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The Rise of the Kingdom of Kandy (1469 CE)
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In the year 1469 CE, the Kingdom of Kandy emerged as a significant political entity in the central highlands of Sri Lanka. This event marked the beginning of a new era in the island's history, as Kandy would go on to become a bastion of Sinhalese culture, religion, and resistance against foreign domination.
The Kingdom of Kandy was established by Senasammata Vikramabahu, a nobleman who claimed descent from the ancient Sinhalese royal lineage. The kingdom was strategically located in the mountainous region of central Sri Lanka, which provided natural defenses against invaders. This geographical advantage allowed Kandy to maintain its independence for centuries, even as other parts of the island fell under the control of European colonial powers.
The early years of the Kingdom of Kandy were marked by efforts to consolidate power and establish a stable administration. The kingdom's rulers, known as the Kandyan kings, sought to preserve Sinhalese traditions and Buddhism, which had been under threat from foreign influences. The city of Kandy, which became the kingdom's capital, was developed as a center of culture and religion, with the construction of the Temple of the Tooth Relic (Sri Dalada Maligawa), one of the most sacred Buddhist sites in the world.
The Kingdom of Kandy's relationship with the coastal regions of Sri Lanka was complex. While the coastal areas were often under the control of foreign powers, such as the Portuguese, Dutch, and later the British, Kandy managed to maintain its independence through a combination of diplomacy, military strategy, and the natural defenses provided by its mountainous terrain.
Over the centuries, the Kingdom of Kandy became a symbol of resistance against colonial rule. The Kandyan kings often engaged in alliances and conflicts with the European powers, playing them off against each other to preserve their autonomy. However, the kingdom's independence came to an end in 1815, when it was finally annexed by the British Empire following the Kandyan Convention.
The establishment of the Kingdom of Kandy in 1469 CE was a pivotal moment in Sri Lankan history. It not only preserved Sinhalese culture and Buddhism during a time of foreign encroachment but also demonstrated the resilience and determination of the island's people to maintain their independence and identity. The legacy of the Kingdom of Kandy continues to be celebrated in Sri Lanka today, as a testament to the enduring spirit of its people.