Rajasinha I

ModernEmperorSri Lanka1581 — 1593

Sitawaka king who nearly drove Portuguese from Sri Lanka.

Compare Rajasinha I with another historical figure:

Quick Facts

Born

1581

Died

1593

Country

Sri Lanka

Era

Modern

Occupation

Emperor

Score Overview

Military (10%)62

Political (20%)63

Influence (20%)60

Legacy (20%)48

Leadership (15%)40

Strategy (15%)64

Total Score55.1

Rajasinha I — Complete Timeline

1562 AD

Battle of MulleriyawaWar

Rajasinha I's forces decisively defeated the Portuguese at the Battle of Mulleriyawa. This was the worst defeat inflicted on the Portuguese in Sri Lanka, nearly driving them from the island.

BattlePortugueseMilitary Victory

Impact: regional

1582 AD

Conversion to HinduismPolitical Action◆ Major

Rajasinha I converted from Buddhism to Hinduism, adopting the title 'Sivaguru'. This alienated many of his Buddhist subjects and led to internal unrest.

Religious ConversionHinduismBuddhism

Impact: nationaldestructive

1583 AD

Destruction of Buddhist TemplesPolitical Action◆ Major

Following his conversion, Rajasinha I ordered the destruction of Buddhist temples and monasteries in his kingdom. This included the Temple of the Tooth in Kotte, which was burned down.

Religious PersecutionBuddhismDestruction

Impact: nationaldestructive

1587 AD

Siege of ColomboWar◆ Major

Rajasinha I laid siege to the Portuguese fort of Colombo for over a year. Despite his efforts, the siege failed due to Portuguese naval superiority and the arrival of reinforcements from Goa.

SiegePortugueseMilitary Campaign

Impact: regional