Anula of Anuradhapura

Queen Anula (reigned 47 BCE – 42 BCE) is the first queen in Sri Lankan history to wield meaningful power and authority, and is the first female head of state in Asia.

Anula initially rises to power as consort of king Chore Naga (also known as 'Coranaga' and 'Mahanaga'), son of king Valagambahu of Anuradhapura; however in her five-year reign she poisons her way through at least four other husbands and consorts and eventually governs 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.

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