Battle of Vijithapura

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Battle of Vijithapura
Part of Dutthagamani's campaign against Ellalan
Date 161 or 162 BC Location Vijithapura (Vijitha Nagara) Result Decisive victory for Dutthagamani's army Territorial changes City of Vijithapura captured by Dutthagamani's army
Belligerents
Duttagamini principality	Chola Dynasty
Commanders and leaders
Dutthagamani	Ellalan †
Units involved
Army of Dutthagamani Ten Giant Warriors	Chola Army
Strength
Unknown	Unknown
Casualties and losses
Heavy losses	Heavy losses

The Battle of Vijithapura was a decisive battle fought in the campaign carried out by Sri Lankan king Dutthagamani against the invading South Indian king Ellalan. The battle is documented in detail in the ancient chronicles of the country. However, they only provide the viewpoint of Dutthagamani and his army, and details are scarce on Elara's side.

After launching a campaign to regain the country from Elara, Dutthagamani captured a number of his strongholds before coming to the fortified city of Vijithapura. A four-month siege ensued, followed by a large assault where Dutthagamani's champions and royal elephant played a major part.^[1] The chronicles focus a lot on these ten champions, and vividly describe some unusual "tests" that Dutthagamani carried out to find out their skills.

The battle ended in victory for Dutthagamani's forces and considerably weakened Elara's army, ultimately leading to his defeat and death. The exact location of Vijithapura is unknown, though historians have made some speculations on this. The battle is still regarded by Sri Lankans as a legendary event in the country's history, and has even been compared with victories of the Sri Lanka Army during the country's civil war.