The city's apogee was reached under the reign of Dutthagamani who, in 161 BC, defeated the South Indian invader Elara re-establishing Buddhism in the place of Brahminism and endowed the site with extraordinary monuments including the Mirisaveti Stupa, Ruwanwelisaya, and the Brazen Palace.
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King Mahasena (273-301 AD) initiated the construction of the stupa following the destruction of Mahavihara, his son Meghavanna resume the construction work of the stupa.
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It was built by King Dutugemunu, who became lord of all Sri Lanka after a war in which the Chola King Elara, was defeated.