Alboin vs Nissanka Malla

Alboin led the Lombards, along with Saxon, Gepid, and other allies, across the Alps into Italy. This invasion began the Lombard conquest of the Italian peninsula, which had been devastated by the Gothic War, and established the Lombard Kingdom.

Alboin besieged the city of Pavia, which resisted for three years. After its capture in 572, Alboin made Pavia the capital of the Lombard Kingdom, a status it retained for centuries, becoming a center of Lombard power.

Alboin was assassinated in Verona at the instigation of his wife, Rosamund, who sought revenge for his forcing her to drink from her father's skull. His death led to a period of instability among the Lombards, though the kingdom survived.

Upon ascending the throne, Nissanka Malla claimed to be a pure Buddhist king, despite his Kalinga (Indian) origin. He emphasized his adherence to Buddhist principles and sought to legitimize his rule.

Nissanka Malla built the Nissanka Latha Mandapaya in Polonnaruwa, a unique stone structure with a lotus-shaped roof. It was used for reciting Buddhist scriptures.

Nissanka Malla built the Hatadage, a relic house in Polonnaruwa, to house the Tooth Relic of the Buddha. The structure was built in a single day, according to inscriptions.

Nissanka Malla commissioned the Gal Pota (Stone Book) inscription at Polonnaruwa. The inscription, carved on a large stone slab, details his reign, achievements, and claims to be a pure Buddhist king.