Kingdom of Tambapanni

Tambapanni
←
543 BC–505 BC →
Capital Tambapanni
Government Monarchy
King
 •  543 BC - 505 BC Vijaya of Sri Lanka
Historical era Ancient
 •  Landing of Vijaya 543 BC
 •  Death of Vijaya 505 BC
Area 65,610 km² (25,332 sq mi)

The Kingdom of Tambapanni, also referred to as Kingdom of Thambapanni, was the first administrative center in ancient Sri Lanka and Kingdom of Rajarata. It existed between 543 BC, with the first Sinhalese king of modern-day Sri Lanka to 505 BC. Tambapanni only had one king, Vijaya, a prince who was banished from India to Sri Lanka.

Name

Tambapanni is a name derived from Tāmraparṇī or Tāmravarṇī (in Sanskrit).[1] This means the color of copper or bronze because on the landing Vijaya's and his followers' hands and feet which touched the ground became red with the dust of the red-earth, and the city founded on that spot was named therefore Tambapanni.[2] A derivative of this name is Taprobane (Greek). Tambapanni is a Pali version of the name Tamira Varni.

History

Background

Before the landing of Vijaya both Greek and Indian literature of the period made references to the island and considered it as a kind of fairyland, occupied by Yakshas or non human beings. According to a story of the Jataka, which calls the island Tambapanni, and mentions Nagadipa and Kalyani, states the island inhabited by Yakkhinis or she demons.[3]

Founding and location

The Kingdom of Tambapanni was founded by Vijaya of Sri Lanka, the first Sinhalese King, and 700 of his followers after landing in Sri Lanka in a district near modern-day Mannar, which is believed to be the district of Chilaw,[4][5] after leaving Suppāraka.[6] It is recorded the Vijaya made his landing on the day of Buddha's death.[7] Vijaya claimed Tambapanni his capital and soon the whole island come under this name. Tambapanni was originally inhabited and governed by Yakkhas, having their capital at Sirīsavatthu and their queen Kuveni.[8] According to the Samyutta Commentary, Tambapanni was one hundred leagues in extent.

The Yakshas

After landing in Tambapanni Vijaya met Kuveni the queen of the Yakkhas, who was disguised as a beautiful woman but was really a 'yakkini' (devil) named Sesapathi.[9]

Legacy

Legend has it that when Vijaya landed on the shores of the island he kissed the sand, called it ‘Thambapanni’ and planted a flag depicting a lion in the ground. The famous ‘Sanchi’ ruins of India depict the events of Prince Vijaya’a landing.[10]

See also

References

  1. ↑ Perera, D. G. A. "Lankan place name in historical perspective". The island. Retrieved 25 August 2011.
  2. ↑ "Chapter III. Connection With Ceylon, Generally One Of Hostility". chestofbooks.com. Retrieved 2009-11-06.
  3. ↑ Mendis, G.C. (2006). "The ancient period". Early History of Ceylon (Reprint ed.). Asian Educational Services. p. 33. ISBN 81-206-0209-9. Retrieved 2009-11-06.
  4. ↑ Mittal, J.P. (2006). "Other dynasties". History of Ancient India: From 4250 BC to 637 AD. Volume 2 of History of Ancient India: A New Version. Atlantic Publishers & Distributors. p. 405. ISBN 81-269-0616-2. Retrieved 2009-11-06.
  5. ↑ "Pre-history of Sri Lanka". lankaemb-egypt.com. Embassy of Sri Lanka Cairo, Egypt. Archived from the original on May 24, 2009. Retrieved 2009-11-06.
  6. ↑ "483 BC - Arrival of Aryans to Sri Lanka". scenicsrilanka.com. Retrieved 2009-11-06.
  7. ↑ "King Vijaya (B.C. 543-504) and his successors". lankalibrary.com. Retrieved 2009-11-06.
  8. ↑ "Tambapanni". palikanon.com. Retrieved 2009-11-06.
  9. ↑ Manathunga, Anura (2007-02-04). "The first battle for freedom". Ths Sunday Times. Retrieved 2009-11-06.
  10. ↑ Naizer, Nizla (2009-02-04). "Evolution of the National Flag". The Bottom Line. Retrieved 2009-11-06.

External links

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