28 
JOURNAL, R.A.S. (CEYLON). [VOL. XXll 
in triumph, unconscious of any danger. However, he had 
misjudged the wily character of his foe, and nearly paid with 
his life the penalty of his rashness. Arya Chakkravarti had 
placed an ambush of a choice body of his troops called the 
Doluvara to strike down the prince's horse. ^ From the 
histories it would appear that he almost fell into the snare. The 
conqueror of Jaffna was a champion ^of exceeding great size, 
of prodigious strength, of a fine majestic presence, and a clever 
horseman. 2 He extricated himself from the press as much by 
his skill in striking down the foe who crowded round him as 
by his fine horsemanship. " He curvetted his steed with spirit 
and grace," runs the chronicle, " struck the foe in the very 
centre and made the streets of Jaffna run red with blood." ^ 
Arya Chakkravarti fled the realm. ^ His queen and children 
were taken captives to Kotte to deck the triumph of the 
conqueror. 1 In a stanza of the Selalihini Sandisa is reflected 
the prevalent popular feeling of the time, the note of eager 
expectation, and the confident hope of victory with which the 
people awaited his return. 
*' Lo ! Sapumal Kumaraya returns from Jaffna ta'en, 
Leader midst a mighty host that follows in his train, 
Above the snowy chatra spread with many a gem bedight. 
Himself on steed of sable hue, recalls the Sun god's light.* 
^ Rdjdvaliyat loc. cit. 
2 De Couto, Joum., KA.S. (C. B.), vol. XX., p. 69. 
^ ^ 5 eft ttJ^® 05<;®S3<^ ddd" i»i®e) CS 
8533 5* c6 ScqQ <3>i»a@@>a3iO ®c5)2a gas* esao C 
In fierce blaze of majesty that king {i.e., Sapumal Kumaraya) 
always (shone) like the sim, and the fame of his might reached 
even the eighteen States of India. Heedless, unmindful of affairs, Arya 
Chakkravarti, having brought great misery on himself, leaving his 
country fled across the ocean. — Kovul Sandesa, Colombo Museum MS., 
H. 16, p. 51 (reverse). 
* Macready's translation, Selalihini Sandesa, v. 28. 
