Rahastamisse

Rahastamisse, also known as Rahastamisse I, was a king of the Kingdom of Kandy in Sri Lanka, ruling from 1739 to 1747. He was the son of Vira Narendra Sinha, the last king of the Sinhalese kingdom of Kotte. Rahastamisse ascended to the throne after the fall of Kotte, which was conquered by the Kandyan Kingdom in 1707. His reign was marked by efforts to consolidate power and expand the kingdom's territory.

Rahastamisse's reign was relatively peaceful compared to his predecessors. He focused on internal governance and administrative reforms, aiming to strengthen the kingdom's infrastructure and economy. He also implemented measures to improve the welfare of his subjects, including the construction of irrigation systems and the promotion of agriculture.

One of Rahastamisse's notable achievements was the establishment of the Kandyan Council of State, a legislative body that played a significant role in the governance of the kingdom. This council was composed of representatives from various regions and social classes, reflecting the king's efforts to include diverse voices in the decision-making process.

Rahastamisse's reign ended in 1747 when he was deposed by his son, Kirti Sri Rajasinha. Despite his relatively short reign, Rahastamisse's contributions to the governance and development of the Kandyan Kingdom laid the foundation for future rulers. His legacy is remembered as a period of relative stability and progress in the kingdom's history.