Dictionary of Pali Proper Names v2.c27.529

v2.c27.529

Paṇḍu.—A nation in South India, the Pāṇḍiyas. Their country comprised the greater part of the Madura and Tinnevelly, with its capital first at Kolkai and later at Madhurā.¹ Ceylon was in constant communication with this country, both peaceful and otherwise. Marauding bands of Paṇḍus often came to Ceylon and, having deposed the rightful sovereign, ruled over the country. Chief among these invasions were the following: (a) for fourteen years, when Vaṭṭagāmaṇi lay in hiding; (b) for twenty-seven years, after the death of Mahānāma and until Dhātusena established his authority; (c) in the time of Sena I.; (d) after the death of Mahinda V. They also came with Māgha and Candabhānu, and, later, with Āryacakkavattin, who succeeded in carrying the Tooth Relic away to the Pāṇḍyan court; this was later rescued by Parakkamabāhu III. Sometimes the Sinhalese kings would make reprisals by invading the Pāṇḍyan territory—e.g., in the reign of Sena II., and, perhaps also, under Nissaṅka Malla. Parakkamabāhu I. sent an army under his general Laṅkāpura to help the Pāṇḍyan king Parākrama Pāṇḍya against the Coḷa king, Kulasekhara. This, according to the Mahāvamsa account, brought great joy to the Sinhalese.