The story of Kandy is long and full of everything that makes history great. Stories of impenetrable kingdoms, invading forces, and ancient prophecies bring about an allure and culture that can’t be found anywhere else in the world. Holding the honour of the last Kingdom of Sri Lanka, Kandy fought valiantly against the many occupying forces that Sri Lanka has had in its fight for independence as a country.
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 former seat of power in Sri Lanka. Using the mountainous terrain surrounding the city to its advantage, the city held long and strong, 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 kingdom. Regardless of the efforts to conquer, the surroundings were indeed influenced. This can be seen in the many villas in Kandy, such as bungalows like the Mountbatten Bungalow, whose structure and design were much inspired by colonialists.
Invasion
After much bloodshed, as well as a tale of execution and betrayal, the Kingdom fell to British forces with no resistance, marking the historic end of 2,000 years of rule in Sri Lanka, beginning with the signing of the Kandyan Conventions, resulting in the relinquishing the rule of the territory to the British in 1815.
Kandyan Uprising
The bloodshed would not end there, as after a few short years, the third Kandyan War broke out in flames and fear, and although the rebellion was ultimately unsuccessful, national hero Keppetipola Disawe was immortalized for his efforts to liberate the country. Subsequent attempts at rebellion fizzled and died, with not much threat posed to British rule since that time.
