Anula of Anuradhapura

Who was Anula of Anuradhapura?

Queen Anula was the first queen in Sri Lankan history to have wielded meaningful power and authority. As well as the first female head of state in Asia. Anula initially rose to power as consort of king Chore Naga, son of king Valagambahu of Anuradhapura; however in her five-year reign she poisoned her way through at least four other husbands and consorts and eventually governed Rajarata on her own. She should not be confused with the other famous Anula in Sri Lankan history, king Devanampiyatissa's consort. The primary source for her reign is the Mahavamsa, chapters XXXIV and XXXV.