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

Heroism of Ravideva

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

1. King Vijayabahu was overjoyed after hearing about the defeat of the Cholas. The people of the entire country were rejoicing, as they witnessed signs of an end to foreign power, which lasted for nearly 50 years. They were proud to feel that they had a king of their own and that too, not just an ordinary ruler, but a warrior king. By that time, the king was close to the Miyugunu Chetiya. He was busy enrolling more men to the army.

2. Though the king did not feel it, time was really running out. A lot had to be accomplished. The king left the camp at Miyugunu Chetiya and marched to Polonnaruwa. The other two armies also joined. So now, all three forces joined together and formed one huge army. The people of
Pihiti-Rata too were very supportive.

3. As King Vijayabahu was very kind to the people, they were prepared to do anything for him. Though Vijayabahu was a stranger to Pihiti-Rata, the people were not concerned about it. All they needed was a king of their own. As the people of this area had suffered long in the hands of the Cholas, they were relieved to have a leader like this.

4. The Sinhala soldiers besieged the Chola camp and began to attack it. It was, by no means, an easy task to attack the fortress. They continued the attack for three and a half months, without success. The Cholas were inside the camp, making arrangements for the final battle. The Sinhala army went on attacking. Yet they could not gain entry. Even the king was surprised at the strength of the entrance.

5. No door could be opened. The king then used elephants to break open the entrance. That too, proved unsuccessful. There were stages erected where Chola soldiers stood hiding. There were archers too among them. All of them began to attack. The king was dodging all this, and trying to break open the entrance. All his efforts were in vain.

6. The king was getting disheartened. He was wondering whether all his efforts were becoming futile. The army soon realized this and became more offensive. They continued to attack. In the army that came from Maya-Rata, there was one soldier, named Ravideva. He felt sad to note the king getting disheartened and worried. He thought, it wouldn't matter, even if he dies, if only the battle could be won. He assembled a few warriors too.

7. This fearless warrior kept gazing at the king. The king was inquisitive to know, what he was up to. In a jiffy, Ravideva jumped on to the wall of the camp. Immediately, those chosen warriors followed suit. Then all of them jumped inside. The other soldiers who saw this followed them. Soon, they were fighting against the soldiers who were on guard.

8. The Sinhala archers, who observed the situation, shot arrows at the stages where the Chola soldiers were. This was done to distract them and prevent them from shooting at the Sinhala soldiers. Their strategy worked. Now the Chola soldiers began to shoot at the Sinhala soldiers, who stood outside the camp. In the meantime, our soldiers succeeded in killing the Chola soldiers, who were on guard at the entrance.