The Cambridge History of India, Vol. I: Ancient India v1.c32.57

v1.c32.57

After Vaṭṭa-Gāmaṇī had reigned 5 months (c. 44 B.C.) he was defeated by seven Tamil adventurers and fled, remaining in hiding in the interior of the island for 14 years and 7 months (c. 44–29 B.C.), while the throne was occupied successively by five Tamil usurpers, named Puḷahattha (3 years), Bāhiya (2 years), Panayamāra (7 years), Pilayamāra (7 months), and Dāṭhika (2 years). Vaṭṭa-Gāmaṇī then conquered and slew Dāṭhika, and reigned in Anurādhapura for 12 years (c. 29–17 B.C.). One of his pious foundations was the Abhaya-giri monastery (*Mhv.* xxxiii).