King Sri Vijaya Rajasinghe (1739-1747)

Introduction: A New Dawn in the Kandyan Kingdom

In the annals of Sri Lankan history, the reign of King Sri Vijaya Rajasinghe (1739-1747) marks a significant turning point. Ascending the throne after the death of King Weera Parakrama Narendrasinghe, Sri Vijaya Rajasinghe’s rule heralded the beginning of the Nayak dynasty, a period characterized by both cultural revival and political turbulence. Born into a time of shifting allegiances and external threats, his rise to prominence was shaped by the intricate dynamics of the Kandyan court and the broader geopolitical landscape of the island.

Background and Rise to Prominence

Sri Vijaya Rajasinghe was not of Sinhalese origin but hailed from the Nayak dynasty of South India. His ascension to the throne was facilitated by the prevailing custom of the time, which allowed the brother of the queen to inherit the throne in the absence of a direct male heir. This practice was a testament to the deep-rooted marital alliances between the Kandyan kings and the Nayak princesses of Madurai, a tradition initiated by King Rajasinghe II.

Upon the death of King Weera Parakrama Narendrasinghe, who left no sons or brothers to succeed him, the throne was passed to Sri Vijaya Rajasinghe, the brother of the king’s chief consort. This transition marked the end of the Sinhalese lineage of kings and the beginning of the Nayak dynasty, a period that would see significant changes in the political and cultural landscape of the Kandyan Kingdom.

The Historical Context of His Reign

The early 18th century was a tumultuous period for the Kandyan Kingdom. The Portuguese and Dutch colonial powers had long vied for control over the island’s lucrative trade routes and resources, particularly cinnamon. The Kandyan kings had skillfully navigated these external threats through strategic alliances and military campaigns. However, the internal dynamics of the kingdom were equally complex, with power struggles among the Sinhalese chiefs and the growing influence of the Nayak relatives of the queens.

Sri Vijaya Rajasinghe’s reign began against this backdrop of external threats and internal discord. His primary challenge was to consolidate his power and maintain the delicate balance between the Sinhalese chiefs and the Nayak factions within the court.

Achievements and Strategic Leadership

Sri Vijaya Rajasinghe’s reign was characterized by several key achievements and strategic leadership decisions that shaped the Kandyan Kingdom during his time. One of his initial acts as king was to fortify his connections with the Sinhalese royal lineage and local chiefs. By offering them various posts and gifting lands, he aimed to secure their loyalty and support. This strategic move helped create a semblance of unity within the court, although underlying tensions persisted.

A devout Buddhist, Sri Vijaya Rajasinghe made significant efforts to restore and promote Buddhist practices and traditions. He appointed the venerable Velivita Saranankara Thero as the ‘Rajaguru’ (royal preceptor) and sought to revive the higher ordination of monks, which had declined over the years. Despite his attempts to send messengers to Siam (Thailand) and Jegu (Burma) to restore higher ordination, these efforts were ultimately unsuccessful. Nevertheless, his commitment to Buddhism endeared him to the Buddhist populace of Udarata (the Kandyan Kingdom).

During his reign, Sri Vijaya Rajasinghe faced challenges from Catholic priests who had fled to Udarata to escape Dutch persecution. These priests wrote books criticizing Buddhism, leading to significant unrest. In response, the king held a trial, destroyed the books, and banished the priests from the kingdom. This decisive action further solidified his support among the Buddhist majority.

Sri Vijaya Rajasinghe’s reign was also marked by ongoing tensions with the Dutch, who had established control over the coastal regions of the island. 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. Despite these challenges, Sri Vijaya Rajasinghe managed to maintain the sovereignty of the Kandyan Kingdom through a combination of diplomacy and strategic alliances.

While his efforts to consolidate power and promote Buddhism were notable, Sri Vijaya Rajasinghe’s reign was also marked by significant internal strife. The power of the Sinhalese chiefs in the Kandyan court grew, leading to disputes between the Sinhalese and Nayak factions. These internal conflicts weakened the central authority and eroded the loyalty of the Sinhalese people to the Nayak rulers.

The Legacy

Sri Vijaya Rajasinghe’s reign came to an end with his death in 1747, leaving the Kandyan throne heirless. His death marked the beginning of a period of decline for the Kandyan Kingdom, as the internal power struggles and external threats continued to erode its stability.

Historians argue that the Nayak dynasty, which began with Sri Vijaya Rajasinghe, ultimately contributed to the decline of the Kandyan Kingdom. The increasing influence of the Nayak relatives and the resulting power struggles with the Sinhalese chiefs weakened the kingdom’s political structure. This loss of internal cohesion, combined with the ongoing external threats from colonial powers, set the stage for the eventual fall of the Kandyan Kingdom in the latter part of the 18th century.