Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
5th century
After engineering his father's death and expelling his older brother Mugalan, King Kassapa con-
structs the rock fortress at Sigiriya. With the assistance of Indian mercenaries, Mugalan finally re-
takes the throne.
5th century
The Mahavamsa (Great Chronicle) epic poem is written by Buddhist monks. It recounts the
Buddhist and royal history of the island, interwoven with supernatural tales.
5th century
Indian scholar-monk Buddhaghosa arrives in Sri Lanka and writes the Visuddhimagga, a manual
for the Buddha's teachings. His explications become part of the Theravada canon and are still
studied today.
7th-15th century
Arab traders settle in Sri Lanka, marrying locally and establishing Islam on the island. They main-
tain trade with the Middle East and coexist peacefully with both Tamils and Sinhalese.
11th century
Weary of continued conflict with Tamil neighbours, King Vijayabahu I defeats the Cholas and
moves the Sinhalese capital southeast to Polonnaruwa; a brief golden age follows.
1216
As Polonnaruwa declines, the Tamil kingdom of Jaffna is established and briefly becomes a feud-
atory of South India's Pandya kingdom before gaining independence. It survives for four centur-
ies.
1505
Following Polonnaruwa's decline, Sinhalese power is with the Kotte in the southwest. The Por-
tuguese arrive and conquer the entire west coast, but Kandy defeats their advances.
