Mediaeval Sinhalese Art c34.4.3

c34.4.3

LVII.) that the heads of the five trades were chosen as messengers to carry a welcome from Kitti Śirimegha to his son Parākrama, afterwards Parākrama Bāhu I. (1164—1197 A.D.), an indication of the social importance of these master craftsmen at the time. The ‘five servants’ are also referred to (Mahāvaṃsa Ch. LVII.), as granted to a certain ecclesiastic, together with workmen skilled in all manner of works, to minister unto him. P. 27. *Gabaḍāgam.* Knox (pp. 43-44) thus describes the royal manors: “Many Towns are in the King’s hand, the Inhabitants whereof are to Till and Manure a quantity of the Land according to their Ability, and lay up the Corn for the King’s use. These Towns the King often bestows upon some of his Nobles for their Encouragement and Maintenance, with all the fruits and benefits that before came to the King from them. In each of these Towns there is a *Smith* to make and mend the Tools of them to whom the King hath granted them, and a *Potter* to fit them with Earthenware, and a *Washer* to wash their Cloaths, and other men to supply what there is need of. And each of these hath a piece of Land for this their Service, whether it be to the King or the Lord; but what they do for the other People they are paid for. Thus all that have any Place or Employment under the King, are paid without any Charge to the King." P. 29.