King Mahinda V was one of the last kings of the Anuradhapura Kingdom. He ruled from 982 CE to 1017 CE. His rule was during a very difficult time in Sri Lankan history. The kingdom faced many problems, including weak leadership, foreign attacks, and lack of money.
During his reign, the Chola Empire from South India invaded Sri Lanka. King Mahinda V could not stop the invasion because the army was not strong, and the government had many problems. He later escaped to Ruhuna in the south, but the Cholas captured him in 1017 CE.
He was taken as a prisoner to India, where he died. After his capture, the Anuradhapura Kingdom came to an end. This marked the beginning of a new period in Sri Lankan history, leading to the rise of the Polonnaruwa Kingdom.
Important facts about King Mahinda V:
– The last king of the Anuradhapura Kingdom.
– Ruled during a weak and troubled time.
– Chola invaders attacked Sri Lanka during his rule.
– Could not defend the kingdom due to lack of resources.
– Captured and taken to India, where he died.
King Mahinda V is remembered for being the final ruler of a great kingdom that lasted over 1,000 years.
King Mahinda V – Quiz
This quiz will help you test your knowledge about King Mahinda V. Read each question carefully and choose the correct answer. These questions are simple and suitable for students.
Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. King Mahinda V ruled which kingdom?
A. Polonnaruwa
B. Kandy
C. Anuradhapura
D. Jaffna
Answer: C
2. When did King Mahinda V begin his rule?
A. 500 BCE
B. 982 CE
C. 1500 CE
D. 377 BCE
Answer: B
3. What major problem happened during his rule?
A. A big earthquake
B. No kings to rule
C. Chola invasion
D. New religion arrived
Answer: C
4. Where did King Mahinda V escape when the Cholas attacked?
A. Jaffna
B. Ruhuna
C. Kandy
D. India
Answer: B
5. What happened to King Mahinda V in 1017 CE?
A. He defeated the Cholas
B. He built new stupas
C. He was captured by the Cholas
D. He became a monk
Answer: C
6. Where did King Mahinda V die?
A. Sri Lanka
B. India
C. China
D. Burma
Answer: B
7. King Mahinda V was the last king of which kingdom?
A. Kotte
B. Polonnaruwa
C. Anuradhapura
D. Kandy
Answer: C
8. Why was the kingdom weak during his rule?
A. Too much rain
B. Lack of money and army problems
C. No people lived there
D. Kings fought each other
Answer: B
9. Which empire invaded Sri Lanka during his reign?
A. Roman Empire
B. British Empire
C. Chola Empire
D. Chinese Empire
Answer: C
10. What happened to the Anuradhapura Kingdom after Mahinda V was captured?
A. It became stronger
B. It ended
C. It moved to India
D. It continued for 500 more years
Answer: B
11. How long had the Anuradhapura Kingdom lasted before ending?
A. 100 years
B. 250 years
C. Over 1,000 years
D. 20 years
Answer: C
12. What was one of the biggest challenges during Mahinda V’s rule?
A. Drought
B. Weak leadership
C. Too many soldiers
D. Too much food
Answer: B
13. Where was King Mahinda V taken as a prisoner?
A. China
B. Kandy
C. India
D. Maldives
Answer: C
14. What did the Cholas do after capturing him?
A. Made him king
B. Took him to their country
C. Let him rule again
D. Built a palace for him
Answer: B
15. Who invaded Sri Lanka during his rule?
A. The Portuguese
B. The British
C. The Dutch
D. The Cholas
Answer: D
16. What marked the end of the Anuradhapura period?
A. Building of new tanks
B. Capture of King Mahinda V
C. Start of Buddhism
D. Arrival of Europeans
Answer: B
17. Why couldn’t Mahinda V defend the kingdom?
A. He was too young
B. He had no weapons at all
C. The army was weak and unpaid
D. He lived in another country
Answer: C
18. King Mahinda V ruled during a _____ time.
A. Strong
B. Peaceful
C. Difficult
D. Wealthy
Answer: C
19. The fall of Anuradhapura led to which new kingdom?
A. Polonnaruwa
B. Kotte
C. Jaffna
D. Kandy
Answer: A
20. King Mahinda V is remembered mainly because:
A. He built the biggest stupa
B. He was the last king of a great kingdom
C. He started a new religion
D. He discovered Sigiriya
Answer: B