Mediaeval Sinhalese Art c7.31

c7.31

*Washermen* *Rada vasama* (washermen). The royal tenants performed three months a year service in Kandy, in turn with other relays. The service of a washerman consisted in washing weekly or monthly the soiled cloths of a family; the robes, curtains, flags, and vestments of a temple; decorating temples with *viyan* (awnings) for festivals and *pinkam*, and private houses on occasions of weddings, *yak* or *bali* ceremonies and arrival of distinguished visitors; the supplying on such occasions of *piruvaṭa*-cloths for wearing, *eṭirili* or covers for seats, tables, &c., *piyavili* or carpets, and *diya-reḍi* or bathing-cloths; the making of *pandam* (torches) and *parveṭi* (wicks), and the supplying of *dambu* (tow). The washerman had also to attend his master on journeys, carrying his bundle of clothes and bathing requisites. He supplied the Kapurāla (incumbent of a *dēvāle*) and Yakdessa with *piruvaṭa*, the former weekly when on duty at a *dēvāle*, and the latter for dancing at festivals. He gave *piruvaṭa* for the *muṭṭeṭṭu* for serving out the food, for *peṇum-kat* and *tel-kat* as covers, and for the state elephant during festivals. The *peṇuma* he gave consisted generally of a piece of wearing apparel or of a *suḍu-toppiya* (Kandyan hat), or in some cases of *pana-leli* (horns for combs). His perquisites vary according to the occasion calling forth his services. Thus at the Sinhalese new year, besides the quota of sweetmeats and rice given on such an occasion, every member of the family tied up a coin in the cloth he delivered to him for washing. At *koṭahalu* festivities (occasion of a girl attaining puberty), the washerman was entitled to the cloth worn by the girl and to her head ornaments, and at a funeral to all the cloths not allowed to be burnt on the pyre.