Kirti Sri Rajasinha of Kandy: Biography, Facts and Career

Kirti Sri Rajasinha (Sinhala: කීර්ති ශ්‍රී රාජසිංහ, Tamil: கீர்த்தி ஸ்ரீ ராஜசிங்கம்; 1734 – 2 January 1782) was the second Nayaka king of Kandy, ruling from 1747 to 1782. He was a prince from the Madurai Nayak Dynasty and the brother-in-law of Sri Vijaya Raja Singha. He succeeded his brother-in-law to the throne in 1751. He played a crucial role in reviving Buddhism in Sri Lanka and maintaining the independence of the Kandyan Kingdom during a period of increasing European colonial influence. His reign is noted for significant cultural and religious advancements, particularly in restoring Buddhist institutions and forging diplomatic ties with foreign nations. He also built the existing inner temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic and Raja Maha Vihara (Gangarama) in Kandy. During his reign the Mahavamsa chronicle was continued from the time of Parakramabahu IV of Dambadeniya. He also rebuilt the Munneswaram temple close to Chilaw. Under the guidance and influence of Weliwita Sri Saranankara Thero, with Dutch assistance, king Kirti Sri Raja Singha successfully invited Bhikkus from Siam (Thailand) to revive the higher ordination of Buddhist monks in Sri Lanka.

Quick facts about Kirti Sri Rajasinha of Kandy

• Full name: Kirti Sri Rajasinha of Kandy
• Born: 1734-01-01
• Known as: Royal
• Wikidata ID: Q6416215

Profile compiled from public Wikipedia and Wikidata data. Details can change over time.