Abstract:
The concept of the ancient system of gift giving focuses primararily on the
function and effect of giving among ancient societies where the market
economy did not hold a dominant place. Gift exchanging was gradually replaced
by the market economy during the middle ages and the early modern
period.The gift giving had been an exclusive and essential historical custom of
ancient societies. As it will appear from this essay on gift giving at the Kandyan
court of King Rajasimhe II (1635-1687), gifts and favours continued to play an
important role in the organisation of power and society. Special emphasis was
placed on a gift of Western fashioned headgear from the Dutch to the King
Rajasimhe II who ruled the Kadyan Kingdom. It is possible to suggest that
Western fashion influenced dress was a sign of political, economic, social
stability of Kandyan Kings in their Kingdom. As well, the gift was signifier of the
traditional Sinhalese King's perception of fashion. This is a historical study to
find out the influence of foreign gifts in changing the King's perception of a
royal dress. Social order based on reciprocal relationship has psychological
meaning and understanding. The King dressed the headgear at the royal court
instead of a golden crown which had been the royal insignia since ancient times.
The King wore it in the courtly presence, indicating a deeper affection to the
donor. Gift giving tradition can be recognized as the practice of exchanging
things with others for mutual benefits, specially for privileges during the
Kandyan Kingdom.
