Introduction
King Dharmashoka was an infant king of the thirteenth century who ruled Polonnaruwa. His brief reign, which lasted from 1208 to 1209 CE, clearly reflects the severe political instability that prevailed in the Kingdom of Polonnaruwa at the time. A unique event in Sinhala history is that he was only three months old when he ascended the throne.
Early Life and Ascension to the Throne
King Dharmashoka ascended the throne at a very young age. After Queen Kalyanavati, he was appointed King of Polonnaruwa by Ayasmanta, a powerful general of the time. This appointment is a testament to how influential the role of generals and nobles had become in choosing successors to the throne during a period of succession crisis within the royal family.
Reign
As an infant king, King Dharmashoka’s rule was nominal. State administration remained primarily in the hands of powerful officials like General Ayasmanta. His reign was limited to a brief period of about a year, marking another short reign in the history of the Polonnaruwa Kingdom. During this short period, it can be assumed that the political situation in the country further deteriorated.
Loss of Throne and Legacy
In 1209 CE, King Dharmashoka was succeeded on the throne of Polonnaruwa by his father, King Anikanga. King Dharmashoka’s short reign provides important historical evidence of the frequent changes in kings and the excessive political influence of powerful generals during the Polonnaruwa era. Although he ruled for an extremely short period, his name remains an important mark for understanding the political evolution in the history of Sri Lanka, especially during the Polonnaruwa era. His rule can be considered a symbol of the instability that prevailed in that era.