Sena II
king of Anuradhapura
Sena II (Sinhala: දෙවන සේන) was a king of the Anuradhapura Kingdom who reigned 853–887 CE in Sri Lanka belonging to the Moriya clan of the Lambakanna dynasty, who ascended the throne upon the death of his uncle, Sena I. His thirty-four-year reign was distinguished by disputed overseas military campaigns as well as significant patronage of Buddhist institutions within the kingdom. Sena II launched an expedition against the Pandya kingdom in South India. As per Culawamsa, In 862 CE, his general, Senpathi Kutthaka, captured and plundered the Pandya capital of Madurai, installed Varuguna II as a ruler, and recovered royal treasures that had been seized during earlier invasions. The Pandyan side of the evidence makes the ruling king Srimara Srivallabha successful in repelling a Maya Pandya and Sinhalese forces thus keeping his throne to himself at the end of the struggle.
Early Life and Ascension to the throne
Family Background
Sena II, who reigned as king of Anuradhapura from 853 to 887 CE, was the son of Adipāda Kassapa, a prominent nobleman and brother of King Sena I. As the nephew of his immediate predecessor, his accession reflected the continuation of dynastic succession within the ruling royal lineage.
Sena II married Sanghā (sometimes spelled as Samgha), the eldest daughter of Kittaggabodhi, the former ruler of Rohana, and elevated her to the rank of Mahesi. The marriage served to reinforce political ties between the royal court at Anuradhapura and the southern province.
Rise to Power
King Sena I of the Anuradhapura kingdom died in 853 CE following a reign characterised by defensive conflicts against repeated South Indian incursions. His death was followed by a smooth transfer of authority to his nephew, Sena II, whose accession reflected established dynastic succession within the Lambakanna lineage. As Sena I’s brothers had predeceased him, potential claimants from that branch of the royal family had already been eliminated, facilitating an uncontested succession.
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