A Study of the Social Environment of Various Professions and Professionals Involved in the Polity of Ancient Sri Lanka

The Pūrva and Apara Brāhmī inscriptions, written between the 3rd century BC and the 1st century AD, serve as a mirror reflecting the various professions and professionals, their social environment, and their status within the polity of ancient Sri Lanka. In the ancient government organization of Sri Lanka, there appears to have been a system of officialdom, including positions such as Minister, Treasurer, General, Inspector of Accounts, and others. These officials became more organized within the state structure following the coronation of King Duṭṭhagāmini. (161 – 137 BC) However, this article does not focus on these professions or their titles. Instead, its primary purpose is to uncover the various types of professions established within the government organization, the individuals engaged in these professions, and their status in the social environment of that time. Through the Brāhmī inscriptions, we can identify the established professions, their functions within the state organization of ancient Sri Lanka, the individuals engaged in these professions, and the true nature of their social conditions. This research aims to highlight these aspects. As mentioned above, it was possible to identify numerous individuals who held positions such as minister, general, treasurer, and accountant within the state organization through the Brāhmī inscriptions. The leading positions in the government organization were held mainly by those recognized as superior in the social hierarchy, often with titles like Parumakaand Gamika, who held significant societal roles. Given that these individuals led the social organization and villages at the time, it can be concluded that King Dutugemunu likely gathered parumakas and gamikaswith experience in governance and social management while building the state organization centred in Anuradhapura. It appears that the state organization at that time was well-established based on their experience, loyalty to the king, and trust in the king. Additionally, the Brāhmī inscriptions reveal that these officials received significant recognition and status within the social organization of that era.