________________
PREFACE
The Hatthavanagalla-viharavamsa is a poetical work in Pali written in the style of Campu-mixed in prose and verse-in order to eulogise the noble character of the king Sri Sanghabodhi (307-309 A. D.) that was considered a Bodhisattva in Sri Lanka.
As the third verse of the book mentions that it has been composed by the invitation of the Sangharaja Anavamadarsi Thero; it is certain that this book has been written in the reign of Parakramabahu II (1236-1271 A.D.).
The reign of Parakramabahu the Great (1153-1186 A.D.) was graced by the eminent scholars such as the Sangharaja Mahākāśyapa, who lived at Udumbaragiri, the Thera Maudgalyāyana, the grammarian who lived in the Thūpārāma at Anuradhapura and Sariputra, the great author of Pali sub
commentaries.
The reign of Parakramabahu I terminated within thirty three years. The half a century, that followed, was a period of chaos. The whole country was in a mess as a result of internal troubles as well as fear of foreign invasions. It is evident by the fact that within a period of twenty seven years, thirteen rulers have been enthroned. Within such a period it is impossible to expect the progress of literature. Further the King Magha of Kalinga (1214-1235 AD) invaded and brought much harm to the country. He chased away the monks from the monateries and made his army to reside in. As a result, the progress of literary activities was in an ebb-tide.
After, Vathimi Vijayabahu (1232-1236 A. D.) who reigned at Jambudroņipura for four years after saving the country of Maya, his son Parakramabahu II ascended the throne in (1236 AD). He unified the whole country by fighting many battles against the foreign invaders. During his reign, religion as well as literary activities flourished. He himself was an emminent scholar, and he tried to spread learning very much. As the bhikkhus in the country were lacking in scholarship he invited the scholars from India and also made them bring the books. They trained bhikkhus in the country in
संकाय पत्रिका - १
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
