Mahinda II of Anuradhapura
| Mahinda II | |
|---|---|
| King of Anuradhapura | |
| Reign | 787 - 807 |
| Predecessor | Aggabodhi VII |
| Successor | Dappula II |
| Spouse | Sangha |
| Issue | Dappula II |
| Dynasty | House of Lambakanna II |
Mahinda II (aka Silamegha) was King of Anuradhapura in the 9th century, whose reign lasted from 787 to 807. He succeeded Aggabodhi VII as King of Anuradhapura and was succeeded by his son Dappula II. His father was King Aggabodhi VI.
On the death of King Aggabodhi VII, he arrived in Anuradhapura from Mahathiththa to find disorder in the capital. He reassured his king's widow, Sangha, that she could reign and that he would rule in her name. He was ruling as the sub-king when the chieftains and landlords of the northern regions withheld their royal dues. He attacked them and subdued them.
Queen Sangha was then provoked by some of the chieftains to try to murder Yuva Raja (Sub-King) Mahinda. He defeated the Queen's forces and took the Queen prisoner and crowned himself as King Mahinda II.
His cousin, Dappula, raised the banner of the rebellion from Ruhuna and advanced as far as Kala wewa and Sangha gama, Mahinda II advanced with the Queen and defeated Dappula. He could not exploit his victory because news reached him of the northern chieftains seizing Anuradhapura. However, he was able to retake the Anuradhapura and ruled peacefully for a few years.
Dappula used these years to rearm himself and gather another force with two other cousins attacked Malaya Rata and captured it. Gathering more forces he surrounded the capital. The noise of his army was so great it was said that "heavens were like to rend asunder". King Mahinda II took counsel with his ministers and generals (senapathis) who declared that "what advantage to the king would be of maintaining in great pomp if they were to draw back at the hour of his (King's) need". Heartened by this, the king assembled his army and led it to victory once more. Dappula's two cousins were arrested, Dappula himself managed to escape to Ruhuna.
The northern and eastern areas of the country was then subjugated with many inhabitants of those regions inducted into the army. He reigned supreme for a few more years and married the captive Queen Sangha. She bore him a son named Dappula.
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