Heritage.... Era of the Lion

Today's travelling story, (well obviously it's about the 8 kingdoms of past) is mainly based on the cultural aspects of my country Sri Lanka. The eight kingdoms in order are Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Dambadeniya, Yapahuwa, Kurunegala, Gampola, Kotte and Mahanuwara (Kandy). Extending over about 2500 years, we have legends, stories and mysteries woven around a great culture. Firstly known to be "Hingala" the root of word 'Sinhala' stands to give the meaning the nation of lion. Our sources of history gives details of our origin which is believed to be from the neighbouring country India. So before I start off telling about Kingdoms, let me start off my journey with that epic saga of a nation's pride. 

A pandiyan king from India had a young daughter named Suppa Devi. She was a stubborn young princess who did not heed any of her father's commands. Soon the word spread that there was a lion attacking a village belonging to king's territory and at the same time the princess ran away from home. We do not know whether the mentioned Lion was actually a lion or an etiquette given for a person. However,princess was rescued by the lion and they fell in love. The lion took her to his cave and locked her there trapping the entrance with a masiive stone. 

Later, Suppa Devi gave birth to a boy and a girl. They named them as Sinha Bahu and Sinha Sevali. Sinha Bahu grew up to be a strong man just like his father. He soon started asking questions