Mediaeval Sinhalese Art c7.27

c7.27

*Baḍal paṅguva*. The holding held by smiths, called likewise *Navan-paṅguva*. Under the general term are included blacksmiths (*Acari*), braziers (*Lokuruvō*) and silver and goldsmiths (*Baḍalla*). The blacksmith supplied nails for roofing houses, hinges, locks, and keys for doors, all kitchen utensils, agricultural implements, and tools for felling and converting timber. His *peṇuma* consisted of areca-nut cutters, chunam boxes, ear and tooth-picks. At the forge he was given the assistance of a tenant to blow the bellows, and when employed out of his house he was given his food. The *Lokuruva* mended all brass and copper vessels of a temple, and generally took part in the service of the other smiths. The silver and goldsmiths worked for the proprietor in their special craft when wanted, and in temples mended and polished all the sacred vessels, did engraving and carving work, decorated the *ratē* (car of the god) and remained on guard there during the *perahera*, supplied the silver rim for the *eḷala-gaha* (*perahera* festival tree), and attended at the *kaphiṭavima* (erection of the festival tree). The goldsmiths presented *peṇum* of silver rings, chased betel boxes, ornamental arrow-heads, &c. The smith tenant also attended and assisted at the smelting of iron. In consideration of the value of the service of a smith, he generally held a large extent of fertile land.