After the first King Kashyapa, the Moggallana Prince, Thame, ascended the throne (495–513 CE). Since he was the first to hold this position, he is recognized as the first Moggallana, or Mugalan. In the Puwarasankulama inscription, his name is mentioned as “Mosalana.” After Prince Kashyapa killed King Dhatusena, the Mugalan Prince could not remain in Lanka. We know that he fled to India.

There are no sources specifying which region of India the Mugalan Prince went to or the circumstances of his stay there. According to the Mahavamsa, the Mugalan Prince visited Dambadiva along with a person named Silakala Bōmad. From this, we get some insight into the region of Dambadiva where they stayed. During his time there, the Mahavamsa records only two events regarding him: his flight to Dambadiva and his return eighteen years later.

Generally, after the Sangam era in India, historians note an obscure period of roughly three centuries in South Indian history. History resurfaces again around the sixth century. This obscure period is sometimes referred to as the Kalabharaja period. Information about the rulers of this period is largely absent from sources. During this time, the Pallavas, Pandiyas, and Badami Chalukyas were engaged in struggles to establish three empires. The Mugalan Prince’s journey to India took place during this era. There is no record of any support or friendship extended to him by any ruler there.

Eighteen years later, under the auspices of the Nigantas, the Mugalan Prince returned from Dambadiva with twelve chief officers. The Mahavamsa notes that he did not bring a large army, suggesting that India at the time did not provide him with a sufficient base to assemble a formidable force.

Upon landing, the Mahavamsa does not record the specific port he used, but it mentions that the prince arrived at the Kuthari Vihara, which was located in the Ambatthakola region. This area is associated with the Ruwanwelisaya stupa built during King Dutugemunu’s reign. The royal precinct of this region is today identified as the Ridivihara in Kurunegala, near Wadu Wili Hathpattu. This indicates that Ambatthakola was a region connected to Malaya Rata (the central/northwestern region of the country). The exact location of the Kuthari (or Keteri/Porō) Vihara has not been identified. The Mugalan Prince appears to have organized his army using this Vihara as a center. Ambatthakola was strategically important for preparing a military against the Dravidian invaders of Walagamba’s time.

Because of King Kashyapa’s cruel actions, it is not surprising that the monks of the area did not hold him in esteem. During the organization of the army, the support of the monks of this region was likely extended to the Mugalan Prince.

King Kashyapa became aware of the Mugalan Prince’s arrival. "He came forward with an army in wrath to confront me, yet the outcome could not be in my favor," it is said. The Mahavamsa states that the Mugalan Prince advanced with the support of valiant warriors to a fierce battle. Like the waves of the breaking sea, the great war commenced. Although the Mahavamsa limits the description, the depiction resembles the battles of the five Pandavas in the Mahabharata.

Verses:
A large battlefield lay before King Kashyapa. He directed troops to the other side to join the combat. His fate, accordingly, turned against him. The army that was thought to have fled broke and scattered. The Mugalan Prince’s army confronted the enemy. Kashyapa saw that defeat was imminent, uttered a final cry, and died by his own hand. The battle concluded with the victory of Prince Thame, the Mugalan Prince.

The victorious Mugalan Prince first ordered the cremation of King Kashyapa’s body according to the customary rites. Scholar Senarat Paranavithana believes that the cremation ground corresponds to the site of the confirmed Dagoba at Pidurangala Vihara. Since the battle occurred near this site, it is likely that the battle took place north of Sigiriya. This suggests that the Mugalan Prince approached Sigiriya from the north strategically. However, after the victory, he apparently chose not to reside in Sigiriya. He took all wealth and moved to the capital, which the Mahavamsa refers to as the “Uthum Nagara” — implying Anuradhapura.

Upon learning of the Mugalan Prince’s arrival, the monks of the Viharas welcomed him with proper ceremonial respect. The prince entered the Mahamevuna as if acknowledged by the gods. With the army held at a distance, he first paid homage to the Maha Sangha. The Sangha then presented it to the king, signifying that the kingdom was offered to the Sangha. This was a traditional practice followed by some kings. The location where he performed the homage is called Jattawaddi. The Mahavamsa notes that this ceremony showed that the king acted according to the instructions of the Buddha and demonstrated humility before the Sangha. The prince later visited Abhayagiriya and Jetavana Viharas before his royal coronation.

Afterward, the Mugalan Prince executed thousands of ministers who had sided with King Kashyapa. Some had their ears and noses cut off, and some were made to pay fines. This earned him the epithet “Rakshasa” (demon). Having calmed his anger under the guidance of the Maha Sangha, the king then undertook many works for the welfare of the country.

When King Dhatusena passed away, the royal chariot driver hesitated to serve the king fully. Dhatusena had instructed that this attendant should be appointed to the position of Dwaranayaka (chief gatekeeper) after his death, giving him a hand span as a token. After becoming king, the Mugalan Prince honored this appointment.

The Mugalan King undertook numerous administrative tasks. He needed to stabilize the kingdom, appoint virtuous replacements for the executed ministers, and organize administration efficiently. After establishing proper governance, he followed the previous customary rituals. He built two Viharas at Sigiriya named Dahā and Dathākondañña, which were offered to the monks. The Pabbata Vihara was established for the Maha Nāma Theravans under the guidance of Diksandha.

Additionally, according to Rajaratnakara, he built a three-story Sanghika building with a surrounding Dagoba at Attanagalla, which had five floors initially. Migara Seneviya supervised the construction as he wished. He restored Anuradhapura, previously neglected by King Kashyapa, to its proper state. Monasteries supported by the people, including Abhayagiriya and Jetavana, were restored with the king’s patronage.

During his reign, a notable event occurred: a man named Silakala brought relics of the Buddha (Keshadhatu) from Dambadiva to Lanka. The Mahavamsa states that this is described in the Keshadhatu Vamsa, but the text is no longer extant. During King Kashyapa’s reign, a local named Lambakarna Daṭṭhapabhūti settled in Meraliyawage. Silakala, his son, accompanied the Mugalan Prince to Dambadiva and offered worship at the Bōmed Vihara. The monks there honored him as Ambasa Manner. After ascending the throne, the Mugalan Prince received the Keshadhatu from Silakala, enshrining it in a special structure called Mahangip Kareduwa and performed worship. The king entrusted Silakala with wealth, servants, and other valuables.

Dhatusena had one daughter, who was entrusted to Seneviya. After the conflict, she may have joined the Mugalan Prince in Dambadiva or remained in hiding. According to the Mahavamsa, she was initially the princess who accompanied him.

Silakala was also given the office of Asiggahaka, mentioned for the first time in chronicles at this point. The term means “sword-bearer” and likely refers to a royal office. The Asiggahaka may have served as a chief royal guard when several people held the title. In Sinhala texts, it is sometimes referred to as Sigana.

During the Mugalan King’s reign, he was attentive to foreign invasions, maintaining coastal security. Despite the opportunity arising from conflicts between the Pandya, Pallava, and Chalukya states in southern India, no invasions occurred. Apart from earlier minor conflicts, the reign of the Mugalan King was peaceful, and economic development flourished. He ruled for eighteen years.