Dharmapala of Kotte
Dharmapala or Dom João Dharmapala Peria Bandara (1541 – May 27, 1597) was last king of the Kingdom of Kotte, in present-day Sri Lanka, from 1551 until May 27, 1597. He is also known as Dom João Dharmapala, the first Christian king in Sri Lankan history.[1][2] He is widely known as the last true King and ruler of the capital city Kotte; under Portuguese military occupation, he attempt to reorganise his military and pursue a treaty with the Portuguese to save the Sinhalese Kingdom.
| Dharmapala of Sri Lanka | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| King of Kotte | |||||
| Reign | 1551 – May 27, 1597 | ||||
| Predecessor | Bhuvanekabahu VII | ||||
| Successor | Mayadunne | ||||
| Born | 1541 Royal Palace, Kotte | ||||
| Died | May 27, 1597 (aged 55/56) Portuguese Fort, Colombo | ||||
| Consort | Dona Catarina Dona Margarida Dona Isabel | ||||
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| House | House of Siri Sanga Bo | ||||
| Dynasty | Kingdom of Kotte | ||||
| Father | Lord Veediya Bandara | ||||
| Mother | Crown Princess Samudra Devi | ||||
| Religion | Roman Catholicism prev. Theravada Buddhism | ||||
| Signature |  | ||||
BirthEdit
Dom João Dharmapala was born as the eldest child of Weediye Bandara, a Prince from Madampe and his wife Samudra Devi, daughter of King Bhuvanekabãhu VII the King of Kotte. His exact date of birth is unknown, but the year is commonly regarded as 1541. A golden statue was sent to Portugal to be crowned by the Portuguese. It was sent by his predecessor King Buwanekabahu VII.
King Dharmapala's decedents include the Goonewardene & Rodrigo family's of Kalutara who are of Karava cast.
See alsoEdit
ReferencesEdit
- ^ Fernando, Mario (2007). Spiritual Leadership in the Entrepreneurial Business: A Multifaith Study. Edward Elgar Publishing. ISBN 9781847208613. Retrieved 26 February 2015.
- ^ "Portuguese encounter with King of Kotte in 1517". Denis N. Fernando. Retrieved 15 October 2015.
External linksEdit
- Kings & Rulers of Sri Lanka
- Codrington's Short History of Ceylon
- Dona Catherina: the last empress of Lanka
- Repression of Buddhism in Sri Lanka by the Portuguese (1505 - 1658)
Dharmapala of Kotte Born: ? ? Died: May 27 1597
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| Regnal titles | ||
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| Preceded by Bhuvanekabahu VII |
King of Kotte – |
Succeeded by Mayadunne |
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