Book: An Historical Relation Of The Island Ceylon In The East Indies

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ERRATA.


Besides divers Mispointings, and other Literal Mistakes of smaller
moment, these are to be amended.

Page 1. Line 16. after Parts, strike out the Comma, p. 3. l. 25. for
Oudi pallet read Oudi pollat, p. 7. l. 31, after they dele that,
p. 12. l. 43. for Ponudecarse read Ponudecars, p. 13. after rowling
dele it, p. 22. l. 38. for Out-yards read Ortyards, p. 25. l. 6. for
tarrish read tartish, p. 27. l. 10. for sometimes read some,
p. 29. l. 33. for Rodgerari read Rodgerah, p. 33. l. 15, 25, 29. for
Radga in those three lines, read Raja., p. 35. l. 12. for a read
at, Ibid. l. 51. for being none read none being, p. 39. l. 1. dele
a, p. 47. l. 36. for Gurpungi read Oulpangi, Ibid. l. 43 for
Dackini read Dackim, p. 50. l. 16. for Roterauts read Roterauls,
Ibid. l. 17. after these read are, Ibid. l. 24. after them read to,
p. 51. l. 2. after them a Semicolon, Ibid. Marg. l. 3. for others
read these, Ibid. l. 18. for their read theirs, Ibid. l. 19. dele
and Ibid. l. 49. for Courti-Atchila read Courli-atchila,
p. 58. l. 30. after were read or were, p. 62. Marg. l. 1. for By read
Pay, Ibid. l. 18 after shooting add him; Ibid. Marg. l. 14. for one
read once, p. 69. l. 28. after lace dele the Comma, Ibid. l. 30. for
Kirinerahs read Kinnerahs, p. 71. l. 3. after places add and,
p. 73. 14. dele they say, Ibid. l. 42. for ward read reward,
p. 74. l. 5. dele the Semicolon after Vehar, and place it after
also, Ibid. l. 27. for hands read heads, p. 76. l. 23. for God
read Gods, Ibid. l. 36. after know a Period, p. 80. l. 3. for him
read them, p. 87. l. 27. after Hens a Semicolon, p. 88. l. 35. for
stream read steam, p. 89. l. 7. for a read the, p. 101. l. 28. for
Husband read Husbandman, p. 102. l. 23. after considerable a Comma,
p. 103. Marg. l. 4. for benefit read manner, p. 105, l. 26. for so
read To, p. 109. l. 1. read Heawoy com-coraund, To fight, as much as
to say, To act the Soldier, p. 110. l. 29. after go add their Journey,
p. 111. l. 9. for Friday read Iridah, p. 112. l. 52. after temple
add in, p. 118. l. 41. after and add his, p. 128. l. 51. dele no,
p. 132. l. 38. dele the Comma after Holstein, p. 134. l. 47. For Crock
read crook, p. 138. l. 37. for ny read any, Ibid., l. 47. after they
read had, p. 148. l. 52. for go read got, p. 151. l. 6. for here read
have, p. 154. l. 27. for favors read feavors, p. 155. l. 4. dele the
first [it] Ibid. l. 18. for he read we, p. 161. l. 43. for Diabac
read Diabat. p. 168. l. 4. after before add us, Ibid. l. 7. after
comparing add it, p. 176. l. 22. for the read great, p. 179. l. 21. for
be read beg, Ibid. l. 34. dele what they keep, And instead of Cande
uda thro-out the Book, read Conde uda.






AN
Historical Relation
OF
ZEILON,
(Alias Ceylon,)
AN
Island in the EAST-INDIES.




PART I







CHAP. I.

A general Description of the Island.


How this Island lyes with respect unto me Neighbouring Countries,
I shall not speak at all, that being to be seen in our ordinary
Sea-Cards, which describe those Parts; and but little concerning
the Maritime parts of it, now under the Jurisdiction of the Dutch:
my design being to relate such things onely that are new and unknown
unto these Europaean Nations. It is the Inland Countrey therefore I
chiefly intend to write of which is yet an hidden Land even to the
Dutch themselves that inhabit upon the Island. For I have seen among
them a fair large Map of this Place, the best I believe extant, yet
very faulty: the ordinary Maps in use among us are much more so; I have
procured a new one to be drawn, with as much truth and exactness as I
could, and his Judgment will not be deemed altogether inconsiderable,
who had for Twenty Years Travelled about the Iland, and knew almost
every step of those Parts, especially, that most want describing.

I begin with the Sea-Coasts. Of all which the Hollander is Master:
On the North end the chief places are Jafnipatan, and the Iland of
Manaur. On the East side Trenkimalay, and Batticalow. To the South
is the City of Point de Galle. On the West the City of Columbo,
so called from a Tree the Natives call Ambo, (which bears the
Mango-fruit) growing in that place; but this never bare fruit,
but onely leaves, which in their Language is Cola> and thence they
called the Tree Colambo: which the Christians in honour of Columbus
turned to Columbo. It is the chief City on the Sea-coasts where the
chief Governour hath his residence. On this side also is Negumba, and
Colpentine. All these already mentioned are strong fortified places:
There are besides many other smaller Forts and Fortifications. All
which, with considerable Territories, to wit, all round bordering
upon the Sea-coasts, belong to the Dutch Nation.

[A general division of the Inland Countrey.] I proceed to the
Inland-Country, being that that is now under the King of Cande. It
is convenient that we first understand, that this land is divided
into greater or less shares or parts. The greater divisions give
me leave to call Provinces, and the less Counties, as resembling
ours in England, tho not altogether so big. On the North parts lyes
the Province of Nourecalava, consisting of five lesser Divisions or
Counties; the Province also of Hotcourly (signifying seven Counties:)
it contains seven Counties. On the Eastward is Mautaly, containing
three Counties. There are also lying on that side Tammanquod, Bintana,
Vellas, Paunoa, these are single Counties. Ouvah also containing
three Counties. In this Province are Two and thirty of the Kings
Captains dwelling with their Soldiers. In the Midland within those
already mentioned lye Wallaponahoy (it signifies Fifty holes or
vales which describe the nature of it, being nothing but Hills and
Valleys,) Poncipot, (signifying five hundred Souldiers.) Goddaponahoy,
(signifying fifty pieces of dry Land;) Hevoihattay (signifying sixty
Souldiers,) Cote-mul, Horsepot (four hundred Souldiers.) Tunponahoy
(three fifties.) Oudanour (it signifies the Upper City,) where I
lived last and had Land. Tattanour (the Lower City) in which stands
the Royal and chief City, Cande. These two Counties I last named,
have the pre-eminence of all the rest in the Land. They are most
populous, and fruitful. The Inhabitants thereof are the chief and
principal men: insomuch that it is a usual saying among them, that
if they want a King, they may take any man, of either of these two
Counties, from the Plow, and wash the dirt off him, and he by reason
of his quality and descent is fit to be a King. And they have this
peculiar Priviledge, That none may be their Governour, but one
born in their own Country. These ly to the Westward that follow,
Oudipollat, Dolusbaug, Hotteracourly, containing four Counties;
Portaloon, Tuncourly, containing three Counties; Cuttiar. Which last,
together with Batticalaw, and a part of Tuncourly, the Hollander took
from the King during my being there. There are about ten or twelve
more un-named, next bordering on the Coasts, which are under the
Hollander. All these Provinces and Counties, excepting six, Tammanquod,
Vellas, Paunoa, Hotteracourly, Hotcourly, and Neurecalava, ly upon
Hills fruitful and dwell watered: and therefore they are called in
one word Conde Uda, which signifies, On top of the Hills, and the
King is styled, the King of Conde Uda.

[Each County divided by Woods.] All these Counties are divided each
from other by great Woods. Which none may fell, being preserved for
Fortifications. In most of them there are Watches kept constantly,
but in troublesome times in all.

[The Country Hilly, but enriched with Rivers.] The Land is full of
Hills, but exceedingly well watered, there being many pure and clear
Rivers running through them. Which falling down about their Lands
is a very great benefit for the Countrey in respect of their Rice,
their chief Sustenance. These Rivers are generally very rocky, and so
un-navigable. In them are great quantities of Fish, and the greater
for want of Skill in the People to catch them. [The great River,
Mavelagonga described.] The main River of all is called Mavelagonga;
Which proceeds out of the Mountain called Adams Peak (of which
afterwards:) it runs thro the whole Land Northward, and falls into the
Sea at Trenkimalay. It may be an Arrows flight over in bredth, but not
Navigable by reason of the many Rocks and great falls in it: Towards
the Sea it is full of Aligators, but on the Mountains none at all.

It is so deep, that unless it be mighty dry weather, a man cannot wade
over it, unless towards the head of it. They use little Canoues to pass
over it: but there are no Bridges built over it, being so broad, and
the Stream in time of Rains (which in this Countrey are very great)
runs so high, that they cannot make them, neither if they could,
would it be permitted; for the King careth not to make his Countrey
easie to travel, but desires to keep it intricate. This River runs
within a mile or less of the City of Cande. In some places of it,
full of Rocks, in others clear for three or four miles.

There is another good large River running through Catemul, and falls
into that before mentioned. There are divers others brave Rivers that
water the Countrey, tho none Navigable for the cause above said.

[Woody.] The Land is generally covered with Woods, excepting the
Kingdome of Ovuah, and the Counties of Oudipallet, and Dolusbaug,
which are naturally somewhat clear of them.

[Where most populous and healthful.] It is most populous about the
middle, least near about by the Sea; how it is with those Parts under
the Hollander, I know not. The Northern parts are somewhat sickly by
reason of bad water, the rest very healthful.

[The nature of the Valleys.] The Valleys between their Hills are many
of them quagmires, and most of them full of brave Springs of pure
water: Which watery Valleys are the best sort of Land for their Corn,
as requiring much moisture, as shall be told in its place.

[The great Hill Adams Peak, described.] On the South side of Conde
Uda is an Hill, supposed to be the highest on this Island, called
in the Chingulay Language, Hamalell; but by the Portuguez and the
Europaean Nations, Adams Peak. It is sharp like a Sugar-loaf, and on
the Top a flat Stone with the print of a foot like a mans on it, but
far bigger, being about two foot long. The people of this Land count
it meritorious to go and worship this impression; and generally about
their New Year, which is in March, they, Men, Women and Children,
go up this vast and high Mountain to worship. The manner of which I
shall write hereafter, when I come to describe their Religion. Out
of this Mountain arise many fine Rivers, which run thro the Land,
some to the Westward, some to the Southward, and the main River,
viz. Mavelagonga before mentioned, to the Northward.

[The natural Strength of this Kingdom] This Kingdom of Conde Uda is
strongly fortified by Nature. For which way soever you enter into
it, you must ascend vast and high mountains, and descend little or
nothing. The wayes are many, but are many, but very narrow, so that but
one can go abreast. The Hills are covered with Wood and great Rocks,
so that 'tis scarce possible to get up any where, but onely in the
paths, in all which there are gates made of Thorns; the one at the
bottom, the other at the top of the Hills, and two or three men always
set to watch, who are to examine all that come and go, and see what
they carry, that Letters may not be conveyed, nor Prisoners or other
Slaves run away. These Watches, in case of opposition, are to call
out to the Towns near, who are to assist them. They oftentimes have
no Arms, for they are the people of the next Towns: but their Weapons
to stop people are to charge them in the Kings Name; which disobeyed,
is so Severely punished; that none dare resist. These Watches are but
as Sentinels to give notice; for in case of War and Danger the King
sends Commanders and Souldiers to ly here. But of this enough. These
things being more proper to be related, when we come to discourse of
the Policy and Strength of the Kingdom.

[The difference of the Seasons in this Country.] The one part of
this Island differs very much from the other, both in respect of the
Seasons and the Soyl. For when the Westwardly Winds blow, then it
rains on the West side of the Island: and that is the season for them
to till their grounds. And at the same time on the East side is very
fair and dry weather, and the time of their Harvest. On the contrary,
when the East Winds blow, it is Tilling time for those that inhabit
the East Parts, and Harvest to those on the West. So that Harvest is
here in one part or other all the Year long. These Rains and this dry
weather do part themselves about the middle of the Land; as oftentimes
I have seen, being on the one side of a Mountain called Cauragas hirg,
rainy and wet weather, and as soon as I came on the other, dry, and
so exceeding hot, that I could scarcely walk on the ground, being,
as the manner there is, barefoot.

[What parts have most Rain.] It rains far more in the High-Lands of
Conde Uda, then in the Low-Lands beneath the Hills. The North End of
this Island is much subject to dry weather. I have known it for five
or six Years together so dry, (having no Rains, and there is no other
means of water but that; being but three Springs of running water,
that I know, or ever heard of) that they could not plow nor sow,
and scarcely could dig Wells deep enough to get water to drink, and
when they got it, its tast was brackish. At which time in other Parts
there wanted not Rain; Whither the Northern People were forced to come
to buy food. Let thus much suffice to have spoken of the Countreys,
Soyl and Nature of this Island in general. I will proceed to speak
of the Cities and Towns of it, together with some other Remarkable
Matters there-unto belonging.






CHAP. II.

Concerning the Chief Cities and Towns of this Island.


[The most Eminent Cities are Five.] In this Island are several Places,
where, they say, formerly stood Cities; and still retain the Name,
tho little or nothing of Building be now to be seen. But yet there
are Five Cities now standing, which are the most Eminent, and where
the King hath Palaces and Goods; yet even these, all of them, except
that wherein his Person is, are ruined and fallen to decay.

[Candy.] The First is the City of Candy, so generally called by the
Christians, probably from Conde, which in the Chingulays Language
signifies Hills, for among them it is situated, but by the Inhabitants
called Hingodagul-neure, as much as to say, the City of the Chingulay
people, and Mauneur, signifying the Chief or Royal City. This is
the Chief or Metropolitical City of the whole Island. It is placed
in the midst of the Island in Tattanour, bravely situate for all
conveniences, excellently well watered. The Kings Palace stands on
the East corner of the City, as is customary in this Land for the
Kings Palaces to stand. This City is three-square like a Triangle:
but no artificial strength about it, unless on the South side, which
is the easiest and openest way to it, they have long since cast up
a Bank of Earth cross the Valley from one Hill to the other; which
nevertheless is not so steep but that a man may easily go over it any
where. It may be some twenty foot in height. In every Way to come to
this City about two or three miles off from it are thorn-Gates and
Watches to examine all that go and come: It is environed round with
Hills. The great River coming down from Adams Peak runs within less
than a mile of it on the West side. It has oftentimes been burnt by
the Portuguez in their former Invasions of this Island, together with
the Kings Palace and the Temples. Insomuch that the King has been
fain to pay them a Tribute of three Elephants per annum. The King
left this City about Twenty Years ago, and never since has come at
it. So that it is now quite gone to decay.

[Nellemby] A second City is Nellemby-neur, lying in Oudipollat, South
of Cande, some Twelve miles distance. Unto this the King retired,
and here kept his Court, when he forsook Candy.

[Allout-neur] Thirdly, The City Allout-neur on the North East of
Cande. Here this King was born, here also he keeps great store of Corn
and Salt, &c. against time of War or Trouble. [The Country of Bintan
described.] This is Situate in the Countrey of Bintan, which Land,
I have never been at, but have taken a view of from the top of a
Mountain, it seems to be smooth Land, and not much hilly; the great
River runneth through the midst of it. It is all over covered with
mighty Woods and abundance of Deer. But much subject to dry Weather
and Sickness. In these Woods is a fort of Wild People Inhabiting,
whom we shall speak of in their place.

[Badoula.] Fourthly, Badoula Eastward from Cande some two dayes
Journey, the second City in this Land. The Portugals in time of
War burnt it down to the ground. The Palace here is quite ruined;
the Pagodas onely remain in good repair.

[The Province of Ouvah.] This City stands in the Kingdom or Province
of Ouvah, which is a Countrey well watered, the Land not smooth,
neither the Hills very high, wood very scarce, but what they plant
about their Houses. But great plenty of Cattle, their Land void of
wood being the more apt for grazing. If these Cattle be carried to
any other Parts in this Island they will commonly dye, the reason
whereof no man can tell, onely they conjecture it is occasioned by a
kind of small Tree or Shrub, that grows in all Countreys but in Ouvah,
the Touch or Scent of which may be Poyson to the Ouvah Cattel; though
it is not so to other. The Tree hath a pretty Physical smell like an
Apothecaries Shop, but no sort of Cattle will eat it. In this Cuontry
grows the best Tobacco that is on this Land. Rice is more plenty here
then most other things.

[Digligy, the place of the Kings constant Residence.] The fifth
City Digligy-neur towards the East of Cande, lying in the Country of
Hevahatt. Where the King ever since he was routed from Nellemby in
the Rebellion Anno 1664. hath held his Court. The scituation of this
place is very Rocky and Mountainous, the Lands Barren; So that hardly
a worse place could be found out in the whole Island. Yet the King
chose it, partly because it lyes about the middle of his Kingdom, but
chiefly for his safety; having the great Mountain [Gauluda.] Gauluda
behind his Palace, unto which he fled for Safety in the Rebellion,
being not only high, but on the top of it lye three Towns, and Corn
Fields, whence he may have necessary supplies: and it is so fenced
with steep Cliffs, Rocks and Woods, that a few men here will be able
to defend themselves against a great Army.

[Many Ruins of Cities.] There are besides these already mentioned,
several other ruinous places that do still retain the name of Cities,
where Kings have Reigned, tho now little Foot steps remaining of
them. At the North end of this Kings Dominions is one of these Ruinous
Cities, called [Anurodgburro.] Anurodgburro where they say Ninety
Kings have Reigned, the Spirits of whom they hold now to be Saints
in Glory, having merited it by making Pagoda's and Stone Pillars
and Images to the honour of their Gods, whereof there are many yet
remaining: which the Chingulayes count very meritorious to worship,
and the next way to Heaven. Near by is a River, by which we came when
we made our escape: all along which is abundance of hewed stones,
some long for Pillars, some broad for paving. Over this River there
have been three Stone Bridges built upon Stone Pillars, but now are
fallen down; and the Countrey all desolate without Inhabitants. At
this City of Anurodgburro is a Watch kept, beyond which are no more
people that yield obedience to the King of Candy. This place is above
Ninety miles to the Northward of the City of Candy. [The nature of
the Northern Parts.] In these Northern Parts there are no Hills,
nor but two or three Springs of running water, so that their Corn
ripeneth with the help of Rain.

[The Port of Portaloon: It affords Salt.] There is a Port in the
Countrey of Portaloon lying on the West side of this Island, whence
part of the Kings Countrey is supplyed with Salt and Fish: where they
have some small Trade with the Dutch, who have a Fort upon the Point,
to prevent Boats from coming: But the Eastern Parts being too far, and
Hilly, to drive Cattel thither for Salt, Gods Providence hath provided
them a place on the East side nearer them, which in their Language they
call [Leawava affords Salt in abundance.] Leawava. Where the Eastwardly
Winds blowing, the Sea beats in, and in Westwardly Winds (being then
fair weather there) it becomes Salt, and that in such abundance, that
they have as much as they please to fetch. [Described.] This Place of
Leawava is so contrived by the Providence of the Almighty Creator,
that neither the Portuguez nor Dutch in all the time of their Wars
could ever prevent this People from having the benefit of this Salt,
which is the principal thing that they esteem in time of Trouble or
War; and most of them do keep by them a store of Salt against such
times. It is, as I have heard, environed with Hills on the Land side,
and by Sea not convenient for Ships to ride; and very sickly, which
they do impute to the power of a great God, who dwelleth near by in a
Town they call Cotteragom, standing in the Road, to whom all that go
to fetch Salt both small and great must give an Offering. The Name
and Power of this God striketh such terror into the Chingulayes,
that those who otherwise are Enemies to this King, and have served
both Portuguez and Dutch against him, yet would never assist either
to make Invasions this way.

[Their Towns how Built.] Having said thus much concerning the Cities
and other Eminent places of this Kingdom, I will now add a little
concerning their Towns. The best are those that do belong to their
Idols, wherein stand their Dewals or Temples. They do not care to
make Streets by building their Houses together in rowes, but each
man lives by himself in his own Plantation, having an hedg it may
be and a ditch round about him to keep out Cattel. Their Towns are
always placed some distance from the High-ways, for they care not that
their Towns should be a thorough-fair for all people, but onely for
those that have business with them. They are not very big, in some
may be Forty, in some Fifty houses, and in some above an Hundred:
and in some again not above eight or ten.

[Many lye in Ruins, and forsaken; and upon what occasion.] And as I
said before of their Cities, so I must of their Towns, That there
are many of them here and there lie desolate, occasioned by their
voluntary forsaking them, which they often do, in case many of them
fall sick, and two or three die soon after one another: For this they
conclude to happen from the hand of the Devil. Whereupon they all
leave their Town and go to another, thinking thereby to avoid him:
Thus relinquishing both their Houses and Lands too. Yet afterwards,
when they think the Devil hath departed the place, some will sometimes
come back and re-assume their Lands again.






CHAP. III.

Of their Corn, with their manner of Husbandry.


[The Products and Commodities of the Countrey.] Having discoursed
hitherto of the Countrey, method will require that I proceed now
to the Products of it; Viz. their Fruits, Plants, Beasts, Birds,
and other Creatures, Minerals, Commodities, &c. whereof I must
declare once for all, That I do not pretend to write an Exact and
Perfect Treatise, my time and leisure not permitting me so to do;
but only to give a Relation of some of the chief of these things,
and as it were a tast of them, according as they that occur to my
Memory while I am writing. I shall first begin with their Corn,
as being the Staff of their Countrey.

[Corn of divers sorts.] They have divers sorts of Corn, tho all
different from ours. And here I shall first speak of their Rice,
the Choice and Flower of all their Corn, and then concerning the
other inferior kinds among them.

[Rice.] Of Rice they have several sorts, and called by several names
according to the different times of their ripening: However in tast
little disagreeing from one another. Some will require seven Months
before it come to maturity, called Mauvi; some six, Hauteal; others
will ripen in five, Honorowal; others in four, Henit; and others in
three, Aulfancol: The price of all these is one and the same. That
which is soonest ripe, is most savoury to the tast; but yieldeth
the least increase. It may be asked then, why any other sort of Rice
is sown, but that which is longest a Ripening, seeing it brings in
most Profit? In answer to this, you must know, [Grows in Water. Their
Ingenuity in watering their Corn Lands.] That all these sorts of Rice
do absolutely require Water to grow in, all the while they stand; so
that the Inhabitants take great pains in procuring and saving water
for their Grounds, and in making Conveyances of Water from their Rivers
and Ponds into their Lands, which they are very ingenious in; also in
levelling their Corn Lands, which must be as smooth as a Bowling-Green,
that the Water may cover all over. Neither are their steep and Hilly
Lands uncapable of being thus overflown with Water. For the doing of
which they use this Art. They level these Hills into narrow Allies,
some three; some eight foot wide one beneath another, according to the
steepness of the Hills, working and digging them in that fashion that
they lye smooth and flat, like so many Stairs up the Hills one above
another. The Waters at the top of the Hills falling down wards are
let into these Allies, and so successively by running out of one into
another, water all; first the higher Lands, and then the lower. The
highest Allies having such a quantity of Water as may suffice to
cover them, the rest runs over unto the next, and that having its
proportion, unto the next, and so by degrees it falls into all these
hanging parcels of Ground. These Waters last sometimes a longer, and
sometimes a shorter Season. [Why they do not alwayes sow the best kind
of Rice.] Now the Rice they sow is according as they foresee their
stock of Water will last. It will sometimes last them two or three,
or four or five Months, more or less; the Rice therefore they chuse
to cast into the Ground, is of that sort that may answer the duration
of the Water. For all their Crop would be spoilt if the Water should
fail them before their Corn grew ripe. If they foresee their Water
will hold out long, then they sow the best and most profitable Rice,
viz. that which is longest a ripening; but if it will not, they must
be content to sow of the worser sorts; that is, those that are sooner
ripe. Again, they are forced sometimes to sow this younger Rice,
for the preventing the damage it might otherwise meet with, if it
should stand longer. For their Fields are all in common, which after
they have sown, they enclose till Harvest; But as soon as the Corn
first sown becomes ripe, when the Owner has reaped it, it is lawful
for him to break down his Fences, and let in his Cattle for grazing;
which would prove a great mischief to that Corn that required to
stand a Month or two longer. Therefore if they are constrained to
sow later than the rest, either through want or sloth, or some other
Impediment, yet they make use of that kind of Rice that will become
ripe, equal with that first sown. [They sow at different times, but
reap together.] And so they all observe one time of reaping to prevent
their Corn being trampled down or eaten up by the Cattle. Thus they
time their Corn to their Harvest; some sowing sooner, some later,
but all reaping together, unless they be Fields that are enclosed by
themselves; and peculiar to one Man.

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