Sinhabahu (Sinha = Lion, Bahu = Arm) is a legendary king of ancient India, mentioned in Sri Lankan texts.
According to the Mahavamsa's Legend (the chronicled history of Sri Lanka), Sinhabahu's father was a lion and his mother a princess of Vanga, who was to decide to leave the kingdom alone to 'maghada".
When the traders arrived at "lata" land a lion appeared and chased them.
He asks, “Why don’t we live with humans?” She explains that the lion has sealed the cave with a stone, therefore they could not leave.
The highest authorities recognized Sinhabahu’s strength and his royal lineage through his mother, so they decided to make him the next king.
They had thirty-two children, of whom Vijaya was the eldest and Sumitta the next youngest child.
The tale of Sinhabahu was greatly popularised by playwright Ediriweera Sarachchandra, under the title 'Sinhabahu', which was adapted from the legend in the Mahawamsa.