Tribes in Ancient India c38.18

c38.18

In 43 B.C., in the fifth month of Vaṭṭagāmaṇī’s reign, a Brahmin named Tissa rose against him, but was defeated by seven Damiḷas who landed at Mahātittha. Then these Damiḷas waged war against Vaṭṭagāmaṇī and defeated him at Kolambālaka. For fourteen years, Vaṭṭagāmaṇī and his queen Anulā were exiled, and during this period five Damiḷas ruled in succession at Anurādhapura. First came Pulahattha who ruled this city for three years, and appointed a Damiḷa named Bāhiya as his commander (senāpati).⁵ Bāhiya succeeded Pulahattha, and was followed in his turn by Panayamāra, Piḷayamāra, and Dāṭhika.⁶ Meanwhile, Vaṭṭagāmaṇī was staging a comeback, and in 29 B.C. he attacked and slew Dāṭhika, regained his throne, and reigned until 17 B.C.