Alakeshwara Dynasty Reign: 1374-1411 CE

Veera Alakeshwara

Veera Alakeshwara was the leader of the Alakeshwara family, who held significant political power in 14th-century Sri Lanka. He initiated the founding of the capital city of Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte and protected the country against Jaffna invasions.

Key Achievements

Initiated the founding of the capital city of Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte.
Defended the country against the invasions of Arya Chakravarti of the Jaffna Kingdom, utilizing the fortresses of Kotte and Raigama.
Established the Alakeshwara family as a prominent political power in the Gampola Kingdom during the 14th century.
Acquired great wealth and power for his family through trade.
Served as the chief commander of King Vikramabahu III.

Veera Alakeshwara

Introduction

Veera Alakeshwara, also known as Alagakkonara, was a prominent political and military figure in 14th-century Sri Lanka. He served as a commander during the reign of King Vikramabahu III (1357-1374 CE) and later became the foremost leader of the Alakeshwara family. He also initiated the founding of the capital city of Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte. He made a significant contribution to defending the island against the invasions of Arya Chakravarti of the Jaffna Kingdom.

Family Origin

There are various theories regarding the origin of the Alakeshwara family. Some scholars state that they have Malayalam origins, while others believe they came from Kanchipuram in Tamil Nadu, India. Arriving in Sri Lanka around the 13th century CE, they adapted to the local culture. Nissanka Alagakkonara, who came from Kanchipuram or Vanchipuram due to Muslim invasions in India, is considered the first member of this family to arrive in Sri Lanka.

Primarily engaged in trade, the Alakeshwaras amassed great wealth, enabling them to become a prominent political power in the Gampola Kingdom by the 14th century CE. Their conversion to Buddhism also greatly aided this rise.

According to Raigam Korale legends, the name Alakeshwara is linked to the Giri clan. This Giri clan, formed by Prince Hirugoth (also known as Suraya Gupta) of the Ravi Shailasha or Irugal lineage, and Princess Mayuravathi, daughter of King Devanampiyatissa, had Radala Grama, or Raigama, as their ancestral domain. During the reign of King Parakramabahu the Great, a dignitary who arrived from Vanchipuram married into this Giri clan and made Raigampura his residence, and he was bestowed with the title Alakeshwara. Subsequently, it appears that the sons and nephews of the Giri clan used this title.

Power and Political Influence

Veera Alakeshwara began his career as the chief commander of King Vikramabahu III. Under his leadership, the Alakeshwara family built significant political and economic power. The wealth accumulated through trade helped them rise in the political sphere. By the end of the 14th century, they had become the dominant force in the Gampola Kingdom.

Kotte and Raigama Fortresses

One of Veera Alakeshwara’s most significant achievements was initiating the founding of the capital city of Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte. The fortresses of Kotte and Raigama were strategically utilized during his reign. These fortresses served as defensive strongholds against the constant invasions of Arya Chakravarti of the Jaffna Kingdom. Through this, he was able to protect the southern part of the island and maintain centralized control.

Demise

The power of the Alakeshwara family significantly declined after Veera Alakeshwara was taken captive by the Chinese Admiral Zheng He in 1411 CE. This event marked a major turning point in Sri Lanka’s internal politics as well as its foreign relations. After Veera Alakeshwara’s demise, the power of the Alakeshwara family gradually waned, paving the way for the emergence of new governing structures.

Legacy

Veera Alakeshwara’s legacy had a multifaceted impact on Sri Lankan history. His main contributions included initiating the founding of the capital city of Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte, his resistance against Jaffna invasions, and establishing the Alakeshwara family as a political and economic power in the 14th century. His leadership laid a strong foundation for subsequent political developments in Sri Lanka.