A Study on the Past Market and Social System Revealed Through the “Badulu Tem Letter”

Abstract

The Historic “Badulu Tem Letter”, which was found near Mahiyanganaya Sorabora Tank by Badulla government sub-agent John Bailey in 1857 is a series of charters on a petition by the people to the king on injustices at Hopitigamuwa market. It was a source for an intellectual who searches for Sri Lanka’s history, social, cultural, political and economic background, specially on taxation of the king’s policy. When compared with the present society, it confirms there is no change of the situation of the society at that time and it can be observed that the trade regulations are compatible not only with Sri Lanka’s society in that statutory class, but also on international trade regulations.