King Dhatusena was one of the most important kings of the Anuradhapura Kingdom. He ruled from 455 to 473 CE.
He is best known for building the great Kala Wewa tank, which helped farmers grow more food and supported thousands of people.
He also improved the irrigation system by starting the Yodha Ela canal, which carried water from Kala Wewa to Anuradhapura.
Dhatusena strengthened Buddhism in Sri Lanka and built temples and monasteries to support monks.
He was known as a fair and wise ruler who wanted to develop the country through water management and strong leadership.
However, his life ended sadly. His own son, King Kashyapa, took the throne by force and imprisoned Dhatusena.
Even though Dhatusena faced a tragic ending, his great works—especially his irrigation projects—are still remembered today.
King Dhatusena is important for students because he taught the value of water, unity, and good leadership.
King Dhatusena Quiz
Welcome to the King Dhatusena Quiz! This quiz will help you check your knowledge about one of the most famous kings of ancient Sri Lanka. Read each question carefully and choose the correct answer. This quiz is simple and perfect for students.
Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. King Dhatusena ruled during which kingdom?
A. Kandy
B. Polonnaruwa
C. Anuradhapura
D. Jaffna
Answer: C
2. When did King Dhatusena rule?
A. 200–250 CE
B. 800–900 CE
C. 455–473 CE
D. 100–150 CE
Answer: C
3. What is King Dhatusena most famous for?
A. Building Sigiriya
B. Building Kala Wewa
C. Building Parakrama Samudra
D. Building Dambulla
Answer: B
4. Kala Wewa is a:
A. Temple
B. Rock fortress
C. Lake (tank)
D. Palace
Answer: C
5. Dhatusena started which canal?
A. Yodha Ela
B. Dutch Canal
C. Mahaweli Ela
D. Kotte Ela
Answer: A
6. What did his irrigation projects help?
A. Army training
B. Farming and water supply
C. Building caves
D. Making weapons
Answer: B
7. Who took the throne from Dhatusena?
A. Parakramabahu
B. Nissanka Malla
C. Kashyapa
D. Vijayabahu
Answer: C
8. King Dhatusena supported:
A. Buddhism
B. Hinduism
C. Christianity
D. Islam
Answer: A
9. Dhatusena is remembered mainly for:
A. Art and dance
B. Irrigation and engineering
C. Ship building
D. Writing books
Answer: B
10. What quality is Dhatusena known for?
A. Anger
B. Weak leadership
C. Fairness and wisdom
D. Laziness
Answer: C
11. Which king built Sigiriya?
A. Dhatusena
B. Kashyapa
C. Mahasen
D. Dutugemunu
Answer: B
12. Where does water from Kala Wewa flow through?
A. Mahaweli River
B. Yodha Ela
C. Horton Plains
D. Sea canal
Answer: B
13. Dhatusena built irrigation works mainly for:
A. Soldiers
B. Traders
C. Farmers
D. Artists
Answer: C
14. How did Dhatusena’s rule end?
A. He retired peacefully
B. He travelled abroad
C. He was imprisoned by his son
D. He left the kingdom
Answer: C
15. What value did Dhatusena teach?
A. Wasting resources
B. Water is important
C. Fighting is necessary
D. Kings need no responsibility
Answer: B
16. What did Dhatusena improve besides irrigation?
A. Trade routes
B. Temples and monasteries
C. Forts
D. Ships
Answer: B
17. Dhatusena ruled for how many years?
A. About 5 years
B. About 18 years
C. About 50 years
D. About 2 years
Answer: B
18. Kashyapa later built:
A. Dambulla
B. Sigiriya
C. Anuradhapura
D. Polonnaruwa
Answer: B
19. Dhatusena’s work still helps people today because:
A. Kala Wewa still stores water
B. He built new cities
C. He built railways
D. He wrote books
Answer: A
20. Why is King Dhatusena important to study?
A. He conquered other countries
B. He taught leadership and water management
C. He built markets
D. He created new languages
Answer: B