Early Life and Accession
King Parakrama Pandya II was an invading Pandyan. He was the son of King Vikramapandya, mentioned earlier. When his father sacrificed his life in battle with King Jagathpala, Prince Parakrama hid to save his life. There is no mention of him having gone to a foreign country.
It was Prince Parakrama who became the king of Ruhuna, which was in disarray after King Jagathpala was killed by the Cholas. Thus, he ascended the throne of Ruhuna during a very complex period in Sri Lankan history.
Reign
Parakrama ruled Ruhuna for two years. Although his reign was short, it was marked by severe political instability. The Cholas eventually captured and killed him as well. This demonstrated the continued dominance of South Indian forces.
The Manimangalam inscription mentions a person named Sri Vallabha Madana Raja who was destroyed by the Cholas. Although such a name is not found in Sinhala texts, it has been clarified that this refers to King Parakrama Pandya mentioned in the Mahavamsa.
There is no doubt that Vikramapandya and Parakrama Pandya were of the Pandyan lineage. There is evidence that they may have collaborated with the Sinhalese to suppress the Cholas in Lanka.
The End of the Polonnaruwa Kingdom
The reign of King Parakrama Pandya II coincides with one of the most significant turning points in Sri Lankan history. The fall of the Polonnaruwa kingdom occurred in 1215 CE with the invasion of Kalinga Magha. This event caused immense changes and instability throughout the island, critically impacting the future trajectory of the Sinhalese kingdoms.
Legacy
The short reign of King Parakrama Pandya II is a mirror of an era filled with Chola invasions, Pandyan influences, and internal struggles. After his death, Sri Lanka plunged further into chaos, marking the end of the Polonnaruwa era.