marched forward as agreed. They were able to conquer all the villages on their way. They were very careful not to create any hardships to the civilians. Instead they were very kind to them. Therefore, all the people blessed them and supported them. Some youths joined the army.

8. Young and old, everyone alike was bent on winning freedom for the country. So they contributed their share in whatever way they could. Even those who were serving the Chola army for some time, now joined the king's army. This brought more strength to the army of King Vijayabahu. It became one big patriotic movement.