The Kingdom of Kandy, situated in the central and eastern regions of Sri Lanka, was a monarchy that endured from the late 15th century until the early 19th century. Originally a client kingdom of the Kingdom of Kotte, Kandy gradually asserted its independence during the turbulent 16th and 17th centuries. It formed alliances with entities such as the Jaffna Kingdom, the Madurai Nayak dynasty, the Sitawaka Kingdom, and the Dutch colonizers to ensure its survival against Portuguese and Dutch forces.

In the 16th century, Kandy engaged in numerous battles with the Portuguese and later the Dutch, becoming the sole independent native polity in Sri Lanka by the 1590s. Employing a combination of hit-and-run tactics and diplomatic maneuvers, Kandy effectively kept European colonial forces at bay in the central highlands. However, in 1818, the kingdom fell under British colonial rule following the Kandyan Convention, losing its autonomy after the Uva Rebellion.

The Kingdom of Kandy had various names over the years, including Kanda Uda Pasrata, The Senkadagala Kingdom, The Kanda Udarata, The Mahanuwara Kingdom, Sri Wardhanapura, Sinhalé, Thun Sinhalaya or Tri Sinhala, Kande Nuwara, and The Kingdom of Kandy.

Geographically, much of Kandy's territory was characterized by mountainous and thickly forested terrain, with the capital situated in an area accessible through secret routes, guarded fiercely by defenders. The kingdom engaged in guerrilla warfare against invaders, and the annual monsoon made certain routes impassable. Kandy lacked naval forces, allowing the Portuguese and Dutch to maintain a strong presence in lowland areas.

**History:**

*Foundation:*

The city of Senkadagalapura may have been established as early as the mid-14th century during the reign of Vikramabahu III of Gampola (1357–1374). As Kotte's influence weakened due to Portuguese interference, Senkadagalapura became an autonomous domain, asserting its independence following the Spoiling of Vijayabahu in 1521.

*Rise: 1521–1594:*

After the Spoiling of Vijayabahu, Kotte split into Sithawaka, Raigama, and Bhuvanekabahu VII's kingdom. Sithawaka, led by Mayadunne, posed a significant threat. Kandy secured Portuguese protection against Sithawaka in 1522 but later allied with the Jaffna Kingdom against the Portuguese in 1560. Sithawakan rule proved challenging, leading to rebellions, and Kandy fell under Portuguese occupation in 1592. However, Konnappu Bandara's victories restored Kandy's independence, and in 1595, it became the sole native polity after Sithawaka's collapse.

*Consolidation and interactions with the Dutch: 1594–1739:*

Under Wimaladharmasuriya's reign, hostilities with the Portuguese continued. The Kandyans aided rebellions and faced Portuguese incursions. Dutch relations with Kandy began in 1602, but an attempt to negotiate a treaty in 1602 ended in disaster. Wimaladharmasuriya's death in 1604 led to internal conflicts, and Senarat faced challenges, with Portuguese forces capturing Kandy in 1611. The Kandyans survived with the help of Danish and Dutch fleets but remained under Portuguese control until Rajasinha II's victory at Gannoruwa in 1638. The alliance with the Dutch weakened Portuguese presence, resulting in the fall of Batticaloa, Trincomalee, Galle, and other territories.

This period saw further conflicts, including the Battle of Randeniwela in 1630 and Kandyan victories against the Portuguese in 1638. Rajasinha II's alliance with the Dutch significantly weakened Portuguese dominance in Sri Lanka, with Batticaloa, Trincomalee, and Galle falling under Kandyan control. The Kingdom of Kandy continued to resist European powers throughout the 17th and 18th centuries, marking a significant chapter in Sri Lanka's history.