King Vijayabahu IV

Introduction

King Vijayabahu IV, who ruled the Dambadeniya Kingdom from 1270 to 1272 CE, was the eldest son of King Parakramabahu II. He was also known by the honorable title ‘Bodhisat Vijayabahu’. King Vijayabahu IV, who reigned for only a short period, was assassinated in a conspiracy by General Mitta.

Accession to the Throne

Prince Vijayabahu IV, as the eldest son of King Parakramabahu II, inherited the Sinhala throne. Following the death of King Parakramabahu II in 1270 CE, Prince Vijayabahu ascended the throne, making Dambadeniya his capital. He began his reign known as ‘Bodhisat Vijayabahu’.

Reign and Demise

King Vijayabahu IV’s reign was limited to just two years. In 1272 CE, General Mitta, who coveted the kingship, launched a conspiracy. General Mitta bribed a palace servant to assassinate the king and forcibly seized the throne.

As General Mitta had no legitimate claim to the throne, he secured his rule by offering salary bonuses to military commanders and winning them over to his side. He also dispatched spies to assassinate Prince Bhuvanekabahu, King Vijayabahu IV’s brother, whom he considered a threat to the throne.

However, the foreign Arya soldiers in the royal service did not submit to Mitta. Their leader, General Thakuraka, killed Mitta and explained to the Sinhala generals that it was done under the instructions of Prince Bhuvanekabahu, who had a legitimate claim to the throne. Subsequently, General Thakuraka, along with the Sinhala generals, summoned Prince Bhuvanekabahu and appointed him as king. Thus, Prince Bhuvanekabahu ascended to kingship as King Bhuvanekabahu I, with Dambadeniya as his capital.

Legacy

No significant achievements are recorded during the short reign of King Vijayabahu IV. However, his demise led to many political changes in the Dambadeniya Kingdom. Ending the chaotic situation that arose after his assassination, the Dambadeniya Kingdom entered a new era under the rule of his brother, King Bhuvanekabahu I.