Thammanna Nuwara
Upatissa Nuwara
Anuradhapura
Anuradhapura Chola
Ruhuna
Polonnaruwa
Dambadeniya
Yapahuwa
Kurunegala
Gampola
Kotte
Sitawaka
Kandy
Portuguese
Dutch
British
Monarch of Ceylon
188
King Rajasinha II
Kingdom of Kandy
1635 AC - 1687 AC

After the death of King Senarat, his son Prince Rajasinghe ascended the throne of the Kandyan Kingdom. He is identified as Rajasinghe II.

He is regarded as a ruler who, like his father, dedicated his entire reign to protecting the motherland from foreign powers.


Conflicts with the Portuguese and Dutch

Although he initially succeeded in expelling the Portuguese with the assistance of the Dutch, relations with the Dutch soon deteriorated. This was mainly due to violations of the agreements made in 1638 CE between Rajasinghe II and the Dutch.

As a result, the kingdom became engaged in prolonged conflicts with the Dutch as well.


Attempts at Foreign Alliances

Despite these diplomatic efforts, none of the European alliances provided lasting support, as each power was eventually outmaneuvered by the Dutch.


Political Consequences and Royal Marriage Policy

The king married a principal queen from the Nayakkar dynasty of the Malabar region. Historians often view this as an important step that contributed to the later transformation of the Kandyan royal succession system.

At the same time, continuous warfare during his reign meant that internal development and administrative reforms received comparatively less attention in historical records.


Death of Rajasinghe II

King Rajasinghe II ruled throughout a turbulent period marked by constant foreign threats and shifting alliances. He died in 1687 CE, after a long reign dedicated largely to military resistance and diplomacy against European colonial powers.


Isura Wickramarachchi
Mahawansa Pradeepikawa

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