King Rajadhi Rajasinghe (1781-1798)

Poet King

In the annals of Sri Lankan history, the reign of King Rajadhi Rajasinghe stands as a period marked by both cultural revival and political turmoil. Ascending the throne in 1781 after the death of his predecessor, King Keerthi Sri Rajasinghe, Rajadhi Rajasinghe inherited a kingdom that was both culturally rich and politically fragile. Born into the Nayak dynasty, which had established itself through strategic marital alliances with the Sinhalese royalty, Rajadhi Rajasinghe’s rise to prominence was steeped in the complex interplay of power, religion, and diplomacy that characterized the Kandyan Kingdom.

Rise to Prominence

Rajadhi Rajasinghe’s ascent to the throne was not merely a matter of inheritance but also a testament to his ability to navigate the intricate web of court politics. The Nayak dynasty, originally from South India, had gained significant influence in the Kandyan court through marriages with Sinhalese royalty. This blending of cultures and traditions created a unique socio-political landscape in the kingdom. Rajadhi Rajasinghe, well-versed in both Sinhalese and Nayak traditions, was seen as a unifying figure who could bridge the cultural divide and maintain the kingdom’s sovereignty.

Cultural Revival

One of the most notable aspects of King Rajadhi Rajasinghe’s reign was his deep commitment to Buddhism and the cultural heritage of his kingdom. Following in the footsteps of his predecessor, he continued the restoration and construction of Buddhist temples and monasteries. His reign saw the refurbishment of significant religious sites such as the Malwathu Maha Viharaya and the Asgiri Maha Viharaya, which became centers of learning and spiritual practice.

Rajadhi Rajasinghe’s patronage extended beyond mere restoration. He was instrumental in the revival of the annual Esala Perahera, a grand procession that venerates the Sacred Tooth Relic of the Buddha. This event not only reinforced the religious devotion of the people but also served as a powerful symbol of the kingdom’s cultural identity and unity.

The Poet King

King Rajadhi Rajasinghe was not just a patron of the arts; he was an accomplished poet himself. His literary contributions, written in both Sinhala and Tamil, reflect a deep understanding of the cultural and spiritual ethos of his time. His works often explored themes of devotion, morality, and the transient nature of life, resonating with the Buddhist teachings that he so ardently supported.

His court became a hub of intellectual and artistic activity, attracting scholars, poets, and artists from across the region. This cultural renaissance under his reign helped to preserve and enrich the literary and artistic traditions of the Kandyan Kingdom, leaving a lasting legacy that would influence generations to come.

Military Campaigns and Strategic Leadership

While Rajadhi Rajasinghe’s reign is often celebrated for its cultural achievements, it was also a period fraught with diplomatic and military challenges. The Dutch, who had established control over the coastal regions, were a constant threat. The king’s attempts to negotiate the return of these territories were met with resistance, leading to a strained relationship between the Kandyan Kingdom and the Dutch colonial powers.

The geopolitical landscape of the time was dominated by the colonial ambitions of European powers, particularly the Dutch and the British. The French Revolution had far-reaching consequences, including the capture of Holland by the French. Prince William, the ruler of Holland (Dutch), fled to England, and the British seized this opportunity to expand their influence in Sri Lanka.

The British East India Company, leveraging a letter from Prince William (known as the Kew Letter), demanded that the Dutch Governor of Sri Lanka hand over the territory to the British. When the Dutch Governor, Van Anledback, refused, the British launched a series of assaults on the coastal areas. By early 1796, the British had captured key coastal cities, including Trincomalee, Mannar, Jaffna, Kalpitiya, Galle, and Colombo. In February 1796, the Dutch Governor signed a treaty ceding the remaining maritime areas to the British, thus beginning British rule over the coastal regions of Sri Lanka.

Despite these external pressures, Rajadhi Rajasinghe managed to maintain the sovereignty of the Kandyan Kingdom through a combination of diplomacy and strategic alliances. His ability to navigate the complex political landscape of the time was a testament to his leadership and strategic acumen.

Internal Power Struggles and Decline

While Rajadhi Rajasinghe’s efforts to consolidate power and promote Buddhism were notable, his reign was also marked by significant internal strife. The power dynamics within the Kandyan court were complex, with the Sinhalese chiefs and the Nayak factions often at odds. The growing influence of the Nayak dynasty, coupled with the presence of numerous Nayak relatives in the court, created tensions that weakened the central authority.

Rajadhi Rajasinghe had five queens but no children. Among his queens were Alavelu Amma, Upendra Amma, and Renganayahi Amma. The first and third queens were siblings, while the second was their cousin. The first and third queens had seven brothers namely Muththusami, Bangarusami, Kannasami, Appusami, Aiyasami & Ramasami. Upendra amma had a brother named Kondasami alias Gampola Nayakkar and a sister. They had numerous brothers and relatives who lived around Kandy and Gampola, further complicating the power dynamics within the court. The Sinhalese chiefs, feeling increasingly marginalized, were unhappy with the Nayak rule, despite the Nayaks’ efforts to embrace Buddhism and act piously.

As Rajadhi Rajasinghe’s health declined, the question of succession became increasingly contentious. The king intended to pass the throne to Muththusami, one of his queens’ brothers. However, Pilimathalawe Maha Adikaram, a powerful court official, opposed this idea and sought to claim the throne for himself. This led to a series of political maneuvers and alliances, with various factions vying for power.

The End of an Era

While Pilimathalawe Maha Adikaram was making plans to secure the throne, King Rajadhi Rajasinghe died in 1798. His death marked the end of an era and set the stage for further political instability. The internal power struggles and the growing influence of colonial powers foreshadowed the eventual decline of the Kandyan Kingdom.

The Legacy

Rajadhi Rajasinghe’s legacy is a poignant reminder of the complexities of leadership in a time of great change. His contributions to the cultural and religious life of his kingdom continue to be celebrated, while his struggles against external and internal forces offer valuable lessons for future generations. In the rich tapestry of Sri Lankan history, King Rajadhi Rajasinghe’s story stands out as a chapter of both triumph and tribulation. His reign, marked by a deep commitment to cultural and religious revival, as well as the challenges of maintaining sovereignty, provides a fascinating glimpse into the life and times of a king who sought to preserve the heritage and independence of his beloved Kandyan Kingdom.