The respective reigns of king Mahinda IV and Mahinda V who was also known by the name of Mihindu V are the best
example as to how being a strong, and a considerate ruler can be resulted in
the independence of the state and its prosperity while on the other hand, how
being a fragile ruler with a backward conduct can lead the kingdom towards
destruction and make an object of subordination to an outside power. In ancient
Sri Lanka where the monarchical form of rule prevailed, it was the conduct of
the monarch which decided both the progress or the destruction of the whole
community. It is important to note that king Mahinda IV was preceded by Sena
IV and succeeded by his son Sena V
and the last king of Anuradhapura
was his remaining son Mahinda V.
