It is characteristic that someone who carries
in to effect something which is hard to perform in general becomes an important
individual in the history. The same holds true for queen Viharamahadevi to whom most scholars attribute the victory of the
war campaign undertaken by Dutugamunu
in his pursuit of freedom from the South Indian invasion. Viharamahadevi being the noble mother queen of her son made herself
extraordinary on account of her military performance in particular and due to
her noble character in general. She occupied herself in a military task which
was not something much heard of a woman of her contemporary time. In contrast, Viharamahadevi became well known for
her role as the military supervisor of her son while being noted for bravery
and endurance which enabled her to accompany her son to the battle field regardless
of the danger she becomes exposed to. Given that, her role shouldn’t let go
unrecognized considering her outstanding acts of bravery. All those who were
present at the war by the side of Dutugamunu
were males with the notable exception of Viharamahadevi. Saddaramalankaraya
mentions the manner the mother queen arrived at the battle field as, “at this
moment the king headed by the monks carrying his mother Viharamahadevi set forth in his war campaign.” Other primary sources
including Mahavamsa report this in
the same way. Consequently, it becomes evident that it was the king himself who
decided to take his mother to the battlefield which at first sight seems to be
something that can hardly be expected from a son.
