Founding According to the
Pali chronicles, Ruhuna was founded around 200 BC by Prince
Mahanaga, brother to
Devanampiya Tissa of Anuradhapura, after a personal dispute. This region played a vital role in building the nation as well in the establishment of
Buddhist culture.
Significance The kings of
Anuradhapura and the
Chola kingdom during the reign over a majority of the country, generally fought against the forces of Ruhuna. Notable Ruhunan militants include:
Vijayabahu I, whose armies defeated several Chola generals; and Manabharana II, whose army once conquered Polonnaruwa. The resistances that arose from Ruhuna were generally victorious against the Rajarata kingdom.
Conquest After
Parakramabahu I conquered the kingdom of
Rajarata, defeating its king
Gajabahu II, he dispatched a force to Ruhuna. The people and army of Ruhuna generally opposed this and established a force against the invaders. While the Ruhunans were able to defeat a prominent general of Parakramabahu's army named Rakkha, they were defeated and their queen was executed. ==Area==