Magama Royal Dynasty Reign: 3rd Century BCE

King Mahanaga

Mahanaga, brother of King Devanampiyatissa of Anuradhapura, escaped a conspiracy by Queen Anula, fled to Ruhuna, established the Kingdom of Magama, and started the Magama royal dynasty there.

Key Achievements

Fleeing Anuradhapura and establishing a new kingdom in Ruhuna
Founding the Magama Royal Dynasty
Enlarging Tissa Wewa and Walas Pokuna to create Walas Wewa

Biography of King Mahanaga

King Mahanaga was the third son of King Mutasiva and the brother of the famous King Devanampiyatissa of Anuradhapura. He was the sub-king (Yuvaraja) designated as the successor to the Anuradhapura Kingdom. However, due to a threat to his life, he fled to Ruhuna, where he established a new kingdom and royal dynasty.

Early Life and Succession Plans

Prince Mahanaga was one of the sons of King Mutasiva of Anuradhapura, and his elder brother was King Devanampiyatissa. Following King Devanampiyatissa’s reign, the kingship of the Anuradhapura Kingdom was destined for Yuvaraja Mahanaga. He was recognized as the royal successor.

Queen Anula’s Conspiracy

Queen Anula, one of King Devanampiyatissa’s consorts, conspired to assassinate Yuvaraja Mahanaga. She attempted to kill Prince Mahanaga by sending poisoned mangoes. However, this plot unfortunately went awry. Her own son consumed the poisoned mangoes and died from the poison.

Flight to Ruhuna and Establishment of a New Kingdom

Realizing the serious threat to his life, Yuvaraja Mahanaga fled Anuradhapura with his consort, Queen Anula, and arrived in Ruhuna. During this journey, Mahanaga’s pregnant consort gave birth to a child at a place called Yathala. That son was named Yathalatissa.

Upon arriving in Ruhuna, King Mahanaga established a new kingdom in the Magama region. Thus, he became the founder of the Magama royal dynasty.

Water Supply Projects

During his reign in Ruhuna, King Mahanaga undertook several important water supply projects to develop agriculture. He enlarged Tissa Wewa and Walas Pokuna, turning it into Walas Wewa. These projects significantly contributed to the agricultural prosperity of the Magama Kingdom.

Legacy

After King Mahanaga, his son Yathalatissa succeeded to the throne. King Mahanaga is an important figure in Sri Lankan history for establishing an independent kingdom and a strong royal dynasty in Ruhuna due to internal conflicts within the Anuradhapura Kingdom. The Magama royal dynasty later produced great rulers such as King Dutugemunu.