Mediaeval Sinhalese Art c7.4

c7.4

The King ruled as an absolute monarch; his ministers could advise, but not control his actions; with him rested all decisions as to peace and war; he also promulgated edicts. But the acts of his Government were presumed to be guided by the institutions of his kingdom. Before innovations of importance were carried into effect, it was usual to consult the principal chiefs and often also the principal priests, and such persons were usually called to councils when important matters were afoot. The King’s authority was exercised through certain officers of state, of whom the two Adigārs (‘Viziers’), the Disāvas, and the Raṭēmahātmayās were chief: the officers attached to the King’s household (keepers of the robes, treasurer, armourer, etc.), the chiefs of departments employed in his personal service (such as the *Koṭṭalbadde Nilame* mentioned below) and the principals of important temples (the *Diva Nilama* of vihāras and the *Basnāyaka Nilama* of dēvāles) attended also on many public occasions.