King Parakramabahu I was one of the greatest kings in Sri Lankan history. He ruled during the Polonnaruwa period in the 12th century. His reign is remembered as a golden era because he improved the army, government, farming, religion, and engineering.
Parakramabahu I united the whole country after many years of fighting between regional leaders. He believed that water was very important for farming. He said, “Not even a drop of rainwater should flow into the sea without being used by humans.” Because of this belief, he built many tanks and repaired old ones.
His most famous creation is the Parakrama Samudra, a huge man‑made lake that helped thousands of farmers. He also built roads, hospitals, canals, temples, and a large palace. He made Polonnaruwa a strong and well‑organized capital.
Parakramabahu I also supported Buddhism. He organized the monks and improved discipline in temples. Today, he is remembered as a wise, powerful, and hardworking king who brought many positive changes to Sri Lanka.
Parakramabahu I – Quiz
This quiz will help students test their knowledge about King Parakramabahu I. Read each question carefully and choose the correct answer. These questions are simple and help you understand why he was one of Sri Lanka’s greatest kings.
Multiple‑Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. In which kingdom did Parakramabahu I rule?
A. Kandy
B. Polonnaruwa
C. Jaffna
D. Kurunegala
Answer: B
2. Parakramabahu I ruled during which century?
A. 5th century
B. 12th century
C. 15th century
D. 18th century
Answer: B
3. What belief did Parakramabahu I have about water?
A. Water is not important
B. Water should never be wasted
C. Only kings can use water
D. Water should flow to the sea
Answer: B
4. What is Parakrama Samudra?
A. A mountain
B. A palace
C. A large man‑made lake
D. A river
Answer: C
5. What did Parakramabahu I do for the country?
A. Destroyed buildings
B. Improved the army and government
C. Closed temples
D. Stopped farming
Answer: B
6. Parakramabahu I improved which religion?
A. Christianity
B. Hinduism
C. Buddhism
D. Islam
Answer: C
7. What did he build to help farming?
A. Railways
B. Tanks and canals
C. Airports
D. Ports
Answer: B
8. Parakramabahu I united:
A. Only the north
B. Only the west
C. The whole country
D. Only the south
Answer: C
9. Which city became strong under his rule?
A. Colombo
B. Polonnaruwa
C. Jaffna
D. Kandy
Answer: B
10. Parakramabahu I is remembered as:
A. A weak ruler
B. One of the greatest kings
C. A foreign king
D. A young prince
Answer: B
11. What did he organize among monks?
A. Military training
B. Discipline and rules
C. Business work
D. Farming lessons
Answer: B
12. What did he build apart from tanks?
A. Roads and hospitals
B. Castles in Europe
C. Ships for war
D. Underground tunnels
Answer: A
13. Parakramabahu I’s projects helped improve:
A. Farming and daily life
B. Snowfall
C. Desert areas
D. Fishing only
Answer: A
14. What made Polonnaruwa strong during his rule?
A. Foreign rule
B. No development
C. Good planning and leadership
D. No buildings
Answer: C
15. What did Parakramabahu I do to the army?
A. Closed it
B. Weakened it
C. Strengthened and organized it
D. Sold it
Answer: C
16. Why is Parakrama Samudra important?
A. It is natural
B. It helped thousands of farmers
C. It holds seawater
D. It was built by traders
Answer: B
17. His rule is known as a ______ era.
A. Dark
B. Golden
C. Confusing
D. Weak
Answer: B
18. Who improved Polonnaruwa the most?
A. Nissanka Malla
B. Vijayabahu I
C. Parakramabahu I
D. Kashyapa
Answer: C
19. Parakramabahu I’s works help Sri Lanka today in:
A. Farming and history
B. Space research
C. Oil production
D. None of the above
Answer: A
20. Students learn about Parakramabahu I because:
A. He was a traveler
B. He changed Sri Lanka positively
C. He left no records
D. He built nothing
Answer: B