fbpx
Wikipedia

Ming–Kotte War

Ming–Kotte War
Part of the Ming treasure voyages
Date1410 or 1411
Location
Kotte, Sri Lanka
Result

Ming victory

Belligerents
Ming China Kingdom of Kotte
Commanders and leaders
Admiral Zheng He King Alakeshvara
Strength

A fleet crew of over 27,000, including non-combatant personnel [1]

  • 2,000 troops at Kotte [2]
50,000 troops [3]

The Ming–Kotte War (Chinese: 明-錫蘭山國戰爭) was a military conflict between the expeditionary forces of Ming China and the Sinhalese Kotte Kingdom in the southern territories of Sri Lanka. The conflict happened when Ming China's treasure fleet returned to Sri Lanka in 1410 or 1411. It resulted in the overthrow of King Alakeshvara of the Alagakkonara feudatory, who was replaced by Parakramabahu VI of the previous royal family.

Background Edit

The Alagakkonara dynasty from South India had gained dominance in Kotte, Sri Lanka.[4] Kotte waged a war against the Jaffna Kingdom.[3] In that war, Alakeshvara gained military prestige.[3] He soon came to power, ruled Kotte with a puppet king of the previous royal dynasty, and eventually usurped the throne of the kingdom.[3]

During the Ming treasure voyages, a large Chinese fleet, led by Admiral Zheng He, arrived into local waters to establish Chinese control and stability of the maritime routes in the waters around Sri Lanka and southern India.[3] Alakeshvara posed a threat to Chinese trade by committing piracy and hostilities in the local waters.[3]

Due to Alakeshvara's hostilities against the Chinese presence in Sri Lanka during the first Ming treasure voyage, Zheng decided to leave the island for other destinations.[5] It is probable that the then-prince Parakramabahu VI or others acting on his behalf solicited aid from Zheng during this time, so the Chinese admiral adopted a hostile attitude to Alakeshvara and espoused the cause of this prince.[6] During the third Ming treasure voyage, the Chinese fleet returned to the Kotte Kingdom.[3] This time, the Chinese came to depose Alakeshvara by military force.[3] Dreyer (2007) states that the confrontation against Alakeshvara in Sri Lanka most likely happened during the outward journey of the Chinese fleet in 1410, rather than the homeward journey in 1411,[7] but he also notes that most authorities think that the confrontation happened during the homeward journey in 1411.[3]

War Edit

On their return to Sri Lanka, the Chinese were overbearing and contemptuous of the Sinhalese, whom they considered to be rude, disrespectful, and hostile.[2] They also resented that the Sinhalese were committing hostilities towards neighboring countries that had diplomatic relations with Ming China.[2] Zheng He and a contingent of 2,000 Chinese troops traveled overland into Kotte because Alakeshvara had lured them into his territory.[2] Alakeshvara soon cut off Zheng and his troops from the Chinese treasure fleet anchored at Colombo.[8] He planned to launch a surprise attack on the fleet.[3]

In response, Zheng and his contingent of troops invaded Kotte and conquered its capital.[3] They captured Alakeshvara with his family and principal officials.[8][9] Hereafter, they fought their way back to the fleet for six days.[10] The Sinhalese Army hastily returned and surrounded the capital but was repeatedly defeated in battle by the invading Chinese troops.[2]

Aftermath Edit

Straight-away, their dens and hideouts we ravaged,
And made captive that entire country,
Bringing back to our august capital,
Their women, children, families and retainers, leaving not one,
Cleaning out in a single sweep those noxious pests, as if winnowing chaff from grain...
These insignificant worms, deserving to die ten thousand times over, trembling in fear...
Did not even merit the punishment of Heaven.
Thus the august emperor spared their lives,
And they humbly kowtowed, making crude sounds and
Praising the sage-like virtue of the imperial Ming ruler.

Yang Rong (1515) about the confrontation in Sri Lanka [11]

The conflict resulted in the overthrow of King Alakeshvara of the Alagakkonara feudatory.[12] After their voyage, Zheng He returned to Nanjing on 6 July 1411 and presented the Sinhalese captives to the Yongle Emperor,[9] who eventually decided to free Alakeshvara and return him to Sri Lanka.[3][9]

The Chinese were allied with Parakramabahu VI and dethroned Alakeshvara in favor of him.[6][13] The Yongle Emperor requested from the Ministry of Rites to recommend someone to serve as the new king of Kotte.[3] As documented in Chinese records, Parakramabahu VI was elected by the Sinhalese present at the Ming court, nominated by the Ming emperor, and installed with the backing of Zheng and his fleet.[6] By the time the Chinese embassy arrived, the previous Sinhalese dynasty had re-established itself in Kotte.[3] With Parakramavahu VI as the ruler in Sri Lanka, both economic and diplomatic relations between China and Sri Lanka improved.[13] The Chinese treasure fleet experienced no hostilities during visits to Sri Lanka on subsequent voyages.[3]

On 13 September 1411, the emperor granted both rewards and promotions for those who participated in the Sinhalese confrontation after the joint recommendation of the Ministry of War and the Ministry of Rites.[14]

See also Edit

References Edit

  1. ^ Dreyer (2007), 125.
  2. ^ a b c d e Dreyer (2007), 67–68.
  3. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o Dreyer (2007), 70–73.
  4. ^ Paranavithana & Nicolas, 295.
  5. ^ Dreyer (2007), 53–54 & 67.
  6. ^ a b c Holt (1991), 109–110.
  7. ^ Dreyer (2007), 66 & 73.
  8. ^ a b Dreyer (2007), 67–68 & 70–73.
  9. ^ a b c Mills (1970), 11–12.
  10. ^ Finlay (1991), 8.
  11. ^ Yang, Rong (1515). Yang Wenmin Gong Ji [The collected works of Yang Rong]. Jianan, Yang shi chong kan ben. Chapter 1. Translation in Levathes (1996), 115.
  12. ^ Paranavitana & Nicolas, 230-90.
  13. ^ a b Ray (1987), 74–75.
  14. ^ Dreyer (2007), 129–134.

Bibliography Edit

  • Dreyer, Edward L. (2007). Zheng He: China and the Oceans in the Early Ming Dynasty, 1405–1433. New York, NY: Pearson Longman. ISBN 9780321084439.
  • Finlay, Robert (1991). "The Treasure-Ships of Zheng He: Chinese Maritime Imperialism in the Age of Discovery". Terrae Incognitae. 23 (1): 1–12. doi:10.1179/tin.1991.23.1.1.
  • Holt, John Clifford (1991). Buddha in the Crown: Avalokiteśvara in the Buddhist Traditions of Sri Lanka. Oxford, England: Oxford University Press. ISBN 0-19-506418-6.
  • Levathes, Louise (1996). When China Ruled the Seas: The Treasure Fleet of the Dragon Throne, 1405–1433. New York, NY: Oxford University Press. ISBN 9780195112078.
  • Mills, J. V. G. (1970). Ying-yai Sheng-lan: 'The Overall Survey of the Ocean's Shores' [1433]. Cambridge, England: Cambridge University Press. ISBN 0-521-01032-2.
  • Paranavitana, S; Nicolas, Cyril. A concise history of Ceylon.
  • Ray, Haraprasad (1987). "An Analysis of the Chinese Maritime Voyages into the Indian Ocean during Early Ming Dynasty and their Raison d'Etre". China Report. 23 (1): 65–87. doi:10.1177/000944558702300107. S2CID 154116680.

ming, kotte, part, ming, treasure, voyagesdate1410, 1411locationkotte, lankaresultming, victory, overthrow, alakeshvara, decline, alagakkonara, ascension, parakramabahu, vibelligerentsming, chinakingdom, kottecommanders, leadersadmiral, zheng, heking, alakeshv. Ming Kotte WarPart of the Ming treasure voyagesDate1410 or 1411LocationKotte Sri LankaResultMing victory Overthrow of Alakeshvara and decline of Alagakkonara Ascension of Parakramabahu VIBelligerentsMing ChinaKingdom of KotteCommanders and leadersAdmiral Zheng HeKing AlakeshvaraStrengthA fleet crew of over 27 000 including non combatant personnel 1 2 000 troops at Kotte 2 50 000 troops 3 The Ming Kotte War Chinese 明 錫蘭山國戰爭 was a military conflict between the expeditionary forces of Ming China and the Sinhalese Kotte Kingdom in the southern territories of Sri Lanka The conflict happened when Ming China s treasure fleet returned to Sri Lanka in 1410 or 1411 It resulted in the overthrow of King Alakeshvara of the Alagakkonara feudatory who was replaced by Parakramabahu VI of the previous royal family Contents 1 Background 2 War 3 Aftermath 4 See also 5 References 6 BibliographyBackground EditThe Alagakkonara dynasty from South India had gained dominance in Kotte Sri Lanka 4 Kotte waged a war against the Jaffna Kingdom 3 In that war Alakeshvara gained military prestige 3 He soon came to power ruled Kotte with a puppet king of the previous royal dynasty and eventually usurped the throne of the kingdom 3 During the Ming treasure voyages a large Chinese fleet led by Admiral Zheng He arrived into local waters to establish Chinese control and stability of the maritime routes in the waters around Sri Lanka and southern India 3 Alakeshvara posed a threat to Chinese trade by committing piracy and hostilities in the local waters 3 Due to Alakeshvara s hostilities against the Chinese presence in Sri Lanka during the first Ming treasure voyage Zheng decided to leave the island for other destinations 5 It is probable that the then prince Parakramabahu VI or others acting on his behalf solicited aid from Zheng during this time so the Chinese admiral adopted a hostile attitude to Alakeshvara and espoused the cause of this prince 6 During the third Ming treasure voyage the Chinese fleet returned to the Kotte Kingdom 3 This time the Chinese came to depose Alakeshvara by military force 3 Dreyer 2007 states that the confrontation against Alakeshvara in Sri Lanka most likely happened during the outward journey of the Chinese fleet in 1410 rather than the homeward journey in 1411 7 but he also notes that most authorities think that the confrontation happened during the homeward journey in 1411 3 War EditOn their return to Sri Lanka the Chinese were overbearing and contemptuous of the Sinhalese whom they considered to be rude disrespectful and hostile 2 They also resented that the Sinhalese were committing hostilities towards neighboring countries that had diplomatic relations with Ming China 2 Zheng He and a contingent of 2 000 Chinese troops traveled overland into Kotte because Alakeshvara had lured them into his territory 2 Alakeshvara soon cut off Zheng and his troops from the Chinese treasure fleet anchored at Colombo 8 He planned to launch a surprise attack on the fleet 3 In response Zheng and his contingent of troops invaded Kotte and conquered its capital 3 They captured Alakeshvara with his family and principal officials 8 9 Hereafter they fought their way back to the fleet for six days 10 The Sinhalese Army hastily returned and surrounded the capital but was repeatedly defeated in battle by the invading Chinese troops 2 Aftermath EditStraight away their dens and hideouts we ravaged And made captive that entire country Bringing back to our august capital Their women children families and retainers leaving not one Cleaning out in a single sweep those noxious pests as if winnowing chaff from grain These insignificant worms deserving to die ten thousand times over trembling in fear Did not even merit the punishment of Heaven Thus the august emperor spared their lives And they humbly kowtowed making crude sounds and Praising the sage like virtue of the imperial Ming ruler Yang Rong 1515 about the confrontation in Sri Lanka 11 The conflict resulted in the overthrow of King Alakeshvara of the Alagakkonara feudatory 12 After their voyage Zheng He returned to Nanjing on 6 July 1411 and presented the Sinhalese captives to the Yongle Emperor 9 who eventually decided to free Alakeshvara and return him to Sri Lanka 3 9 The Chinese were allied with Parakramabahu VI and dethroned Alakeshvara in favor of him 6 13 The Yongle Emperor requested from the Ministry of Rites to recommend someone to serve as the new king of Kotte 3 As documented in Chinese records Parakramabahu VI was elected by the Sinhalese present at the Ming court nominated by the Ming emperor and installed with the backing of Zheng and his fleet 6 By the time the Chinese embassy arrived the previous Sinhalese dynasty had re established itself in Kotte 3 With Parakramavahu VI as the ruler in Sri Lanka both economic and diplomatic relations between China and Sri Lanka improved 13 The Chinese treasure fleet experienced no hostilities during visits to Sri Lanka on subsequent voyages 3 On 13 September 1411 the emperor granted both rewards and promotions for those who participated in the Sinhalese confrontation after the joint recommendation of the Ministry of War and the Ministry of Rites 14 See also EditBattle of Palembang 1407 References Edit Dreyer 2007 125 a b c d e Dreyer 2007 67 68 a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o Dreyer 2007 70 73 Paranavithana amp Nicolas 295 sfn error no target CITEREFParanavithanaNicolas help Dreyer 2007 53 54 amp 67 a b c Holt 1991 109 110 Dreyer 2007 66 amp 73 a b Dreyer 2007 67 68 amp 70 73 a b c Mills 1970 11 12 Finlay 1991 8 Yang Rong 1515 Yang Wenmin Gong Ji The collected works of Yang Rong Jianan Yang shi chong kan ben Chapter 1 Translation in Levathes 1996 115 Paranavitana amp Nicolas 230 90 a b Ray 1987 74 75 Dreyer 2007 129 134 Bibliography EditDreyer Edward L 2007 Zheng He China and the Oceans in the Early Ming Dynasty 1405 1433 New York NY Pearson Longman ISBN 9780321084439 Finlay Robert 1991 The Treasure Ships of Zheng He Chinese Maritime Imperialism in the Age of Discovery Terrae Incognitae 23 1 1 12 doi 10 1179 tin 1991 23 1 1 Holt John Clifford 1991 Buddha in the Crown Avalokitesvara in the Buddhist Traditions of Sri Lanka Oxford England Oxford University Press ISBN 0 19 506418 6 Levathes Louise 1996 When China Ruled the Seas The Treasure Fleet of the Dragon Throne 1405 1433 New York NY Oxford University Press ISBN 9780195112078 Mills J V G 1970 Ying yai Sheng lan The Overall Survey of the Ocean s Shores 1433 Cambridge England Cambridge University Press ISBN 0 521 01032 2 Paranavitana S Nicolas Cyril A concise history of Ceylon Ray Haraprasad 1987 An Analysis of the Chinese Maritime Voyages into the Indian Ocean during Early Ming Dynasty and their Raison d Etre China Report 23 1 65 87 doi 10 1177 000944558702300107 S2CID 154116680 Retrieved from https en wikipedia org w index php title Ming Kotte War amp oldid 1174960942, wikipedia, wiki, book, books, library,

article

, read, download, free, free download, mp3, video, mp4, 3gp, jpg, jpeg, gif, png, picture, music, song, movie, book, game, games.