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Jettha Tissa I of Anuradhapura

Sri Lankan King of Anuradhapura from 267 to 277

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About Jettha Tissa I of Anuradhapura

Jettha Tissa I of Anuradhapura was a monarch.

Jettha Tissa I (, , ruled 262–273) also referred to as Detu Tis (, ), Kalakandetu Tissa, and Makalan Detu Tissa, was the eldest son of Gothabhaya and brother of Mahasena. He was a king of Sri Lanka for ten years.

The chronicle of Sri Lanka - Mahavamsa described Jettha Tissa I as a cruel person and stated that immediately after his father’s death, he had all of his father’s court ministers killed and then had their bodies placed on spikes around the pyre.

Sources cite that Jettha Tissa and his brother Prince Mahasena were educated by the Buddhist monk Sanghamitta. It is said that the young Jettha Tissa, who later embraced the Maha Vihara priests instead of Buddhism, disliked his teacher. Several ministers refused to participate in the funeral rites. In response to the perceived insult, Jettha Tissa forced them to join the procession leading to his father's cremation and had them killed at the end of the ceremony.

During his reign, Jettha Tissa added more storeys to the Lovamahapaya constructed by King Dutugamunu, turning it into a seven storey building. He renovated the stupa in Muthiyangana Raja Maha Viharaya. This building was stripped of its adornments during Mahasena's reign and the materials were transferred to the Abhayagiri Vihara.

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Important facts

Occupation
Positions held
King of Anuradhapura

Frequently asked questions

Who was Jettha Tissa I of Anuradhapura?

Sri Lankan King of Anuradhapura from 267 to 277

What was Jettha Tissa I of Anuradhapura's occupation?

Jettha Tissa I of Anuradhapura was a monarch.

Sources & further reading

· Wikipedia: Jettha Tissa I of Anuradhapura

· Wikidata: Q6189240

· DBpedia: Jettha Tissa I

Cite this page

APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Jettha Tissa I of Anuradhapura. https://biography.guide/jettha-tissa-i-of-anuradhapura/

MLA: "Jettha Tissa I of Anuradhapura." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/jettha-tissa-i-of-anuradhapura/.

Chicago: "Jettha Tissa I of Anuradhapura." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/jettha-tissa-i-of-anuradhapura/.

Data last updated: 2026-09-20 · Spot an error? Report a correction.

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