Mediaeval Sinhalese Art c7.5

c7.5

The two Adigārs possessed a general jurisdiction over the whole of the Kandyan provinces; by them the King’s orders were communicated to the public and to the chief residents in Kandy. The King’s orders to the chiefs resident in the provinces were conveyed by *olas* (palm leaf mss.) written in the name of the first Adigār, or in his absence from Kandy, in the name of the second. The Adigārs were charged with the conduct of public festivals, the repair of temples on behalf of the King, and the catching of elephants in Kandy, and were expected to personally superintend all public works; they had charge also of the repair of the streets and of every work contributing to the beauty and cleanliness of the capital. They had many other duties, as well as various privileges and honours. Their staff of office consisted of a lac-painted cane (*vevela*) curved at the top, which was delivered into their hands upon their appointment; in former times the cane had merely a silver head and ferrule, but a cane cased entirely in silver was introduced by the last king. For the better support of their dignity, a *disavanaya* was usually conferred upon each Adigār, in addition to his own duties and offices. Under the Disāvas and Raṭēmahātmayās were various minor officers, such as Korālas, Vidānes, Araccis, etc. Independent of them were the officers of public departments, and the principals of large temples.