44
King Subha
Kingdom of Anuradhapura
59 AC - 65 AC
59 AC - 65 AC
King Vijaya
543 BC-505 BC
King Panduvasdeva
504 BC-474 BC
King Abhaya
474 BC-454 BC
King Tissa
454 BC-437 BC
King Pandukabhaya
437 BC-367 BC
King Mutasiva
367 BC-307 BC
King Devanampiya Tissa
307 BC-267 BC
King Uttiya
267 BC-257 BC
King Mahasiva
257 BC-247 BC
King Suratissa
247 BC-237 BC
Sena and Guttika
237 BC-215 BC
King Asela
215 BC-205 BC
King Elara
205 BC-161 BC
King Dutugemunu
161 BC-137 BC
King Saddha Tissa
137 BC-119 BC
King Thulatthana
119 BC-119 BC
King Lajjithissa
119 BC-109 BC
King Khallata Naga
109 BC-103 BC
King Walagamba
89 BC-76 BC
King Pulahaththa
103 BC-100 BC
King Bhahiya
100 BC-98 BC
King Panayamara
98 BC-91 BC
King Piliyamara
91 BC-91 BC
King Dathiya
91 BC-89 BC
King Mahachulikamahathissa
76 BC-62 BC
King Choranaga
62 BC-50 BC
King Kuda Thissa
50 BC-47 BC
King Siva I
47 BC-45 BC
King Vatuka
45 BC-44 BC
King Darubhatika Tissa
44 BC-43 BC
King Neeliya
43 BC-43 BC
Queen Anula
43 BC-42 BC
King Kutikanna Tissa
42 BC-19 BC
King Bhathikabhaya
19 BC-9 AC
King Mahadatika Mahanaga
9 AC-22 AC
King Amandagamani Abhaya
22 AC-31 AC
King Kanirajanu Tissa
31 AC-34 AC
King Chulabhaya
34 AC-35 AC
Queen Seevali
35 AC-35 AC
King Ilanaga
39 AC-44 AC
King Chandra Mukha Siva
44 AC-52 AC
King Yassalalaka Thissa
52 AC-59 AC
King Subha
59 AC-65 AC
King Vasabha
65 AC-109 AC
King Vankanasika Tissa
109 AC-112 AC
King Gajabahu I
112 AC-134 AC
King Mahallaka Naga
134 AC-140 AC
King Bhathika Thissa
140 AC-164 AC
King Kanitta Tissa
164 AC-192 AC
King Kujjanaga
192 AC-194 AC
King Kudda Naga
194 AC-195 AC
King Sirinaga I
195 AC-214 AC
King Voharika Tissa
214 AC-236 AC
King Abhaya Naga
236 AC-244 AC
King Sirinaga II
244 AC-246 AC
King Vijaya Kumara
246 AC-247 AC
King Sangha Tissa I
247 AC-251 AC
King Siri Sangha Bodhi I
251 AC-253 AC
King Gotabhaya
253 AC-266 AC
King Jetta Tissa I
266 AC-276 AC
King Mahasen
276 AC-303 AC
King Kithsirimewan
303 AC-331 AC
King Jetta Tissa II
331 AC-340 AC
King Buddhadasa
340 AC-368 AC
King Upatissa I
368 AC-410 AC
King Mahanama
410 AC-432 AC
King Soththisena
432 AC-432 AC
King Jaththagahaka Janthu
432 AC-433 AC
King Miththasena
432 AC-433 AC
King Pandu
433 AC-438 AC
King Parinda
438 AC-441 AC
King Kuda Parinda
441 AC-456 AC
King Thirithara
456 AC-456 AC
King Datiya II
456 AC-459 AC
King Peetiya
459 AC-459 AC
King Dhathusena
459 AC-477 AC
King Kassapa I
477 AC-495 AC
King Mugalan I
495 AC-512 AC
King Kumaradasa
512 AC-520 AC
King Kiththisena
520 AC-521 AC
King Siva II
521 AC-521 AC
King Upatissa II
521 AC-522 AC
King Silakala
522 AC-535 AC
King Datappabhuthi
535 AC-535 AC
King Mugalan II
535 AC-555 AC
King Kiththisirimegha
555 AC-573 AC
King Mahanaga
573 AC-575 AC
King Aggabodhi I
575 AC-608 AC
King Aggabodhi II
608 AC-618 AC
King Sangha Tissa II
618 AC-618 AC
King Mugalan III
618 AC-623 AC
King Silameghavanna
623 AC-632 AC
King Aggabodhi III
633 AC-643 AC
King Jetta Tissa III
633 AC-633 AC
King Datopathissa i
643 AC-650 AC
King Kassapa II
650 AC-659 AC
King Dappula I
659 AC-659 AC
King Datopathissa II
659 AC-667 AC
King Aggabodhi IV
667 AC-683 AC
King Daththa
683 AC-684 AC
King Haththadata
684 AC-684 AC
King Manavamma
684 AC-718 AC
King Aggabodhi V
718 AC-724 AC
King Kassapa III
724 AC-730 AC
King Mahinda I
730 AC-733 AC
King Aggabodhi VI
733 AC-772 AC
King Aggabodhi VII
772 AC-777 AC
King Mahinda II
777 AC-797 AC
King Udaya I
797 AC-801 AC
King Mahinda III
801 AC-804 AC
King Aggabodhi VIII
804 AC-815 AC
King Dappula II
815 AC-831 AC
King Aggabodhi IX
831 AC-833 AC
King Sena I
833 AC-853 AC
King Sena II
853 AC-887 AC
King Udaya II
887 AC-898 AC
King Kassapa IV
898 AC-914 AC
King Kassapa V
914 AC-923 AC
King Dappula III
923 AC-923 AC
King Dappula IV
923 AC-935 AC
King Udaya III
935 AC-938 AC
King Sena III
938 AC-946 AC
King Udaya IV
946 AC-954 AC
King Sena IV
954 AC-956 AC
King Mahinda IV
956 AC-972 AC
King Sena V
972 AC-982 AC
King Mahinda V
982 AC-1017 AC
Rajendra Chola I
1017 AC-1044 AC
Rajadhiraja Chola
1044 AC-1054 AC
Rajendra Chola II
1052 AC-1064 AC
Virarajendra Chola
1064 AC-1070 AC
Athirajendra Chola
1070 AC-1070 AC
King Wickramabahu I
1029 AC-1040 AC
King General Keerthi
1040 AC-1040 AC
King Mahalana Kiththi
1040 AC-1042 AC
King Wickrama Pandu
1042 AC-1043 AC
King Jagathpala
1043 AC-1046 AC
King Parakrama Pandu
1046 AC-1048 AC
King Lokissara
1048 AC-1054 AC
King Kesadhathu
1054 AC-1055 AC
King Vijayabahu I
1055 AC-1110 AC
King Jayabahu I
1110 AC-1111 AC
King Wickramabahu II
1111 AC-1132 AC
King Gajabahu II
1032 AC-1053 AC
King Parakramabahu I
1053 AC-1086 AC
King Vijayabahu II
1186 AC-1187 AC
King Mahinda VI
1187 AC-1187 AC
King Nissanka Malla
1187 AC-1196 AC
King Weerabahu I
1196 AC-1196 AC
King Wickramabahu III
1196 AC-1196 AC
King Chodaganga
1196 AC-1197 AC
Queen Leelawathie
1197 AC-1200 AC
King Sahasamalla
1200 AC-1202 AC
Queen Kalyanawathie
1202 AC-1208 AC
King Dharmasoka
1208 AC-1209 AC
King Anikanga
1209 AC-1209 AC
King Lokissara ii
1210 AC-1211 AC
King Parakrama Pandu II
1212 AC-1215 AC
King Kalinga Magha
1215 AC-1255 AC
King Vijayabahu III
1232 AC-1236 AC
King Parakramabahu II
1236 AC-1272 AC
King Vijayabahu IV
1272 AC-1274 AC
King Buvanekabahu I
1274 AC-1286 AC
King Parakramabahu III
1287 AC-1293 AC
King Buvanekabahu II
1293 AC-1302 AC
King Parakramabahu IV
1302 AC-1326 AC
-208.jpg)
King Buvanekabahu III (Vanni B
1326 AC-1335 AC
King Vijayabahu V
1335 AC-1341 AC
King Buvanekabahu IV
1341 AC-1359 AC
King Parakramabahu V
1344 AC-1359 AC
King Wickramabahu IV
1359 AC-1371 AC
King Buvanekabahu V
1371 AC-1407 AC
-544.jpg)
King Kumara Alakeshwara (Alake
1391 AC-1391 AC
King Weera Alakesvara
1397 AC-1411 AC
King Weerabahu II
1391 AC-1397 AC
King Parakramabahu Epa
1410 AC-1415 AC
King Parakramabahu VI
1415 AC-1467 AC
King Jayabahu II
1468 AC-1470 AC
King Buvanekabahu VI
1470 AC-1478 AC
King Panditha Parakramabahu VI
1478 AC-1484 AC
King Weera Parakramabahu VIII
1484 AC-1508 AC
King Darma Parakramabahu IX
1508 AC-1513 AC
King Vijayabahu VI
1513 AC-1521 AC
King Buvanekabahu VII
1521 AC-1551 AC
King Don Juwan Dharmapala
1551 AC-1597 AC
King Mayadunne
1551 AC-1581 AC
King Rajasinha I
1581 AC-1593 AC
King Rajasooriya
1593 AC-1593 AC
King Nikapitiye Bandara
1593 AC-1593 AC
King Wimaladharmasuriya I
1591 AC-1604 AC
King Senarat
1604 AC-1635 AC
King Rajasinha II
1635 AC-1687 AC
King Wimaladharmasuriya II
1687 AC-1707 AC
King Sri Weera Parakrama Naren
1707 AC-1739 AC
King Sri Wijaya Rajasingha
1739 AC-1747 AC
King Keerthi Sri Rajasingha
1747 AC-1782 AC
King Rajadhi Rajasinha
1782 AC-1798 AC
King Sri Wikrama Rajasinha
1798 AC-1815 AC
Pedro Lopes de Sousa
1594 AC-1594 AC
Joao da Silveira
1518 AC-1518 AC
Lopo de Brito
1518 AC-1522 AC
Fernao Gomes de Lemos
1522 AC-1524 AC
Joao Henriques
1551 AC-1552 AC
Diogo de Melo Coutinho
1552 AC-1552 AC
Duarte de Eca
1552 AC-1553 AC
Fernao Carvalho
1553 AC-1555 AC
Willem Jacobszoon Coster
1640 AC-1640 AC
Jan Thyszoon Payart
1640 AC-1646 AC
Taking full advantage of King Yasalalakatissa’s jest, Subha, who was a gatekeeper, killed the king and ascended the throne. Very little information about him is available in the main historical sources. However, certain terms used in these texts help us to understand who he was.
In the Mahavamsa, Subha is described with two words — Dovārika and Balattha. The first term, Dovārika, literally means “gatekeeper,” but it does not necessarily refer to a mere guard. In ancient Anuradhapura, this was a powerful position, similar to that of a Vahalkada Nilame in later times — a royal official with high authority. The second term, Balattha, means “one associated with power” or “a man of influence.”
In fact, when King Dutugemunu was building the Ruwanweliseya, it was a Balattha who was assigned the task of identifying the monk who had secretly laid the first brick. Therefore, the title referred to a trusted royal officer. It seems that Subha, too, had been a close and trusted subordinate of King Yasalalakatissa, and when the opportunity arose, he used it to his advantage.
The only mention of Subha’s ancestry in the Mahavamsa states that he was the son of Daththa the gatekeeper (Dovārika Daththa). Nothing further is known about Daththa from literary sources. However, inscriptions provide valuable evidence.
Several rock inscriptions discovered at Kaduruwewa Vihara in the North Western Province mention a person named Datha (or Daththa), who served under a king named Mahanaka as Amathi (minister) and Mahadovārika (chief gatekeeper). Scholars believe that this King Mahanaka could be either King Mahadatika Mahanaga or King Ilanaga, though that is not crucial here.
From these inscriptions, it becomes clear that Daththa’s family held high-ranking royal offices for at least four generations, indicating a powerful and well-established lineage. The earliest known ancestor, Vahiti, was a chief minister. His son, Tissa, was a nobleman (Radala). His son, Vahitimada, was again a minister, and his son Tissa held the titles of Kanapedi (record keeper) and Amathi (minister). The next in line was Datha (Daththa) himself. The genealogy after Daththa is not recorded.
From these records, it is evident that Daththa’s family was both influential and wealthy. The inscriptions mentioning his donation of tanks and lands also show that he was a man of great wealth. Moreover, the name Vahiti, found at the beginning of the lineage, suggests Brahmin origins. It is well known that many Brahmins in ancient Lanka held high government positions.
Based on the script style of the Kaduruwewa inscriptions, scholars conclude that Daththa the gatekeeper mentioned in the Mahavamsa is likely the same Datha mentioned in these inscriptions, and that Subha was his son. Thus, Subha would have been of Brahmin descent.
Historical and inscriptional evidence indicates that Brahmins had been settled in Sri Lanka long before the arrival of Buddhism. After the introduction of Buddhism, many of them became lay followers (Upāsakas) of the Buddha. However, some Brahmins may not have been supportive of the spread of Buddhism. Historical records show that certain Brahmins even attempted to seize political power in Sri Lanka — as seen in the Brahmana Tissa Rebellion during the reign of King Valagamba.
In this light, it is not implausible to think that Subha, too, may have taken advantage of a situation to kill King Yasalalakatissa and attempted to establish a Brahmin royal dynasty in Lanka.
The Mahavamsa also records that King Subha constructed several monasteries. Among them was the Subharama — a beautiful monastic complex at the Mahavihara — said to have been built by him. He also founded the Valli Vihara near Urulewella. Archaeological and inscriptional evidence suggests that the site known today as Valiwehera in the Ponparippu area of the present Puttalam District corresponds to this Valli Vihara. These inscriptions confirm that Subha’s royal authority was recognized in those regions.
Another monastery attributed to him was the Ekadvarika Vihara (Monastery of the Single Gateway). Inscriptions refer to two such monasteries. One is believed to have been located near the village of Galenbindunuwewa in the North Central Province, known today as Veheragala. An inscription found there records that King Saba (Subha) constructed an Uposathaghara (ordination hall) in the Ekadvarika Monastery and donated a pond named Upaladoni for the use of the monks. Another inscription from Kainattama mentions that the king also offered a reservoir to the monks.
From these inscriptions, historians have confirmed that the “Saba Raja” mentioned is indeed King Subha of the Mahavamsa. The fact that inscriptions corroborate the chronicle’s account greatly enhances the credibility of the Mahavamsa.
Another monastery built by the king was the Nandigama Vihara, located near a river, though its exact site remains unidentified. The Mahavamsa Tika (commentary) mentions that it was situated near the Kacchaka River, which is thought to be a tributary of the Mahaweli Ganga.
The chronicles also state that King Subha had a daughter. Because astrologers predicted that her son would one day become a great ruler, the king placed her in the care of a mason (referred to as Itthakavaddhaki or Uluvaddu for protection). Her name was Mahametta (or Mahamatta). A rock inscription at Wilewewa confirms details concerning this princess.
Although not mentioned in the chronicles, inscriptions reveal that King Subha also had a son named Tissa Maharaja. A rock inscription at Muwangala in the Ampara District records an offering made to the Muwangala Vihara by this prince, identified as the son of King Subha. It seems that after Subha’s death, Tissa temporarily ruled as the Maharaja of Ruhuna, though not for long.
King Subha’s reign lasted six years, and inscriptions indicate that his authority was recognized throughout the island.
As we have seen, if King Subha indeed tried to establish a Brahmin royal lineage, it was short-lived. His successors soon disappeared from history. Nevertheless, King Subha remains remembered as the man who ended the first Mauryan line of rulers in Sri Lanka — a dynasty that began with King Pandukabhaya and ended with the assassination of King Yasalalakatissa.