Muhandiram

The Lascoreen Guard of Padikara Muhandiram Arthur Silva Wijeyasinghe Siriwardena

Muhandiram (Sinhalese: මුහන්දිරම්) was a post in the native headmen system in the lower-country (coastal districts) of Ceylon (Sri Lanka) during the colonial era. It was awarded as a title of honor until suspension of Celonese honors in 1956.

History

The post originated from the Portuguese colonial administration in the 17th century by enlisting natives of different castes form the coastal areas. The post continued though out the Dutch East India Company administration and the British colonial administration until the abolishment of the native depoatment in 1930s.[1] It was awarded as a title of honor until suspension of Celonese honors in 1956.

During the British administration appointment was made by the Government Agent of the district to a Korale which was a revanue district; a muhandiram had several Vidane Arachchies that may came under his supervision. He wound report to the Mudaliyar of the Korale or Atapattu (district) and was suboninate to Assistant Government Agents and other Civil Servants. Appointments were non-transferable and usually heditary, made to locals, usually from wealthy influential families loyal the British Crown. This was an influential post, the holder had much control over the populace of a Korale and had limited policing powers since he was responsible to keep the peace, carried out revenue collection and assisted in judicial functions.[2][3][4][5]

Their uniform was similar to that of Mudaliyars with long black tunic bottoned up to the neck with golden loops and bottons, gold lave sword belt and decorated sword.[1]

Ranks of the British Muhandirams

Muhandirams had several classes;[1]

Official
Ex-offico

posts attached to other public departments or ceremonial roles

Singular appointments

List of prominent Muhandiram

See also

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Twentieth Century Impressions of Ceylon: The Native Headman System
  2. ↑ The Chieftains of Ceylon, J. C. Van Sanden
  3. ↑ Murders and other crimes
  4. ↑ Under the Bo Tree; Studies in Caste, Kinship, and Marriage in the Interior
  5. ↑ Electoral Allegiance in Sri Lanka