Military Analysis of Advance Phase of the Vijithapura Battle

Abstract

Vijithapura Battle was the first recorded professional battle in Sri Lankan history, which is fought between King Dutugamunu and the Chola invader King Elara. Although there were numerous literature sources can be identified, it was really emphasized the incidents of the history. Even though it was not analyzed in military eye sight, it was a significant battle which displayed the indigenous military knowledge of Sri Lanka. This research totally based on the secondary data sources and the research approach fully acquiesces with qualitative method. Scope of this research is to analyze the advance phase of the Vijithapura Battle using present day battle appreciation format of Sri Lanka Army. King Dutugamunu’s force had to advance nearly 2 years in various terrain and the weather conditions until they reached Vijithapura. Along his advance King Dutugamunu had to fight against 36 Generals of King Elara who were deployed along the Mahavali River. By utilizing indigenous military tactics of spies, creating dissension among the enemy and deception methods such as set up his own effigy in different places King Dutugamunu was able to defeat all of them. During the long march between Magama and Vijithapura the force of King Dutugemunu has considered many factors which are not having much recognition of the present day battle appreciation format. Basically, they consider number of facts such as weather condition throughout the march. Where else in the present military context earmarked only few concentrations regarding that fact in the battle appreciation formats. When the Battle of Vijithapura is analyzed, it can be mentioned that, though the weather factor is not concerned much it has influenced directly for the succession of the battle. Establishing of base camp and protection are other fact that King Dutugamunu was highly concerned where else present military not concerning during the advance. Weather and the base camp strategies are the things that should be embedded to the present advance appreciation format for the battle success.