Arachchi
Arachchi (ආරච්චි in Sinhala language) was the post of village headmen in British Ceylon. Appointed by the Government Agent of the district to administrate a village. Appointments were 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 village and had limited policing powers since he was responsible to keep the peace.
The Native Department of the Low country Public Administration system of Ceylon (Sri Lanka) under British Administration
Gate Mudaliyar (Maha Mudali - මහ මුදලි) - Several Mudaliyars (Mudalies) came under the supervision of a Gate Mudliyar (Maha Mudali). This was the highest post a native could hold under the British Administration
Mudaliyar (Mudali - මුදලි) - Several Muhandirams came under the supervision of a Mudliyar (Mudali)
Muhandiram (මුහන්දිරම්) - Several Vidane Arachchies came under the supervision of a Muhandiram
Vidane Arachchi (විදානෙ ආරච්චි) - Several Arachchies came under the supervision of a Vidane Arachchi
Arachchi (ආරච්චි)– Several Vidanes came under the supervision of an Arachchi
Vidane (විදානෙ)– There were several types of vidanes in a village Few examples are Police Vidane who had police powers to carry out police duties and Vel Vidane who was in charge of water. All these vidanes came under the supervision of an Arachchi
References
External links
- [1] Definition of Vidane, Vidane Arachchi & Vidane Muhandiram as per Sinhala English Dictionary
- [2] Twentieth Century Impressions of Ceylon
- [3] The Mudaliyars Explained
- [4] A vignette of British Justice in Colonial Ceylon
- [5] Pasgama: Step into Remoteness
- [6] Our Man in Cochin
