Historical Timeline

Complete chronological timeline of Sri Lankan monarchs spanning over 2,300 years

Ancient Period (543 BCE - 250 CE)

King Abhaya Naga II

King Abhaya Naga II ruled the Anuradhapura Kingdom briefly from 247–249 CE, during a period marked by rapid succession and doctrinal debate within Sri Lankan Buddhism. His reign sits between that of Voharika Tissa (known for measures against extremist ascetic practices) and Siri Naga III, forming part of a transitional cluster of monarchs whose short rules reflect underlying political fluidity. Primary sources such as the Mahāvaṃsa and related Pali chronicles provide only sparse details of Abhaya Naga II’s parentage and early life. He is generally placed within the broader line of rulers descending from earlier Anuradhapura dynasties that blended indigenous clans with the established Vijayan line. The paucity of inscriptional corroboration means many genealogical assumptions rely on later chronicler synthesis. The mid 3rd century CE in Anuradhapura was characterized by rapid turnover of kings and intermittent factional tension. Following reforms aimed at curbing heterodox or extreme monastic factions, the throne required careful navigation of both secular nobility and influential monastic groups. Abhaya Naga II’s short tenure suggests either limited consolidation of elite support or prevailing instability that favored swift succession. Although direct royal projects attributed to Abhaya Naga II are not securely recorded, the era continued broader trends: maintenance of existing vihāras, support for orthodox Theravāda establishments, and cautious restraint toward splinter ascetic movements. The absence of monumental works in his name likely reflects the brevity of his reign rather than deliberate cultural neglect. No surviving inscriptions explicitly document administrative reforms under Abhaya Naga II. Governance structures in this period generally relied on a triad: provincial chieftains (or rājaputas), monastic intellectual influence, and royal court stewards handling revenue from irrigation-based agrarian systems. Continuity rather than innovation appears to have defined his administration. Likely challenges included: (1) stabilizing succession legitimacy after prior doctrinal interventions; (2) balancing monastic patronage without reigniting sectarian controversy; (3) sustaining large-scale irrigation maintenance cycles initiated by earlier, longer-reigning monarchs. The short reign duration implies unresolved political pressures or emergent rival claimants. Abhaya Naga II was succeeded by Siri Naga III. His legacy is primarily that of a placeholder monarch within a compressed succession sequence—illustrating volatility before later, more stable rule phases. The lack of negative chronicler judgment (compared to clearly censured rulers) suggests his reign was administratively ordinary rather than disruptive. Information derives chiefly from the Mahāvaṃsa and later compendia; these textual sources were compiled centuries after events and mix historiography with legitimizing narrative. Absence of dedicated stone inscriptions or archaeological signatures for Abhaya Naga II necessitates cautious interpretation. Where specifics are missing, scholarly consensus defaults to broader structural patterns of Anuradhapura governance.

62 monarchs

Classical Period (250 CE - 1017 CE)

58 monarchs

Medieval Period (1017 CE - 1400 CE)

34 monarchs

Late Medieval Period (1400 CE - 1600 CE)

25 monarchs

Colonial Era (1600 CE - 1815 CE)

9 monarchs

About This Timeline

This timeline presents 188 monarchs who ruled various kingdoms across Sri Lanka, from the legendary arrival of Prince Vijaya in 543 BCE to the last Kandyan king in 1815 CE. The timeline reflects the island's rich history of shifting capitals, regional kingdoms, and cultural evolution spanning over two millennia.