The Cambridge History of India, Vol. III: Turks and Afghans v3.c29.s5.14

v3.c29.s5.14

This prince was a master of strategy and a great organiser. He placed his two youngest brothers, Parakkama-Bāhu and Jaya-Bāhu, with their father, sent Tiloka-Malla to command the Sinhalese army of the south, and placed Bhuvaneka-Bāhu in the fortress of Sundara Pabbata (Yāpavu) in order that he might defend the northern districts of the Island. He himself, with his cousin Vīra-Bāhu, journeyed through the length and breadth of the country, put down evil-doers, and freed the Island of enemies, among those whom they vanquished being Chandrabhānu, who was making a second attempt to gain the sovereignty of Ceylon. After visiting many places of importance, including Vāta-giri, Adam's Peak, Gampola, Kuruṇāgala, and Yāpavu, and restoring peace and prosperity to all, they remained for a time in Anurādhapura, where they restored the sacred buildings. They conciliated the Vanni princes, and went on to Poḷonnaruva, which they completely restored. Vijaya-Bāhu then invited his father from Dambadeṇiya to Poḷonnaruva, and in 1779 A.B. (A.D. 1235) held in great splendour the second coronation festival, a record of which is contained in the *Attanagaluvamsa*, and in the *Mahāvaṁsa* (lxxxix, 10). The *Pūjāvaliya*, which is a contemporary work, gives the duration of Parakkama-Bāhu's reign as thirty-three years, while the *Mahāvaṁsa* gives it as thirty-five. According to the *Nikāyasaṅgraha* and the *Rājaratnākara* he appears to have died in 1809 A.B. (A.D. 1265).