King Weera Parakrama Narendrasinghe (1707-1739)

The Last Sinhalese Monarch of Sri Lanka

A Vivid Introduction

The reign of King Weera Parakrama Narendrasinghe (1707-1739) stands as a period marked by both internal strife and cultural transformation. Ascending the throne after the death of his father, King Vimaladharmasuriya II, Narendrasinghe’s rule was characterized by a complex interplay of political intrigue, foreign alliances, and cultural patronage. Known as the “Prince of Kundasale” due to his residence at the Dumbara-Kundasale palace, Narendrasinghe’s reign was a pivotal chapter in the history of the Kandyan Kingdom, setting the stage for its eventual decline and the rise of Nayak influence.

Background and Rise to Prominence

Born into the royal lineage, Weera Parakrama Narendrasinghe was the son of King Vimaladharmasuriya II, a ruler who had established a relatively peaceful and stable reign. Narendrasinghe’s early life was spent in the opulent surroundings of the Kundasale palace, where he was groomed for kingship. However, unlike his father, Narendrasinghe’s personality was marked by a volatile temperament and a penchant for indulgence. His rise to prominence was not without challenges, as the Kandyan court was rife with conspiracies and power struggles.

The Historical Context of His Reign

The Kandyan Kingdom during Narendrasinghe’s reign was a land of contrasts. On one hand, it was a bastion of Sinhalese culture and Buddhism, while on the other, it was a hotbed of political intrigue and foreign influence. The kingdom had a history of fluctuating alliances with European colonial powers, including the Portuguese and the Dutch. These alliances were often fraught with tension and betrayal, as each party sought to expand its influence over the island’s lucrative trade routes and resources.

Key Achievements and Military Campaigns

One of the most notable aspects of Narendrasinghe’s reign was his military campaigns and strategic alliances. Early in his rule, he faced a significant conspiracy orchestrated by some of his own chiefs, who sought to place a rival, Pattiya Bandara, on the throne. With the help of loyalists, including his old friend Daskon, Narendrasinghe quashed the conspiracy and solidified his grip on power. In gratitude, he appointed Daskon as the chief adigar (prime minister) in 1709.

Narendrasinghe’s military endeavors were not limited to internal threats. He also had to navigate the complex dynamics of foreign relations, particularly with the Dutch. During his reign, the Kandyan chiefs requested the Dutch to open ports such as Kalpitiya and Puttalam for trade. When the Dutch refused, Narendrasinghe retaliated by closing the gravets (trade routes) and obstructing the trade of valuable commodities like cinnamon, arecanut, and pepper. This move was a strategic attempt to assert Kandyan sovereignty and economic independence.

Efforts to Restore Cultural Traditions

Despite his reputation for indulgence and a lack of interest in governance, Narendrasinghe made significant contributions to the cultural and religious landscape of the Kandyan Kingdom. Following the tradition of his predecessors, he continued to foster marital alliances with the Nayak dynasty of Madurai, South India. His chief consort was a Nayak princess, a practice that had begun with King Rajasinghe II. These alliances were not merely matrimonial but also served to strengthen political ties and cultural exchange between the two regions.

Narendrasinghe’s reign also saw efforts to restore and enhance religious traditions. He supported the construction and renovation of temples and other religious edifices, thereby reinforcing the kingdom’s Buddhist heritage. However, his later years were marred by personal vices, including addiction to drugs, which led to a decline in his active participation in governance and religious activities.

Strategic Leadership and Internal Strife

Narendrasinghe’s strategic leadership was a double-edged sword. While he managed to navigate the treacherous waters of internal and external politics, his reign was also marked by significant internal strife. The presence of Nayak relatives in the Kandyan court led to a dichotomy among the Kandyan chiefs, causing a loss of loyalty and unity. This internal division weakened the kingdom’s political structure and paved the way for future instability.

The king’s indulgent lifestyle further exacerbated the situation. Spending most of his time at the palace in Hanguranketha, he became increasingly detached from the affairs of the state. This detachment allowed the Kandyan chiefs to consolidate their power and win the hearts of the people, creating an independent power base that would challenge the authority of future kings.

The Legacy

King Weera Parakrama Narendrasinghe’s reign is often viewed through a lens of both admiration and criticism. On one hand, he was a ruler who managed to maintain the kingdom’s sovereignty in the face of external threats and internal conspiracies. On the other hand, his personal vices and the resulting neglect of state affairs contributed to the kingdom’s eventual decline.

One of the most significant aspects of his legacy is the continuation of the Nayak influence in the Kandyan court. With no sons or brothers to succeed him, the throne was passed to the brother of his Nayak queen upon his death in 1739. This marked the end of the Sinhalese lineage of kings and the beginning of Nayak rule in the Kandyan Kingdom.