The Crown and Throne of the King of Kandy

The regal artefacts—a crown and throne—associated with the kings of the Kingdom of Kandy remain powerful symbols of sovereignty, artistry, and loss. The last king of this independent Sinhalese-Buddhist monarchy, Sri?Wickrama?Rajasinghe (1798-1815) ruled during a period of intense political upheaval.

The crown: Crafted with meticulous skill, possibly by a master artisan known as Otunupattale?Arachchi, the crown was richly ornamented—gold, precious stones, fine carving—intended not just as regalia but as a statement of divine sanction, authority, and cultural identity. Historical accounts note that these items were taken from King Sri?Wickrama?Rajasinghe in 1815 and brought to England as a war trophy.

The throne: Likewise, the throne of the Kandyan king was more than a seat—it was a ceremonial platform: a raised dais, richly decorated and symbolising the monarch’s elevated role. Historical descriptions depict the throne as “a large chair placed on a platform three or four steps high, plated with gold set with precious stones, very rich and magnificent.”

What makes the story poignant is the path of these artefacts: after the British capture of the Kandyan kingdom in 1815, the crown and throne were taken—or at least many accounts say they were sent—to England. For a period, the items went missing or were unaccounted for. In a broader context, other royal crowns from Kandy also went missing over time.

Today, whatever remains of these artefacts serve as reminders of cultural heritage, colonial seizure, and the fragility of national treasures. The crown and throne evoke both the grandeur of the Kandyan monarchy and the tragic interruption of its continuity.