Public Administration in Ancient India c11.55

c11.55

From the Ceylon inscriptions we learn that in that island all measures were enacted by the King-in-Council, and all orders were issued by, and under the authority of, the Council. In the Vevala-Katiya Inscription of Mahinda IV.,² for instance, we find the following: "... Goluggam Raksam Kudasenu, Meykappar Kuburgamu Lokohi, Katiri Agbohi, and Kundala Arayam; all these lords who sit in the Royal Council, and who have come (together) in accordance with the mandate delivered (by the King-in-Council), have promulgated these regulations." When any grant was made by the State to any individual or body, a Council Warrant of Immunity was issued. In the Madirigiriya Pillar inscription of Kassapa V. (980-990 A.D.),¹ we find the following passage: “Whereas it was (so) decreed by the Supreme Council, we, all of us, Officers-of-State, namely, . . . (five names) . . . have come . . . by Order and granted this Council Warrant of Immunity to the area . . .” Sometimes Pillars of Council Warranty ² were set up to inform people of the privileges granted to religious or other institutions. The appreciation of the importance of the Council by monarchs is shown by the Slab Inscription of Queen Līlāvatī ³ where she says: “By creating a Council of wise, brave, and faithful ministers, she has freed her own kingdom from the dangers (arising) from other kingdoms.”