Question 1

Who was King Bhuvanaikabahu IV of Sri Lanka?

Accepted Answer

King Bhuvanaikabahu IV was a medieval ruler of Sri Lanka associated with the Gampola Kingdom, which served as the island's royal capital during the 14th and 15th centuries. He was part of a dynasty that bore the Bhuvanaikabahu name across several rulers and eras. His reign was characterised by the continuation of Buddhist patronage and the protection of Sinhalese cultural traditions during a period of political fragmentation.

Question 2

When did King Bhuvanaikabahu IV reign?

Accepted Answer

Bhuvanaikabahu IV is generally associated with the Gampola Kingdom period, which spanned broadly from the mid-14th to the mid-15th century. Precise dates for individual rulers of this era can vary across historical sources, as records from the Gampola period are less complete than those from the earlier Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa kingdoms.

Question 3

What was the Gampola Kingdom?

Accepted Answer

The Gampola Kingdom was a medieval Sri Lankan polity based in the central highlands, in the area of present-day Kandy district. It arose following the decline of Polonnaruwa as a viable capital and preceded the rise of the Kingdom of Kotte. Gampola-era rulers focused on protecting Buddhism, supporting the arts, and maintaining control over the inland territories of the island.

Question 4

How many kings were named Bhuvanaikabahu in Sri Lankan history?

Accepted Answer

Several Sri Lankan kings carried the Bhuvanaikabahu title, making it one of the most repeated royal names in the island's history. At least seven rulers are recorded under this name, spanning multiple kingdoms and centuries. Each Bhuvanaikabahu is distinguished by a numeral (I through VII), with their reigns covering different political capitals and historical contexts.

Question 5

What role did the Tooth Relic play during the Gampola Kingdom?

Accepted Answer

The Tooth Relic of the Buddha was central to royal legitimacy throughout Sri Lankan history, including during the Gampola period. Possession and protection of the relic was seen as conferring the right to rule, and Gampola kings were careful custodians of this tradition. The practice of venerating the Tooth Relic as part of royal ceremony continues today in Kandy's Temple of the Tooth.

Question 6

Where can I learn more about medieval Sri Lankan history when visiting the country?

Accepted Answer

The cities of Kandy and Polonnaruwa are the best starting points for understanding medieval Sri Lankan history. Kandy preserves traditions from the Gampola and later Kandyan eras, while Polonnaruwa showcases the earlier royal civilisation that later kings sought to emulate. The National Museum in Colombo also holds important artefacts and manuscripts from these periods.

Question 7

Is there a literary legacy associated with the Gampola period?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the Gampola period is associated with notable literary activity in classical Sinhala. Court patronage of poetry and prose continued despite political instability, and several important Sinhala literary works are attributed to or connected with this era. This tradition of royal literary patronage reflects the high value placed on culture and education by Gampola-era rulers.