ThePrincipality of Ruhuna (Sinhala:රුහුණ,[ruɦuɳə]), also referred to as theKingdom of Ruhuna, is a region of present-day Southern and EasternSri Lanka. It was the center of a flourishing civilisation and the cultural and economic centres of ancient Sri Lanka. Magama,Tissamaharama andMahanagakula (now called asAmbalantota) were established here.[1][2]
The kingdom of Ruhuna was an important state in Sinhalese history as it was known for several rebellions against the superior states in Rajarata. The principality was defeated with its last de facto QueenSugala been captured and executed by the invading army ofParakramabahu I. Following its annexing by Parakramabahu, the rebellions that arose were suppressed.
Following the arrival ofPrincess Buddhakachchana, six of her brothers came to Sri Lanka and settled in different parts of the island. One of the brothers, Rohana, settled in the area betweenKumbukkan Oya andDeeghawapi. His settlement was named Rohana.[3][4]
According to thePali chronicles, Ruhuna was founded around 200 BC by PrinceMahanaga, brother toDevanampiya Tissa of Anuradhapura, after a personal dispute. This region played a vital role in building the nation as well in the establishment ofBuddhist culture.[5]
The kings ofAnuradhapura and theChola 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.[6]
AfterParakramabahu I conquered the kingdom ofRajarata, defeating its kingGajabahu 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.[7]
The area identified with Ruhuna in ancient times is mainly theSouthern Province, a large part of theUva Province and small parts ofSabaragamuwa andEastern Provinces.[5]
| Portrait | Name | Birth | Death | King from | King until | Relationship with predecessor(s) |
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| Mahanaga | - | - | ? | ? | Younger brother ofDevanampiya Tissa | |
| Yatala Tissa | - | - | ? | ? | Son ofMahanaga | |
| Gothabhaya | - | - | ? | 205 BC | Son ofYatala Tissa | |
| Kavan Tissa | - | - | 205 BC | 161 BC | Son ofGothabhaya |
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