SOAS Research Online

Abstract

This thesis is offered as a contribution to the study of the medieval history of Ceylon. In this study an attempt is made to examine the historical developments mainly political in the principal kingdom of Ceylon in the fifteenth century and in the early part of the sixteenth century. The first chapter surveys the original sources which could be utilized for the study of this period. Major part of this chapter is devoted to make an assessment of the historical value of the Rajavaliya. The second chapter deals mainly with the origin of the kingdom of Kotte. The activities of the Alakesvaras and the building of the fortress of Kotte are studied in it. In the same chapter the Chinese invasion and its repurcussions on the development of the kindom are studied. The third and fourth chapters are on the reign of Parakramabahu VI. While an attempt has been made to trace the ancestry of this king the political events that took place in his reign are discussed in detail. The fifth chapter discusses the historical developments that took place in the kingdom of Kotte after the death of Parakraonabahu VI up to the partition of the kingdom in 1521 as a result of the Vijayaba-kollaya. The sixth chapter deals mainly with the foundation of the kingdom of Udarata. The last chapter deals with the Portuguese activities in the Island during the earliest part of their stay in the Island.