Dambadeniya

Dambadeniya is a destroyed ancient city situated in the North Western Province (Wayamba) province of Sri Lanka that served as the capital of Sri Lanka in the mid 13th century. Much of Dambadeniya still lies buried on a huge fortified rock. Dambadeniya is situated about 31 km from Kurunegala, the modern day capital of the North Western (Wayamba) province.

It is believed that the Dambadeniya period was the 'Golden Era' of Sinhalese Literature.



Dambadeniya Period

Dambadeniya, about 30 km south-west of Kurunegala, became prominent in the mid-13th century when the capital was moved there by Parakramabahu II (1236- 1270)[1] together with the Tooth Relic. Little remains of the palace buildings, though 6 ponds are still there. The 2-storey temple (originally three) about 400m south, which has Buddha images, is identified as the Vijayasundaramaya. It has some interesting wall paintings dating from the 18th century, when it was restored. It was used to exhibit the Tooth Relic, which was normally housed in another temple near the palace.

Dambadeniya, on the Kurunegala - Nigombo road, was a Royal capital in the mid 13th century. Excavations have uncovered remains of the temple of the Tooth Relic and the Royal Palace, ponds and garden layouts, moats and city walls etc.

Dambadeniya is historic in nature and majestic in repose. It was selected as the capital of the kingdom of Sri Lanka by king Vijayabahu the 3rd (1232 - 36). The sovereignty of the country was at stake as a result of invasions, which dislodged Polonnaruwa as the capital. Vijayabahu, the king of the Dambadeniya dynasty fought the invaders and established Dambadeniya. On the summit of the Dambadeniya rock he built fortifications and sturdy walls and gates. The city was made secure in its day by a moat, a marsh and ramparts round the royal palace. During the reign of king Parakramabahu (1236-70), Dambadeniya reached the zenith of its glory.















King Parakramabahu II- From 1236 AD - 1271AD
Then his elder son Parakramabahu became the king of Dambadeniya and he recovered Polonnaruwa from Kalinga people by 1244 AD.
His nick name was "Kalikala Sahithya Sarvagnana Panditha Parakramabahu" because he was a great poet and experienced in literature. Kav Silumina is one of his creations.

Then he abdicated in favor of his eldest son VijayaBahu and he was sent for the completion of recovery of Polonnaruwa and Anuradhapura areas.

King Vijayabahu IV - From 1271 AD to 1273 AD
King Vijayabahu IV became the sole king after king Panditha Parakramabahu's death. He could bare the crown only for 2 years because he was assassinated by his general Mitta.

Next king of the country was king Vijayabahu's younger brother Buwanekabahu and he moved the capital from Dambadeniya to Yapahuwa.

The coins used in Dambadeniya era are shown below. Those are used in the reigns of king Parakramabahu II, king Vijayabahu IV and king Buwanekabahu respectively.



The name of relevant king is appears on each coin and those are written using brahmee letters.

End of Dambadeniya kingdom occurs at this point with king Vijayabahu IV 's reign and you are invited to visit next, Yapahuwa Kingdom".