Kotte – the wealthiest kingdom in 16th Century-Dr. Tilak S Fernando
Royal Abode of King Bhuvanekabahu I
Source:Dailynews
In the 16th Century, Ceylon was divided into three reigns: Kotte, Up-country and ‘Yapa’. Of these, the principal kingdom and the wealthiest was Kotte. Agriculture (Paddy growing) was the main crop. Still, within the Kotte area, the supplies of tea, rubber, coconut, cinnamon, areca nut, and precious stones, including elephants, were sourced from other regions. The King’s income was an important factor in terms of his security.
Once, King Buwanekabahu protected his reign from enemy attacks from the Portuguese by signing an accord with them and offering a bribe of considerable money (Kurunduwahara three hundred) to obtain war equipment.
Tax dependence on each profession, such as Kinnara Badda, Rajaka Badda, Kottal Badda etc. During the 13th Century in Kotte, the official who collected such taxes was called the Vidane. His duty was to approach those who had to pay taxes to the royalty and such taxes were sent to appropriate sections.
Folks, their occupation and social status
Villages produced everything that was needed for themselves. It was known as self-sufficient. The town had connections with other villages to a certain extent, but there was no unity in an economic pattern in the villages.
The King’s wish was always carried out. Usually, the drummer spread the King’s messages to announce that he wanted his subjects for certain services, such as road building, work on waterways etc. He was responsible for calling all individuals who had to pay tax to the royalty and explaining how the appropriate tax was calculated – an officer known as Vidane collected such taxes.
He sent all collected taxes to the relevant section in the majesty’s section.
Kotte’s reign was self-sufficient, believing whatever a village or a town required, but inter connections with each village/town were minimal. There was no economic unity during this period.
The King could call on his subjects at will. As a regular practice, the King used his authority to send drummers to collect people when necessary for public works such as war affairs, repairs or construction of waterways.
Population in the 15th Century
In Ceylon, during the middle of the 15th Century, the total population was five hundred thousand and a person’s lifetime was limited to 35 years. Infant death rate and pregnant women during child delivery seem to be excessive due to the spreading of pandemics.
During this period, out of classical poetry, it was indicated that paddy cultivation was given a prominent place.
According to a classical poem in the Hansa Sandeshaya, there were paddy fields up to 12,000 full of paddy seeds at various locations.
Ponds full of coconut, mango and other fruits were grown for beauty.
When the King donated to a royal official or for a devalaya, it was presented to the person known as the ‘gamladda.’ The granted lands were known as Muttthetuwa.
According to the Royal command, he was able to get assistance to cultivate from the neighbouring people. Kotte King Parakramabahu VI, at the early stages of his reign, converted Vijaya Ba Pirivena into a university.
Trade and Technology
Whatever was necessary for society, artisans were able to produce. It was mentioned that building construction, cattle management and the jewellery industry thrived in this era.
In the 15th Century, Cinnamon became the main export product. During Kotte’s reign, King Buwanekabahu VI sent a shipload of Cinnamon to India. Rayan Malaawanayek tried to interfere with the Cinnamon, causing a battle, as indicated in the history books.
When Arabian traders were involved with trading transactions in Europe, Ceylonese spices were also seen.
In this Century, exporting items were cinnamon, ericanut, elephants and precious stones, according to a Portuguese trader.
In the 15th Century, there were several agreements with China. History books also mentioned that Muslims in the coastal area had become busy trading from ferry boats.
During the Kotte’s reign, traders had gone into the country and collected luxury goods, such as Ivory, also mentioned in the old history. Whatever was said and done, the Kotte era was considered a golden era out of all kingdoms.
(The writer translated to English the text of the late Prasad Milinda Siriwardena, Ceylon Economic Analysis between BC 543 to 1832)
