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

The Commander Gokarna

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

1. Prince Parakramabahu was in deep thought as he walked forwards. There was already a section of King Kitsirimegha's army following him. As the prince realized this, he turned back. He wielded his weapon against them in a fearless manner. This time too, those soldiers had to bear defeat and run away. At this time, there was a unit of administration in the Kalawewa area, where the ruler was Commander Gokarna.

2. He was a representative of King Gajaba of Pihiti-Rata. He had exhibited his skill in warfare on many occasions. The prince sent a messenger to him. Then the commander came in search of the prince. He took the prince to Kalawewa and there he was given right royal treatment. By this time, King Gajaba had heard everything about Prince Parakramabahu. He then summoned his ministers and spoke about the prince.

3. He addressed them in this manner, "This is a very clever prince. He is closely related to me. Let us try to make him join our company. "Is it alright?" the prince asked. They gave their consent and added, "Yes, now that you are cousins, why not?" The king sent a messenger to Kalawewa to tell the prince not to stay there, but to come directly to Polonnaruwa. When he received this message, the prince thought over it.

4. These were the thoughts that flashed through his mind. "Today, most of the rulers are shrewd opportunists. They cannot be trusted. They do not possess the qualities that they show. They would stoop to whatever low level to hold on to their power. They are hypocrites." He further thought, "Come what may, I know how I should act." He then left for Polonnaruwa.

5. Prince Parakramabahu was going all by himself. He walked, enjoying the beauty of nature. As he entered the city of Polonnaruwa, King Gajaba 11, accompanied by his army had marched forward to welcome him. The two cousins met, embraced each other and were engaged in pleasant conversation for a while. The king invited the prince to get on the same royal elephant he was riding, and together went to the palace.

6. That day, at the palace in Polonnaruwa, there was a function to welcome Prince Parakramabahu. There was feasting, accompanied by music and dancing. The cousins enjoyed themselves. The prince was pleased at the grand welcome given by the king. He thought of getting his sister Badrawathie, married to this king.

7. So he consulted his mother, Queen Rathnavalee, regarding this matter. The queen readily consented as King Gajaba was her brother's son. From the very outset, the queen was fond of this line of kings. The wedding was held with pomp and pageantry. This brought the two cousins closer to each other. It also gave Prince Parakramabahu the chance to do things as he liked.

8. No one was there to supervise him. The prince roamed all over the kingdom, enjoying the beauty of the environment. He got friendly with the commanders of the king. They in turn began to like him. The prince was kind and concerned about the comforts of all the people. He rendered help wherever necessary