Page 43 - Atheetha E-Magazine

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Teaching, and Government service are just a few. form of parumakala or parumakalu born women. as
Paranavitana has stated that period, the title of prumaka
During the Kotte period, men, as well as women, were
engaged in trade. According to Gira Sandeshaya, it can is the important title in the local administration in
ancient Sri Lanka. Among them, some parumaka's
be emphasized that women were engaging in trade in has held high offices rank. For example, two paladins
the Kotte period. As it says, "Every day in the shade of
the cone tree where the Dhamma comes, remembering called śenapati of King Duttagamini had been born a
title of parumak. Accordingly, the appearing under this
the Liyan who sells various valuables and never sells
them at a precious price." This shows how women title women by this name also shows the vital status of
women in the contemporary period.
sold goods in the shops and under the shade of large
trees. Internal trade is a vital component of the Eastern The role of women in the artistic section
economy. The economy is one of the main parts of the Apart from these professions, women in ancient
culture. Thus, the involvement of women in domestic Ceylon also could engage in
trade seems to be a reflection of Eastern culture.
artistic and recreational pursuits.
Another essential occupation is the pottery industry. She was talented in many leisure
In interpreting an ancient society, archaeologists activities such as music, dancing,
mostly use the potsherds unearthed in archaeological and singing. Many historical
excavations. From the early time's pottery has become sources reveal evidence of
a traditional craft. Inscriptions and epigraphs, Pali these activities. Accordingly,
commentaries, Vamsakatha, or chronicles carry tiny according to a description
mentions of the pottery productions. In some cases, given in the Dhatuvamsa,
inscriptions were recorded about pottery-produced women have played five kinds
villages. It has been identified as a Kumbakaragama. of musical instruments in the
This name today which are the most popular as ritual occasions in ancient times.
Kubal game. The Mihintale pillar inscription; can Saddharmalankara also shows
be mentioned as one Inscription about such KUBAL women skilled in various art fields such as singing,
GAMA or pottery production villages. In addition, dancing, and dancing. An instance of the woman
Vegiri Devalaya in the Matale District also mentions playing musical instruments is depicted in mural
potters and potters as Kubala and Kubakara. It is clear paintings in mulkirigal Viharaya. These are evident
from the cave inscriptions that they were professionals in the murals depicting women playing the trumpet,
in the industry as early as the third century BC. the torch, and the side drum. Also, some images of
Information on pottery villages and pottery streets is women playing musical instruments on a black stone
also available in the literature. Kulalatissa Viharaya, door at the Galpatha Vihara near Bentota in the Galle
Kubbala Tissa Pabbatha, Kumbala Sela Viharaya were District, which belongs to the Gampola period, have
so named because they were located in the villages of been beautifully carved. It shows a woman playing
the Kubaluns. The women and men who lived in these the "Mrudhanga" drums and another woman holding
villages may have been engaged in the pottery industry a cane.
to support their husbands. In the brick industry, too, Dancing is one more artistic activity that women
there is evidence that women supported the male party show their talent in ancient times. The evidence
and engaged in such activities.
that women were involved in the dance process in
The ancient Sri Lankan culture has absorbed Indian the three-century BC can be found in the Sasseru
Ideologies. Sri Lanka, an island and enlightened by Brahmi inscription. Except for this, as mentioned in
Buddhist philosophy, was characterized by its unique the chronicle, when the occasion of the treasure trove
cultural characteristics. Accordingly, Sri Lankan of relics in the great stupa, the women who served as
women played a more critical role in society than Indian playwrights have Sacrificed their ornaments worth 3
women. In when three-century BC, some feminine million of kahavanu. Accordingly, this statement has
held a position in the Sri Lankan local administration. shown us women engaging in dancing during two-
Among the cave inscriptions which belong to 3 century century BC. Except for the dancing performance, our
Bc, there are few in which the title in the feminine literary sources depicted That women also joined in the