THE ROYAL CITY OF YAPAHUWA

THE ROYAL CITY OF YAPAHUWA

Another Rock Fortress

Rock Fortress

The history of Yapahuwa goes back to the pre-historic period , but due to the lack of evidence, details cannot be discussed about the past. The first information about Yapahuwa is recorded during the period of Kalinga-Maga when invasions occurred in the 13th century, by a military chief called Subha, who had found this 450 feet high natural rock. He had built a city on the top of the rock, as a secured location.

The subsequent information about Yapahuwa is available for the period of reign of Vijayabahu 1V (1270-1272 AD.) who made the seat of during his administration in Dambadeniya. Vijayabahu during his short reign of two years,constructed a Palace there in and an outer wall around the city. His life ended in a tragedy and Buwanekabahu 1 became the King of Dambadeniya in 1272 AD
He reigned for a period of about twelve years. After serving couple of years at Dambadeniya he moved to Yapahuwa ‌ 1284 AD.

According to the different sources of history, Yapahuwa had been the capital of Sri Lanka for a short period, during latter part of the reign of Parakramabhahu III from Dambadeniya. These two kingdoms had been two contemporary kingdoms or Yapahuwa had been either a sub-kingdom of Dambadeniya or and alternative place of security for the kings of Dambadeniya.

The largest collection of Chinese coins in the island was found at Yapahuwa, which proves that king Buwanekabahu I had a strong relationship with the Chinese Emperor.After the death his son succeeded to the throne as Parakramabahu III.However documentary evidence shows that,parakramabahu had succeeded to the throne.