King Nissanka Malla ruled Sri Lanka during the Polonnaruwa period, from 1187 to 1196 CE.
He was one of the most active builders in ancient Sri Lanka and claimed to continue the work of King Parakramabahu I.
Nissanka Malla wanted to make Polonnaruwa stronger, richer, and more beautiful. He also said that only a Buddhist king could rule the country properly.
He completed many construction projects, repaired older buildings, and built new religious places and monuments.
Nissanka Malla also tried to improve the economy by reducing taxes and helping traders.
However, many of his buildings were very expensive, and the kingdom’s money became weak after his rule.
Some famous creations and contributions of King Nissanka Malla include:
– Nissanka Latha Mandapaya (a unique stone pavilion with curved columns)
– Nissanka Malla Palace ruins
– Rankot Vehera restorations
– Buddha Seema Malakaya structures
– Strengthening the Gal Viharaya area
He wrote many stone inscriptions where he claimed his achievements and said that he was a brave and generous king.
Today, his constructions are important historical sites in Polonnaruwa and help students learn about ancient architecture.
King Nissanka Malla Quiz
Welcome to the Nissanka Malla Quiz! This quiz will help you test your understanding of the life, rule, and contributions of King Nissanka Malla during the Polonnaruwa Kingdom. Read each question carefully and choose the correct answer.
Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. When did King Nissanka Malla rule Sri Lanka?
A. 1000–1010 CE
B. 1187–1196 CE
C. 1200–1250 CE
D. 800–820 CE
Answer: B
2. King Nissanka Malla ruled during which period?
A. Anuradhapura
B. Kandy
C. Polonnaruwa
D. Jaffna
Answer: C
3. What did Nissanka Malla claim about ruling Sri Lanka?
A. Only foreign kings can rule
B. Any king can rule
C. Only a Buddhist king can rule
D. No king is needed
Answer: C
4. Which structure is specially linked to Nissanka Malla?
A. Sigiriya Frescoes
B. Nissanka Latha Mandapaya
C. Thuparamaya
D. Mihintale Ambastala
Answer: B
5. What was Nissanka Malla known for?
A. Building many monuments
B. Creating new kingdoms
C. Destroying old cities
D. Writing no inscriptions
Answer: A
6. What happened to the economy after his rule?
A. It became very strong
B. It stayed the same
C. It became weak
D. It disappeared
Answer: C
7. What did he do to help people and traders?
A. Increased all taxes
B. Reduced taxes
C. Closed markets
D. Stopped trade
Answer: B
8. Nissanka Malla made many:
A. Stone inscriptions
B. Statues of animals only
C. Books in English
D. Houses for soldiers
Answer: A
9. Which famous stupa area did he help strengthen?
A. Lankarama
B. Gal Viharaya area
C. Kiri Vehera
D. Dambulla
Answer: B
10. What was one purpose of his constructions?
A. To weaken the kingdom
B. To beautify Polonnaruwa
C. To remove all temples
D. To hide from enemies
Answer: B
11. His rule lasted for:
A. About 50 years
B. About 20 years
C. Less than 10 years
D. More than 100 years
Answer: C
12. The Latha Mandapaya columns are shaped like:
A. Straight sticks
B. Curved lotus stems
C. Square blocks
D. Thick pillars
Answer: B
13. Nissanka Malla repaired and restored:
A. British forts
B. Rankot Vehera
C. Colombo Port
D. Kandy Palace
Answer: B
14. Where can students see most of his contributions today?
A. Kurunegala
B. Polonnaruwa
C. Colombo
D. Galle
Answer: B
15. What did he believe about the king’s duty?
A. To harm the people
B. To protect Buddhism
C. To avoid helping people
D. To stop building temples
Answer: B
16. Which type of writing did Nissanka Malla leave behind?
A. Inscriptions
B. Novels
C. Short poems
D. Songs
Answer: A
17. King Nissanka Malla tried to make the kingdom:
A. Poor and small
B. Modern and industrial
C. Strong and wealthy
D. Empty and weak
Answer: C
18. His constructions today are important for:
A. Sports events
B. History and tourism
C. Farming seasons
D. Clothing designs
Answer: B
19. Which king ruled before Nissanka Malla?
A. Parakramabahu I
B. Dutugemunu
C. Mahasen
D. Kashyapa
Answer: A
20. Why is Nissanka Malla remembered?
A. For his laziness
B. For building many monuments
C. For never ruling a kingdom
D. For traveling the world
Answer: B