Part of: Miscellaneous Indian Gk set 327

The first Tamil ruler of the Anuradhapura Kingdom is .....

Category: Miscellaneous Indian Gk

Hint: Consider the historical records of the Anuradhapura Kingdom.

Correct Answer: D) Ellalan

Exam Relevance: UPSC, SSC, Bank PO, Civil Services

Difficulty: Moderate

Explanations:

The Anuradhapura Kingdom was a powerful and influential kingdom in ancient Sri Lanka, known for its rich cultural and religious heritage. The kingdom was primarily ruled by Sinhalese kings, but it also had a significant period under Tamil rule. The first Tamil ruler of the Anuradhapura Kingdom was Ellalan, also known as Elara, who reigned from 205 to 161 BCE.

Ellalan was a Chola prince from South India who came to power in Sri Lanka after a successful invasion. His reign is notable for several reasons. Firstly, he was a just and fair ruler, known for his equitable administration and the establishment of a legal system that was respected even by his adversaries. Secondly, he was a patron of Buddhism, despite being a Tamil ruler, and he is said to have built several Buddhist monasteries and temples.

Ellalan's reign marked a significant period in the history of Sri Lanka, as it brought about a blend of Tamil and Sinhalese cultures. His rule was eventually challenged by the Sinhalese king Dutugemunu, who defeated Ellalan in a famous battle. Despite this, Ellalan's legacy as a just and fair ruler is remembered in Sri Lankan history.

It is important to note that the other options provided in the question (Ekkalan, Eppalan, and Emmalan) are not historical figures associated with the Anuradhapura Kingdom. These names are likely distractors designed to test the student's knowledge of the correct ruler. The correct answer, Ellalan, is the only name that has historical significance in the context of the first Tamil ruler of the Anuradhapura Kingdom.

Option Analysis:
  • Option A: Ekkalan is not the correct name of the first Tamil ruler of the Anuradhapura Kingdom. This option is incorrect as there is no historical record of a ruler by this name.
  • Option B: Eppalan is not the correct name of the first Tamil ruler of the Anuradhapura Kingdom. This option is incorrect as there is no historical record of a ruler by this name.
  • Option C: Emmalan is not the correct name of the first Tamil ruler of the Anuradhapura Kingdom. This option is incorrect as there is no historical record of a ruler by this name.
  • Option D: Ellalan, also known as Elara, is the correct name of the first Tamil ruler of the Anuradhapura Kingdom. He reigned from 205 to 161 BCE and is a significant figure in the history of Sri Lanka.

Mnemonic: E for Ellalan, the Tamil ruler.

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