King Vattagamani Abhaya
Reign: 89–77 BC
Kingdom: anuradhapura
Vattagamani Abhaya's turbulent 12-year reign saw him driven into exile by Tamil invaders for 14 years before reclaiming the throne. He famously founded the Abhayagiri monastery, creating a rival sect to Mahavihara. His era marks a watershed in Theravada Buddhism's institutional development.