Introduction
King Vijayabahu II was a ruler who left an important mark in the history of the Sinhala kingdom. He was the nephew of King Parakramabahu and belonged to the Kalinga dynasty of Malaysia. Also known as Panditha Vijayabahu, he maintained a righteous rule, albeit for a short period. His brief reign extended from 1186 to 1187 CE.
Early Life and Personality
King Vijayabahu II was the nephew of King Parakramabahu, and his origin was from the Kalinga dynasty in Malaysia. Although he belonged to a royal lineage, he was more than just a ruler. He became known by the honorable title of Panditha Vijayabahu due to his intellectual abilities and scholarly knowledge. Notably, he was recognized as a skilled poet.
Reign
King Vijayabahu II, who ruled for only a short period from 1186 to 1187 CE, attempted to bring prosperity to the country during his reign. It is stated that he maintained a righteous rule for one year. A major achievement of his reign was the improvement of trade and religious relations with Burma. This greatly contributed to the country’s economy and the advancement of Buddhism.
Achievements and Contributions
- Scholarly Contribution: Known as Panditha Vijayabahu, he gained renown as a skilled poet.
- Diplomatic Relations: He took a significant diplomatic step by improving trade and religious relations with Burma.
- Righteous Rule: Despite the short duration, he attempted to govern the country righteously.
Death
After a successful reign of one year, King Vijayabahu II was assassinated by an individual named Mahinda. Following his untimely death, numerous other political upheavals occurred in the Lankan kingdom.
Legacy
Although King Vijayabahu II’s reign was very brief, his intellectual capabilities and diplomatic vision were prominent. The relationships he established with Burma and his scholarly contributions leave an important mark in the history of Sri Lanka.