No. 48.— 1897.] 



DAMBADBNIYA. 



25 



In consequence of its ancient importance and renown, a 

 Hatpattu and two Korales are called after it. 



The city of Dambadeniya, or Jambudoni, was founded in 

 1236 A.D. by King Vijaya Bahu III., who was of the lineage 

 of King Sri Sanga Bo. During the usurpation of Magha the 

 country was in a state of disturbance, and Vijaya Bahu, 

 having remained in concealment for some time, gained 

 sovereignty over all the Warmi country ; and having collected 

 an army of Sinhalese went forth and dispersed the Tamils 

 and delivered the beautiful country of Maya from the 

 enemy.* 



And on the highest top of the Jambudoni mountain he built 

 a pleasant city with walls and gates of great beauty ; and the wise and 

 valiant lord of the land dwelt there in ease and comfort, and governed 

 the kingdom.* 



The " Dambadeni Asna" which is a historical account 

 of the ancient city, gives the following descriptive parti- 

 culars :— 



Without the walls [of the temple] were built watch-houses 

 [guard-rooms] and the royal stores. Several tanks were also con- 

 structed, and a rampart was also built round the city, of which the 

 following are the streets : Agampadi Vidiya, "Mercenaries' street;" 

 Parivari Vidiya, " Attendants' street " ; Setti Vidiya, " Merchants' or 

 Chetties' street." The Magistrate, the Military Officers, and other 

 chiefs of the different parts of the city dwelt in it, together with 

 24,000 Sinhalese soldiers paid by the Royal Treasury ; 900 sculptors ; 

 800 potters ; the priesthood with the Sangardja ; 900 elephant-keepers, 

 including the keepers of the state-elephant ; and 890 horsekeepers, 

 who belonged to the city. Exclusive of their houses, there were 

 75,000 houses of the potters and 75,000 wells within the city wall. 



Not a vestige of the city remains. On Maligd-Jcanda, more 



particularly described hereafter, it is said stood the royal 



palace, of which, however, not a trace is to be found. 



The Temples and other Buildings. 

 King Vijaya Bahu built an xArania and called it after his 

 own name — Vijayasundara Ardma — and dedicated it to 

 the priesthood. It is mentioned with due praise in the 



* Mahaivansa, LXXXL, 16 (p. 272). 



