By the fifth century BC, the Yakshas, among the ancient peoples of the island of Lanka, had seized overall power. They were however subdued by the Sinha Clan who arrived from North India. The defeated Yakshas then launched insurrection after insurrection against the Sinha Clan. Vijaya was the first to defeat the Yakshas.

He was succeeded by his nephew, Panduwasdeva, a Prince, who arrived from India. It was from the North East of India also that his consort-to- be, Princess Bhadrakachchana of the Royal line of the Shakya Clan came. Paduwasdeva chose as his seat of power, the City of Upatissa, located in the north of Anuradhapura. Bhadrakchchayana bore him ten sons and finally a beautiful daughter, Chitra. The Royal Astrologers, perusing her horoscope, articulated an horrifying prophesy. They predicted that a son born to Chitra would slay his ten uncles and assume the throne. The ten princes, strongly believing the prophecy, plotted to murder their sister. Chitra thwarted their efforts. Finally, she was imprisoned in a tower where she would not encounter any man. Chitra grows to be a beautiful woman.

Then arrives Prince Dighagamini, the son of Queen Bhadrakachchayana"s brother. He arrives in the City of Upatissa along with two of Yaksha’s friends, Chittaraja and Kalawela. Chittaraja is entrusted with the task of guarding the tower. Prince Dighagamini sets his eyes on Princess Chitra. The two fall in love. In time, Chitra becomes pregnant, the great chronicles report. The brothers, note that the signs portent the unfolding of the terrible prophesy. They conspire to murder their pregnant sister. However, Queen Bhadrakachchayana prevails on her sons to wait until their sister delivers the baby, requesting them to kill the child only and only if it is a boy. As her pregnancy closes upon its full term, Chitra prepares herself for a critical political issue. The crown prince is born. His royal uncles are outside the delivery chamber, swords sharpened, ready to murder their nephew. The new-born child, Aba, is however spirited away to the distant village Doramadala.

The incensed uncles pursue the scent of royal blood, intent on killing young Aba. They set fire to villages and massacre children of Aba’s age in great numbers. They do not find Aba. The Yakshas of Doramadala protect and nurture the crown prince. And from the village of Doramadala emerged the hero, the liberator of the Motherland. He raises his enormous sword above his head and swears thus: I am committed to the heritage of my Motherland! I will protect my Motherland! I will be at war until I recover my birthright! Aba - The story of Prince Pandukabhaya Page Content and Images: Courtesy of aba.lk