Dictionary of Pali Proper Names v2.c31.1253

v2.c31.1253

1. Mahāgāma.—The capital of Rohaṇa. Duṭṭhagāmaṇi was born there, and ruled there till he started on his campaign against the Damiḷas.¹ Throughout history Mahāgāma remained the most important place in Rohaṇa. Near by were the Tissamahārāma and the Anurārāma built by Subha. It is first mentioned² as the residence of Devānaṃpiyatissa’s younger brother, Mahānāga, who founded the Rohaṇa dynasty, but, as a settlement, it probably dates back to the most ancient times. Mahānāga built in it the Nāgamahā-vihāra. Mahātissa built the Mahāpāli Hall in Mahāgāma and attached to it the Dāṭhaggabodhi-pariveṇa.³ The Damiḷas (probably in the time of Mahinda IV.) destroyed Mahāgāma, but the buildings were restored by Vijayabāhu I.⁴