King Valagamba, also known as Vattagamani Abhaya, was one of the most important kings of the Anuradhapura Kingdom. He ruled in two periods: first briefly in 103 BCE and later from 89–77 BCE. His rule is famous for courage, survival, and rebuilding the kingdom after difficult times.
During his first rule, South Indian invaders attacked Sri Lanka. King Valagamba had to leave Anuradhapura and spent 14 years hiding and gathering support. Many stories describe how he moved from place to place with loyal monks and soldiers.
One of the most important things King Valagamba did was building the Abhayagiri Vihara, one of the biggest monasteries in Sri Lanka. After returning to power, he rebuilt the ruined city and brought peace and order back to the country.
Another great achievement during his time was the writing of the Buddhist Tripitaka (Teachings of the Buddha) into books for the first time in Sri Lankan history. This happened at the Aluvihara Temple in Matale, and it helped protect Buddhism for future generations.
King Valagamba is remembered today as a brave king, a protector of Buddhism, and a builder of important religious places.
King Valagamba Quiz
This quiz will help you test your knowledge about King Valagamba (Vattagamani Abhaya). Read each question carefully and choose the correct answer. These questions are simple and ideal for students.
Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What is another name for King Valagamba?
A. Parakramabahu
B. Dutugemunu
C. Vattagamani Abhaya
D. Nissanka Malla
Answer: C
2. Which kingdom did he rule?
A. Kotte
B. Anuradhapura
C. Jaffna
D. Kandy
Answer: B
3. How long did he spend in hiding?
A. 2 years
B. 10 years
C. 14 years
D. 20 years
Answer: C
4. Why did King Valagamba leave Anuradhapura during his first rule?
A. Lack of food
B. South Indian invasions
C. Illness
D. Floods
Answer: B
5. Which famous monastery did he build?
A. Gal Viharaya
B. Thuparamaya
C. Abhayagiri Vihara
D. Lankatilaka
Answer: C
6. What major Buddhist work was written during his time?
A. Mahavamsa
B. Tripitaka
C. Saddharmalankaraya
D. Sidath Sangarawa
Answer: B
7. Where was the Tripitaka written down?
A. Kandy
B. Polonnaruwa
C. Aluvihara, Matale
D. Dambulla
Answer: C
8. King Valagamba is remembered as a:
A. Famous dancer
B. Great painter
C. Brave king and protector of Buddhism
D. Portuguese ally
Answer: C
9. How many times did King Valagamba rule?
A. Once
B. Twice
C. Three times
D. Four times
Answer: B
10. What did he do after returning to power?
A. Destroy temples
B. Leave the kingdom
C. Rebuild Anuradhapura
D. Move the capital
Answer: C
11. Which invaders threatened his first rule?
A. Portuguese
B. Dutch
C. South Indians
D. Arabs
Answer: C
12. The Abhayagiri Vihara later became:
A. A school
B. A major Buddhist center
C. A fortress
D. A marketplace
Answer: B
13. What religion did King Valagamba protect?
A. Hinduism
B. Islam
C. Buddhism
D. Christianity
Answer: C
14. Where did he hide during his exile?
A. Forests and villages
B. Palaces
C. Ships
D. Caves only
Answer: A
15. Why was the Tripitaka written down?
A. To teach math
B. To protect Buddhist teachings
C. To prepare for war
D. To create poems
Answer: B
16. Which city did he rebuild?
A. Polonnaruwa
B. Jaffna
C. Anuradhapura
D. Kurunegala
Answer: C
17. What was one of his characteristics?
A. Cowardly behavior
B. Strong leadership
C. Weak planning
D. Lack of interest in Buddhism
Answer: B
18. What happened to the kingdom during his exile?
A. It became peaceful
B. It was ruled by a foreign invader
C. It became rich
D. It disappeared
Answer: B
19. How is he viewed in Sri Lankan history?
A. As a minor king
B. As a hero
C. As a foreign ruler
D. As a trader
Answer: B
20. What did King Valagamba contribute to religion?
A. He banned monks
B. He burned books
C. He supported writing the Tripitaka
D. He removed temples
Answer: C