Introduction
King Panduvasdev ruled Upatissa Nuwara in Lanka for a period of 30 years, from 504 BCE to 474 BCE. Upatissa Nuwara is believed to have been located in the area around the present-day Malwatu Oya. He is a prominent figure among Sri Lanka’s early rulers.
Accession to the Throne
As there was no prince to succeed King Vijaya to the throne of Lanka, King Vijaya invited his brother Sumitta to take over the kingdom of Lanka. However, as Prince Sumitta was old, he instead arranged for his son, Prince Panduvasdeva, to be sent to Lanka. Since King Vijaya passed away before Prince Panduvasdeva arrived in the country, the administration was maintained by a guardian ruler named Upatissa (Minister Upatissa). Subsequently, Prince Panduvasdeva, upon his arrival in Lanka, assumed control of the island and ascended to the throne as King Panduvasdev.
Rule and Family
Upon ascending the throne, King Panduvasdev made Princess Bhaddakaccayana of the Sakya clan his queen. From Queen Bhaddakaccayana, King Panduvasdev had ten sons and one daughter. Their names are as follows:
- Abhaya
- Tissa
- Uttiya
- Tissā
- Asela
- Vihana
- Rama
- Shiva
- Mattakala
- Mattaka
- Chitra (Unmāda Chitra)
This lineage played an extremely important role in the future royal dynasty of Sri Lanka. In particular, Prince Pandukabhaya, the son of Princess Chitra, also known as Unmāda Chitra, later became a paramount ruler of the Anuradhapura Kingdom.
Legacy
King Panduvasdev’s reign paved the way for further stabilizing the early Sinhala kingdom, which began with King Vijaya, and establishing a royal lineage. Through his progeny, many rulers emerged who marked important milestones in the history of Sri Lanka.