King Vijaya is considered the first king of Sri Lanka. According to ancient chronicles, he arrived on the island around 543 BCE with 700 followers. His arrival marks the beginning of the Sinhala race and the start of recorded Sri Lankan history.
Vijaya came from India after being banished from his homeland. When he reached Sri Lanka, the island was ruled by a queen named Kuveni, who belonged to the Yaksha tribe. Kuveni helped Vijaya and his men settle in the land and supported him in becoming king.
Later, Vijaya married a princess from India to strengthen his kingdom. He ruled the country from Tambapanni, which became the first capital of Sri Lanka.
Since Vijaya had no children to continue his rule, he invited his relatives from India to take the throne. This led to the next royal line, which helped shape Sri Lankan civilization.
Today, King Vijaya is remembered as the founder of the Sinhala people and the one who began Sri Lanka’s recorded history.
King Vijaya Quiz
Welcome to the King Vijaya Quiz! This quiz will help you test your knowledge about the first king of Sri Lanka. Read each question carefully and choose the correct answer. These questions are simple and perfect for students. Enjoy learning!
Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. Who is considered the first king of Sri Lanka?
A. Dutugemunu
B. Pandukabhaya
C. Vijaya
D. Parakramabahu
Answer: C
2. When did King Vijaya arrive in Sri Lanka?
A. 250 BCE
B. 543 BCE
C. 1000 CE
D. 700 BCE
Answer: B
3. How many followers came with Vijaya?
A. 100
B. 50
C. 700
D. 300
Answer: C
4. Who ruled Sri Lanka when Vijaya arrived?
A. Elara
B. Kuveni
C. Kashyapa
D. Tissa
Answer: B
5. What tribe did Kuveni belong to?
A. Yaksha
B. Naga
C. Deva
D. Raksha
Answer: A
6. What was the first capital under Vijaya?
A. Polonnaruwa
B. Kandy
C. Tambapanni
D. Jaffna
Answer: C
7. Where did Vijaya come from?
A. China
B. India
C. Maldives
D. Burma
Answer: B
8. Why was Vijaya sent away from his homeland?
A. He lost a war
B. He was banished for bad behavior
C. He wanted to travel
D. He followed a prophecy
Answer: B
9. Who helped Vijaya become king?
A. Devanampiya Tissa
B. Kuveni
C. Dutugemunu
D. Parakramabahu
Answer: B
10. Whom did Vijaya marry later?
A. A local princess
B. A Chola princess
C. An Indian princess
D. A Yaksha queen
Answer: C
11. What race started with King Vijaya?
A. Tamil
B. Naga
C. Sinhala
D. Veddas
Answer: C
12. What did Vijaya name the island?
A. Lakdiva
B. Lanka
C. Tambapanni
D. Heladiva
Answer: C
13. What happened because Vijaya had no children?
A. The kingdom ended
B. People elected a leader
C. Vijaya invited relatives from India to rule
D. Kuveni ruled instead
Answer: C
14. Which tribes lived in Sri Lanka before Vijaya?
A. Cholas
B. Yakkas and Nagas
C. Mauryas
D. Pandavas
Answer: B
15. Why is King Vijaya important?
A. He built Anuradhapura
B. He started Buddhism
C. He began Sinhala history
D. He built tanks
Answer: C
16. Kuveni helped Vijaya because:
A. She wanted to marry him
B. She wanted to defeat enemies
C. She wanted power
D. She feared his army
Answer: A
17. What is another name for Sri Lanka from Vijaya’s time?
A. Ilankai
B. Taprobane
C. Ceylon
D. Serendib
Answer: B
18. Vijaya ruled from which part of Sri Lanka?
A. North
B. West
C. South
D. East
Answer: B
19. Who became king after Vijaya?
A. His son
B. Prince Panduvasadeva
C. Prince Saliya
D. A Chola king
Answer: B
20. King Vijaya’s arrival marks:
A. The rise of Buddhism
B. The start of Sinhala history
C. Colonial rule
D. End of ancient times
Answer: B