Establishment of Polonnaruwa Kingdom by King Vijayabahu I

Vijayabahu I staged a crucial campaign to reclaim and consolidate the fractured regions of Sri Lanka. The turmoil had spread after several invasions and internal strife, which weakened the centralized authority. Vijayabahu, originally from Ruhuna, gradually gathered a force capable of challenging the dominant Chola dynasty's presence in the north and central regions of the island. Vijayabahu's significant military strategy involved coordinated guerrilla warfare leading to extended periods of skirmishes that ultimately exhausted the Chola forces. Leveraging both his knowledge of local geography and the support of regional nobles who favored self-rule over foreign domination, he created military and political alliances that were instrumental in his campaign's success. Upon achieving military victory, he relocated the center of power from the ancient capital Anuradhapura to Polonnaruwa. The shift to Polonnaruwa was strategic, as it offered more security and was better positioned for both administrative coordination and defense. This transition marked the commencement of the Polonnaruwa Kingdom, which opened a new chapter in Sri Lankan history. The establishment of the Polonnaruwa Kingdom under Vijayabahu I's reign brought about a period of reconstruction and revival. Religious and cultural rejuvenation was prioritized, with significant contributions made toward restoring Buddhist temples and monastic establishments that had suffered during periods of conflict. The infrastructure developments enhanced agricultural productivity, which in turn promoted economic stability. Vijayabahu’s governance introduced administrative reforms that streamlined governance and taxation. These reforms laid the groundwork for a more cohesive and unified dominion that would last beyond his reign, facilitating an era of relative peace and prosperity. The impact of Vijayabahu I’s founding of the Polonnaruwa Kingdom is evident in the socio-political transformation of Sri Lanka. This era set precedents for future leadership and governance models in the island nation. #PolonnaruwaKingdom #VijayabahuI #SriLanka #MoofLife