SOAS Research Online

Abstract

The present study is an examination of the institution of kingship in Ceylon from about the 3rd century B.C. to the 4th century A.D, Chapter I shows that kingship originated out of local leadership in the early north Indian colonies, but that Indian ideas exerted a great deal of influence on its subsequent development. The second chapter discusses the various titles given to the early rulers and points out their significance in the evolution of local leadership into full- fledged kingship. The local nobility and its formation is discussed in relation to the royalty in chapter III. The bureaucracy of officers who served the king is the subject of chapter IV. The relationship between the king and the Sangha is the theme of Chapter V, particular attention being paid in this chapter to the contribution of the Sangha to the development of the monarchy. Chapter VI is an attempt to trace the geographical expansion of royal power and authority over the whole Island. It also includes an examination of the factors which facilitated the growth of royal power. Lastly, chapter VII discusses the powers exercised by the king and the limitations to which he was subject.