Mahasena
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King Mahasena, who reigned from 276 to 303 CE, was a significant ruler in Sri Lanka known for his contributions to irrigation systems. He is credited with constructing numerous major irrigation tanks and canals, with the Minneriya tank and its feeder canals being particularly outstanding examples. The Sinhalese civilization was heavily reliant on sophisticated hydraulic engineering for agriculture, and Mahasena's work advanced this technology. The construction and maintenance of these large-scale irrigation works were a primary focus for kings, as efficient water management led to increased agricultural productivity and, consequently, enhanced royal power.123
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Sri LankaThe Anuradhapura periodTheir most noteworthy king was Mahasena (reigned 276–303), who constructed many major irrigation systems and championed heterodox Buddhist sects.
Read MoreTheir most noteworthy king was Mahasena (reigned 276–303), who constructed many major irrigation systems and championed heterodox Buddhist sects.
Read More- Sri LankaThe advent and impact of irrigation
…during the reign of King Mahasena; a number of storage tanks and canals are attributed to him, the most outstanding of which is the Minneriya tank and its feeder canals. The construction and maintenance of monumental irrigation works became a regular preoccupation of kings. Reservoirs and canals studded the northern…
Read More…during the reign of King Mahasena; a number of storage tanks and canals are attributed to him, the most outstanding of which is the Minneriya tank and its feeder canals. The construction and maintenance of monumental irrigation works became a regular preoccupation of kings. Reservoirs and canals studded the northern…
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