The Anuradhapura Kingdom was established in 380 BCE during the reign of Pandukabhaya of Anuradhapura. Thereafter, Anuradhapura served as the capital city of the country for nearly 1,400 years.[37] Ancient Sri Lankans excelled at building certain types of structures (constructions) such as tanks, dagobas and palaces.[38] Society underwent a major transformation during the reign of Devanampiya Tissa of Anuradhapura, with the arrival of Buddhism from India. In 250 BC,[39] Mahinda, the son of the Mauryan Emperor Ashoka and a bhikkhu (Buddhist monk) arrived in Mihintale carrying the message of Buddhism.[40] His mission won over the monarch, who embraced the faith and propagated it throughout the Sinhalese population.[41]