Kingdom of Kandy

Quick Facts: Who was Kingdom of Kandy?

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Kingdom of Kandy

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The last independent Sinhalese monarchy on Sri Lanka, resisting European powers for centuries.

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Origins & Early Life

The Kingdom of Kandy (මහනුවර රාජධානිය​) was the last Sinhalese monarchy on the island of Sri Lanka, located in the central and eastern portion of the island. It was founded in the late 15th century and endured until the early 19th century. Kandy was the last independent kingdom of the Sinhalese monarchy, administrative system, traditional martial culture and Theravada Buddhism against European Colonial powers for over three centuries, specifically the Portuguese and Dutch, before eventually falling to the British through the Kandyan Convention on March 2, 1815 at the Magul Maduwa, ending over 2,300 years of independent native rule. The Kingdom was first founded in 1469 when king Senasammata Vikramabahu established Senkadagalapura as a semi-independent regional state under the authority of the larger Kingdom of Kotte on the western coast. When the Portuguese traders turned into aggressive military occupiers in the coastal areas, Kingdom of Kotte lost its independence.

Career & Major Achievements

At the same time, the lowland Kingdom of Sitawaka grew very powerful. Sitawaka fought constant wars against both the Portuguese and other native Sinhala kingdoms. Eventually, Sitawaka conquered Kandy and forced the Kandyan Royal family into exile. An exiled noble named Konnapu Bandara returned to the highlands. He had previously served as a Portuguese commander under the name Dom Joäo Austria.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

He defeated the Sitawaka forces and took the throne as King Vimaladharmasuriya I, declaring full independence. He founded Kandy as the spiritual and political center of the Sinhalese people. In 1594, the king completely destroyed a Portuguese invasion force at the Battle of Danture. After this major victory, Kandy became the only remaining independent native kingdom on the island. For over 200 years, the Kingdom of Kandy used the mountains to defend itself against European invaders.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1469: 1469 Milestone — The Kingdom was first founded in 1469 when king Senasammata Vikramabahu established Senkadagalapura as a semi-independent regional state under the authority of the larger Kingdom of Kotte on the western coast.
2. 1594: 1594 Milestone — In 1594, the king completely destroyed a Portuguese invasion force at the Battle of Danture.
3. 1815: 1815 Milestone — Kandy was the last independent kingdom of the Sinhalese monarchy, administrative system, traditional martial culture and Theravada Buddhism against European Colonial powers for over three centuries, specifically the Portuguese and Dutch, before eventually falling to the British through the Kandyan Convention on March 2, 1815 at the Magul Maduwa, ending over 2,300 years of independent native rule.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Kingdom of Kandy

True or False: “The Kingdom of Kandy was the first major indigenous power to resist Portuguese colonization in Sri Lanka.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): While a significant resistance force, Kandy's struggle against European powers spanned centuries; it did not initiate the entire period of resistance.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Kingdom of Kandy