Administration of Udugampola, sub kingdom: A Historical and Archaeological Legacy
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Date
2015
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Centre for Asian Studies, University of Kelaniya
Abstract
This paper aims to bring forward with a new perspective of the remaining factors concerning
the historical and archaeological backdrop of Udugampola, a sub kingdom of the Kotte
kingdom existent in the history of Sri Lanka. A trail of provincial administration ruled by
deputies under the guidance of the king can be observed at certain periods in the history of
Sri Lanka. Such an administrative divisions were called Upa Rajadhani or sub kingdoms.
Udugampola at the Gampaha district is one of such sub kingdoms of the Kotte kingdom. The
available historical sources such as the battle of Alakeshwara in Rajaawaliya provide proof
for the fact that King Sakalakala Wallakabahu, the son of Veeraparakramabahu VIII of Kotte
had ruled this region, during the Kotte period. The palace of the king of Udugampola was at
the premises of the present Uttararama temple, where a pond and remnants of a moat is still
being identified. However, this legacy is diminishing with each passing day. In the spotlight
cast over prominent ancient kingdoms such as Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa, the value
and importance of ancient sub kingdoms like these with archaeological significance stands
diminished. With very limited discussion about these sites, the possibility to be forgotten
over time threatens the existence of their evidence.
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Keywords
sub kingdom, administrative divisions, Udugampola
Citation
Wijesuriya, Dinithi 2015. Administration of Udugampola, sub kingdom: A Historical and Archaeological Legacy. 3rd Biennial Conference of the International Association for Asian Heritage, 27th - 28th December 2015, Centre for Asian Studies, University of Kelaniya & International Association for Asian Heritage (IAAH). p. 72.