The story of Kandy is long and stuffed with every part that makes history great. Stories of impenetrable kingdoms, invading forces, and ancient prophecies bring about an allure and culture that may’t be found anywhere else on the planet. Holding the honour of the last Kingdom of Sri Lanka, Kandy fought valiantly against the various occupying forces that Sri Lanka has had in its fight for independence as a rustic.

The Independent Kingdom

Having valiantly fought off the advances of Dutch and Portuguese enemies alike, the Kingdom of Kandy was initially a client kingdom of Kotte, the previous seat of power in Sri Lanka. Using the mountainous terrain surrounding town to its advantage, town held long and powerful, its occupants using guerilla tactics and others to survive and hold out against invasions.

Colonial Influence

Due to its strategic location, the country of Sri Lanka held value to many European powers. As such, the Portuguese, Dutch, and British forces tried with fervour to capture the dominion. Regardless of the efforts to beat, the environment were indeed influenced. This might be seen in the various villas in Kandy, comparable to bungalows just like the Mountbatten Bungalow, whose structure and design were much inspired by colonialists.

Invasion

After much bloodshed, in addition to a tale of execution and betrayal, the Kingdom fell to British forces with no resistance, marking the historic end of two,000 years of rule in Sri Lanka, starting with the signing of the Kandyan Conventions, leading to the relinquishing the rule of the territory to the British in 1815.

Kandyan Uprising

Kandy Lake – McKay Savage, Sri Lanka – 027 – Kandy lake and city centre, CC BY 2.0

The bloodshed wouldn’t end there, as after just a few short years, the third Kandyan War broke out in flames and fear, and although the riot was ultimately unsuccessful, national hero Keppetipola Disawe was immortalized for his efforts to liberate the country. Subsequent attempts at riot fizzled and died, with not much threat posed to British rule since that point.

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