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The Fall of Sitawaka: The Collapse of a Kingdom in 1594 CE
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In the year 1594 CE, the Kingdom of Sitawaka, a once-powerful Sinhalese kingdom in Sri Lanka, faced its ultimate collapse. This event marked the end of a turbulent era in Sri Lankan history, characterized by fierce resistance against Portuguese colonial expansion and internal strife.
Sitawaka rose to prominence in the early 16th century under the leadership of King Mayadunne and later his son, King Rajasinha I. The kingdom was established as a stronghold against Portuguese encroachment, which had begun in 1505 when the Portuguese arrived on the island. Sitawaka became a center of resistance, uniting various Sinhalese factions to fight against the foreign invaders.
King Rajasinha I, who ascended the throne in 1581, was a formidable warrior and a staunch opponent of the Portuguese. He expanded Sitawaka's territory through military campaigns, even capturing the Kingdom of Kotte, a Portuguese ally. However, his reign was also marked by internal dissent and harsh rule, which alienated many of his subjects and allies.
By the late 16th century, Sitawaka's power began to wane. The kingdom faced constant warfare, both against the Portuguese and rival Sinhalese factions. The strain of continuous conflict, coupled with Rajasinha's oppressive policies, led to widespread dissatisfaction among the populace and the nobility. Additionally, the Portuguese, with their superior military technology and alliances with local leaders, gradually gained the upper hand.
The death of King Rajasinha I in 1593 was a turning point. His successor, King Rajasinha II, was unable to maintain the kingdom's cohesion. Internal rebellions and defections to the Portuguese weakened Sitawaka further. In 1594, the kingdom finally collapsed under the combined pressure of Portuguese forces and internal dissent. The Portuguese, along with their allies, captured the capital, effectively ending Sitawaka's independence.
The fall of Sitawaka marked the consolidation of Portuguese power in Sri Lanka, particularly in the coastal regions. However, resistance to colonial rule continued in the interior, led by the Kingdom of Kandy, which would emerge as the last bastion of Sinhalese independence. The collapse of Sitawaka also signaled the end of an era of Sinhalese unity against foreign domination, as the island became increasingly fragmented and subject to European influence.
The fall of Sitawaka in 1594 CE is a poignant chapter in Sri Lankan history, illustrating the complexities of resistance, internal conflict, and the impact of colonialism on indigenous kingdoms.