King Vimaladharmasuriya I – Alias, Konappu Bandara (1592-1604)

The Rise of a Warrior King

It was during a time of great turmoil and foreign encroachment that a young nobleman named Konappu Bandara emerged as a pivotal figure in the island’s history. Born into a period marked by the aggressive expansion of Portuguese colonial forces, Konappu Bandara’s journey from a fugitive to a revered monarch is a tale of resilience, strategic brilliance, and unwavering dedication to his homeland.

Konappu Bandara, later known as Vimaladharmasuriya I, was son of Virasundara (Weerasundara) Mudali, a noble family of the Kandyan Kingdom. His early life was shaped by the political upheavals and power struggles that characterized the late 16th century. The Portuguese, having established a foothold in coastal regions, were determined to extend their influence into the heart of the island. Amidst this backdrop, Konappu Bandara’s family faced persecution, leading him to seek refuge with the very adversaries who sought to dominate his homeland.

The Path to Power

Konappu Bandara’s time with the Portuguese was a period of both survival and learning. He adopted the name Don Juan and immersed himself in their language, customs, and military strategies. This period of exile, however, was not one of submission but of preparation. Armed with a deep understanding of his enemy, Konappu Bandara returned to Kandy with a singular purpose: to reclaim his kingdom and restore its independence.

In 1592, seizing a moment of opportunity, Konappu Bandara orchestrated a daring coup. He overthrew Don Phillip, a puppet ruler installed by the Portuguese, and ascended to the throne as Vimaladharmasuriya I. His coronation marked the beginning of a new era for the Kandyan Kingdom, one defined by fierce resistance against foreign domination and a revival of Sinhalese cultural and religious traditions.

His rise to power was not without its challenges. King Sitavaka Rajasinghe, a formidable ruler, sent a detachment to Kandy to quell Vimaladharmasuriya’s claim to the throne. The two forces clashed at Ganethenna, where Vimaladharmasuriya’s strategic acumen and military prowess led to a decisive victory. This triumph solidified his position as the ruler of Kandy.

Shortly after this victory, King Rajasinghe I died in 1593 at Pethangoda. The power vacuum left by his death allowed the Portuguese to invade the territories under the Kotte and Sitavaka Kingdoms. Amidst this chaos, Kandy emerged as the sole independent kingdom in Sri Lanka, a status it would maintain for over two centuries.

The Warrior King

Vimaladharmasuriya I’s reign was characterized by a series of strategic military campaigns aimed at repelling Portuguese incursions and consolidating his power. In 1594, the Portuguese, under the command of Pero Lopez de Souza, launched an expedition to Kandy. They managed to place Kusumasana Devi, also known as Dona Catherina, the daughter of Karalliyadde Bandara, on the throne. However, the Sinhalese in Kandy quickly realized that the Portuguese intended to control the hill country through Kusumasana Devi. Rallying around Vimaladharmasuriya, they prepared for a fierce confrontation.

Vimaladharmasuriya, who had lived among the Portuguese and was well-versed in their language, customs, and war strategies, led his forces into the Battle of Danture. The battle was intense, but Vimaladharmasuriya’s intimate knowledge of Portuguese tactics proved invaluable. The Kandyan forces massacred the Portuguese army, and Vimaladharmasuriya regained the throne. To secure his position and ensure the legitimacy of his rule, he married Kusumasana Devi, the legal heiress to the throne.

A Patron of Culture and Religion

Beyond his military prowess, Vimaladharmasuriya I was a visionary leader who recognized the importance of cultural and religious revival in strengthening the kingdom’s identity. He undertook the restoration of key Buddhist temples, including the Lankathilaka and Gadaladeniya temples, which had suffered neglect during the years of conflict. His efforts to revive higher ordination by inviting monks from Burma (Myanmar) underscored his commitment to preserving and promoting Buddhism, the spiritual bedrock of the Sinhalese people.

One of Vimaladharmasuriya’s most enduring legacies was his custodianship of the sacred tooth relic, a revered symbol of Sinhalese kingship. Recognizing its significance, he constructed a two-storied chamber in Kandy to house the relic, ensuring its protection and veneration. This act not only reinforced his legitimacy as the rightful ruler but also strengthened the spiritual and cultural cohesion of the kingdom.

The Strategist and Statesman

Vimaladharmasuriya I’s leadership extended beyond the battlefield and the temple. He was a shrewd statesman who understood the importance of alliances and diplomacy. To bolster the kingdom’s defenses against future Portuguese threats, he hired an army from Madurai in South India and developed the iron industry in Kothmale and Valapane to produce weapons. His efforts to establish diplomatic relations with the Dutch, who were emerging as a rival colonial power, demonstrated his foresight and strategic acumen.

Challenges and Triumphs

Vimaladharmasuriya’s reign was not without its challenges. The constant threat of Portuguese aggression required vigilance and resilience. The expedition led by Portuguese Captain Don Jerenimo de Azevedo in 1602 was a formidable test of his leadership. However, Vimaladharmasuriya’s strategic brilliance and the unwavering support of his people ensured that the invaders were repelled, further solidifying his reputation as a formidable warrior king.

Legacy of a Resilient Monarch

Vimaladharmasuriya I’s reign came to an end in 1604, but his legacy endured long after his passing. He had laid the foundation for a resilient and independent Kandyan Kingdom, one that would continue to resist foreign domination for over two centuries. His efforts to revive and protect Sinhalese culture, religion, and sovereignty left an indelible mark on the history of Sri Lanka.

In the annals of the Kandyan Kingdom, Vimaladharmasuriya I is remembered as a warrior king, a patron of culture, and a visionary leader. His life and reign exemplify the spirit of resilience and determination that defined the Kandyan people. Through his strategic brilliance, cultural revival, and unwavering commitment to his homeland, Vimaladharmasuriya I secured his place as one of the most revered and significant figures in the history of the Kandyan Kingdom.