The power of the King
In those days, the king enjoyed autocratic power. It was the king who could declare war or peace, impose capital punishment and grant pardon to a criminal. But the people expected the king to rule according to the rules prevailing in the country, respecting traditional customs and manners.
When any significant change had to be made, the king had to consult the chief officers of the government and the ‘sangha’ (Buddhist monks).
The king’s power was exercised through the mudliyars (chiefs) to whom limited power was granted. This power however was confined to people of different social standing and to certain areas only.
The highest officers in rank were, Adikarams and Disapathis (government agents). Out of these officers too, the leading ones were the Adikarams of Pallegampaha and Udugampaha. These two were the first and the second Adikarams of the king. They exercised a power similar to the power exercised by a ‘Yuvaraja’.
They belonged to the noble high caste families. They held high positions in all the administrative functions of the country. All the adikarams, disapathis, secretaries and vidanes were selected from high ranking families. They had to shower the king with gifts. ‘Nindagam’ – were given to them for their maintenance.
All the land in the country belonged to the king. As such, he could grant land for devales, temples and even people. Land was also set aside for the use of the king. Those who occupied these lands, cultivated the land for the king.
By Halaliye Karunathilaka
Edited and translated by Kamala Silva
Illustrated by Saman Kalubowila