Ceylon

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Zeilan, also known as Ceylon, is an island located in the Indian Ocean, renowned for its natural beauty, fertile lands, and abundant resources. Historically referred to as Taprobane by ancient geographers such as Ptolemy, the island has been a subject of fascination due to its temperate climate, rich biodiversity, and cultural significance. The island is often associated with legends of paradise and is celebrated for its production of cinnamon, precious stones, and elephants. This article provides a comprehensive overview of Zeilan based on historical accounts from the 17th century.

Etymology and Other Names

  • Zeilan: The name used by Arabians and Europeans.
  • Ceilon: Another common European variant.
  • Taprobane: The name given by Ptolemy and other ancient writers.
  • Tenarizim and Ternasseri: Names used by Arabians, meaning "Land of Delight."
  • Hibernarum: The name used by Indians.
  • Salice: A name mentioned by Ptolemy, from which "Seilan" is derived.

History

  • Ancient References: Zeilan is identified by Ptolemy as Taprobane, a land rich in resources such as gold, silver, and precious stones. Pliny also noted the purity of its gold and the quality of its gemstones.
  • Political Structure: Historically, the island was ruled by a single king, but after his death, the empire fragmented into multiple kingdoms. By the 17th century, there were nine kings, with Colmuchi (Colombo) being the most prominent.
  • European Influence: The Portuguese established a fortified presence in Colmuchi (Colombo) with the permission of the local king. Later, the Dutch gained control over significant parts of the island.

Geography

Cities

  1. Colmuchi (Colombo)
    • Description: The principal city and metropolis of Zeilan, Colmuchi (modern-day Colombo) is a major trading hub. It is located on a capacious bay in the southwest of the island.
    • Significance: The city is fortified by the Portuguese, who built a strong castle here with the permission of the local king. It serves as a key port for exporting cinnamon, gemstones, and elephants.
    • Economy: Ships laden with cinnamon, precious stones, and elephants frequently depart from its harbor.
    • Cultural Influence: The city has a small Christian population due to Portuguese influence.
  2. Zilan
    • Description: Another major city, often considered the capital or a significant urban center.
    • Significance: It is mentioned as a principal town and a center of trade and administration.
  3. Candie (Candea)
    • Description: A city of great repute, believed to be the ancient Sindocande mentioned by Ptolemy.
    • Significance: Known for its statues of Adam, which are said to be artistically crafted and symmetrically proportional to the footprint believed to be Adam's.
    • Cultural Importance: The city is a center of religious and cultural activity.
  4. Ventane
    • Description: A city renowned for its grand idol temple.
    • Significance: The temple is 130 paces in circumference, with gilded spires that shine brilliantly in the sunlight.
    • Cultural Importance: A major pilgrimage site for locals.
  5. Janasipatan
    • Description: One of the cities ruled by a local king.
    • Significance: It is a political and administrative center.
  6. Triquinamale (Triqui-Leale)
    • Description: A city believed to be the ancient Tarichi mentioned by Ptolemy.
    • Significance: It is one of the seats of local kings and a center of regional power.
  7. Batecolon
    • Description: A city ruled by a local king.
    • Significance: It is part of the fragmented political landscape of Zeilan.
  8. Vilassem
    • Description: Another city ruled by a local king.
    • Significance: It contributes to the island's political and economic activities.
  9. Tanamaca
    • Description: A city ruled by a local king.
    • Significance: It is one of the nine kingdoms of Zeilan.
  10. Laula
    • Description: A city ruled by a local king.
    • Significance: It is part of the island's decentralized political structure.
  11. Galle
    • Description: A city located on the southern coast of Zeilan.
    • Significance: It is a significant port and trading center, known for its harbor.
  12. Chialo
    • Description: A city with historical and cultural importance.
    • Significance: It is one of the cities with the title of a kingdom.
  13. Jaffanatapan
    • Description: A city in the northern part of the island.
    • Significance: It is a center of regional administration and trade.
  14. Trinquilemale
    • Description: A city located on the eastern coast.
    • Significance: It is a significant port and trading hub.
  15. Baticala
    • Description: A city with historical and cultural significance.
    • Significance: It is one of the cities with the title of a kingdom.
  16. Jala
    • Description: A city with historical importance.
    • Significance: It is part of the island's political and economic network.

Cities That Functioned as Kingdoms

By the 17th century, Zeilan was divided into several kingdoms, each ruled by a local king. Below is a list of cities that also served as the seats of these kingdoms:

  1. Colmuchi (Colombo)
    • The most powerful kingdom, ruled by the chief king to whom other kings paid tribute.
  2. Candie (Candea)
    • The seat of one of the local kings, known for its cultural and religious significance.
  3. Janasipatan
    • A kingdom ruled by a local king.
  4. Triquinamale (Triqui-Leale)
    • A kingdom believed to be the ancient Tarichi mentioned by Ptolemy.
  5. Batecolon
    • A kingdom ruled by a local king.
  6. Vilassem
    • A kingdom ruled by a local king.
  7. Tanamaca
    • A kingdom ruled by a local king.
  8. Laula
    • A kingdom ruled by a local king.
  9. Galle
    • A kingdom ruled by a local king, known for its port and trade.

Rivers and Lakes

  • Rivers: Soana, Azanus, Baracus, Gandes, Phasis.
  • Lakes: A saltwater lake atop Pico de Adam, believed by locals to be formed from Eve's tears.

Mountains

  • Pico de Adam: A high mountain believed by locals to be the site of Adam's creation and burial. It is a pilgrimage site for Moors and Arabians.
  • Crystal Mountains: Known for their beauty and the presence of precious stones.

Islands

  • Manar: A small island near Zeilan, known for pearl fishing.

Demographics

  • Inhabitants: The population consists of various ethnic and religious groups, including Mahometans (Muslims) along the coast and Gentiles (Cingales) in the interior.
  • Physical Characteristics: The Cingales are described as tall, white-skinned, and large-bellied. They are known for their ingenuity and craftsmanship.
  • Religions: The island is home to idolaters (Cingales), Mahometans, and a small Christian population in Colombo.

Economy

Production

  • Agricultural Products: Dates, barley, saffron, cinnamon, cloves, pepper, oranges, lemons, and other fruits.
  • Minerals: Gold, silver, iron, brimstone, and precious stones such as rubies, sapphires, and hyacinths.
  • Crafts: Linen cloth, ivory carvings, and intricate works of gold and silver.

Trade

  • Exports: Cinnamon, elephants, precious stones, ivory, and spices.
  • Imports: Rice from Malabar and Coromandel, wool, and other goods.
  • Trade Partners: Sicily, Malta, Alexandria, and other regions in India.

Currency

  • No specific currency is mentioned in the provided texts.

Culture

  • Crafts and Art: The inhabitants are skilled artisans, known for their work in gold, silver, and ivory. A notable example is an intricately carved ivory crucifix sent to the King of Spain.
  • Entertainment: The people are renowned for their skills in juggling, tumbling, and managing hobbyhorses, which they use to entertain and earn money across India.
  • Clothing: Men wear silk and cotton garments below the navel, with gold earrings and girdles adorned with precious stones. Women are similarly adorned.
  • Food and Drink: The diet consists of milk, butter, cheese, rice, and the juice of date trees.

Government

  • Monarchy: The island was historically ruled by a single king, but by the 17th century, it was divided among nine kings, with Colmuchi being the most powerful.
  • Judicial System: In ancient times, the king appointed thirty judges to administer justice, with death sentences requiring a majority vote.

Military

  • Forces: The military relies heavily on elephants, which are considered the most courageous and docile in India.
  • Weapons: The inhabitants are described as unwarlike, using reeds as weapons instead of guns or iron.

Transportation

  • Harbors: The island has six major harbors, with Colombo being the most significant. The harbors facilitate trade and the loading of ships with cinnamon, elephants, and precious stones.
  • Boats: Boats are constructed from date trees, using the bark for ropes and the leaves for sails.

Sources from old books

1635. Historia mundi: or Mercator's atlas. London. by Gerhard Mercator.

THE Iland Zeilan or Ceilon the Arabians doe call Tenarizim and Ternasseri, that is, the Land of Delight, and the Indians Hibernarum. This Iland Ptolemy calleth Taprobana, as Barrius and Corsalus doe witnesse, which Varrerius doth also affirme. And Ortelius in his Treasury of Geography doth consent unto him. But our Mercator thinketh it to be Nanigeris, Ptolemies Greeke Bookes doe call it Pamigenesis; unto whom other doe agree. But I leave the matter undetermined and indifferent betweene both. This most excellent Iland Zeilan lyeth 10. degrees from the Aequinoctiall not farre from the Promontory Comorinus. The compasse of it is 240. leagues, or as some say 700. mile: the length of it is 78. leagues, 240. or 50. miles. The breadth of it is 44. leagues, or 140. miles. This Iland although it lye in the Torrid Zone, yet it hath so temperate a Climate, and so wholesome an ayre, that for that respect it excelleth all the Provinces of the Indies: and some have thought that Paradise was here. The ayre is very milde and gentle, and the Summer nor Winter is never too violent. The Soyle is fruitfull and alwayes greene, and full of Flowers.

The Trees are alwaies loaded with blossomes or fruits, as Oranges, Citrons, Lemons, and other fruits. It beareth also Dates, and sweet Spices, as Cinamon, Cloves, Pepper, and the like. But the Date tree alone doth afford the Inhabitants meate, drinke, and boates. They call the fruit Coquin, and the barke Cayro. Boates are made of the bodies of these Trees, Sayles of the leaves, Ropes of the barke, the thinner slenderer parts whereof they use in stead of thread to sowe their Sayles withall, and to binde the beames and plankes together, without the helpe of any Iron Nayle, and when they have made a compleate Boate, they load it with the fruit of the same tree. But there is little store of Rice which is therefore brought thither out of the Kingdome of Malabar, and Coromandel. It hath Mines of Gold, Silver, and other Mettals, which the Kings will not suffer to be digged forth, but doe preserve them as matters of State and Regality. And some thinke, because the desire of getting this Gold should not provoke others to invade them. It yeeldeth also Iron, Hempe or Flaxe, and Brimstone, and Ivory. And there are many Pretions Stones in this Iland, as Rubies, Hyacinths, Saphires, Chrysolites, and those which are commonly call'd Ochi di gatta. There are great store of all kinde of wilde beasts, as Harts, Mules, Boares, Hares, Cunnies, and the like, and Elephants, which they sell by measure as we doe cloth. For these are the best Elephants in the West-Indies, and as Hugo Linscotanus relates other Elephants of other places doe reverence and worship them. But seeing wee are fallen into discourse of Elephants, I thinke it not impertinent to speake something concerning this beast. The Arabians doe call an Elephant Fill, and his tooth Cenafil, the Aethiopians Itembo. It is a very docible understanding beast, and of a gentle tractable nature. It seemeth to goe slowly, yet no man can goe so fast. And some report that Elephants have beene found, who in the night time would bewaile their evill fortune with s•ghes and teares. They live 200. yeeres. The Male Elephants have great long teeth, but the Females lesser. It is a jealous beast, and it will be so mad and furious, for jealousie, that it will neither eate nor sleepe. Christopher Acosta doth relate a memorable History concerning the Elephant, which I will here insert in Iustus Lipsius his owne words. There was an Elephant in the Citty Cochin, who having not his meat brought him at his set houre, cryes out and brayes. His Master excuses the matter, and sheweth him that the Brasse vessell wherein his meate was usually put did runne out, and therefore he could not bring it in a broken crack'd vessell. And so tells him that if he will eate he must carry it to the Smith •o bee mended. Hee obeyes, takes it in his Trunck, and carries it to the Smith. The Smith either through negligence or to make sport with the beast, mends and stops it badly. The Elephant brings it back. His Master seeth the fault and is angry. He rayles at him being absent, and chafes at the Elephant and maketh him carry back the brazen vessell againe. He doth so, and in a grumbling manner flings it at the Smith. He speakes him faire meaning to cozen him againe, and taking his Hammer makes a show as if he meant to stop and close up the leakes, but he would not be deceived againe: for he takes the brasse Kettle and carries it to the River, dippes it in, and fills it with water, to trie it. He seeing it runne out and leake, being very angry runnes back to the Smith, and brayes at him aloud. The neighbours flock together, and among them the Vice-Roy. The Smith strives to mittigate the Elephants anger with faire words, and at last takes the Vessell and mends it very well. But the Elephant would not trust him, goes back to the River, drawes up water with it, and when hee saw that it held water, hee turned himselfe to those that stood neere him, and shewd them it, and call'd them as it were to witnesse what he had done, and so at last went home: So much I have thought good to insert, for variety sake, which is the best prevention for saciety in reading. Moreover there is great store of all kinde of Birds, as Peacocks, Hens, Doves, &c. One King raigned here heretofore, but hee being made away, the Empire was devided among many Princes. There are now 9. Kings of this Iland. The chiefest of these is Colmuchi, unto whom the rest doe pay an annuall tribute: these are the Kings Ianasapitan, Triquinamale, Batecolon, Villassem, Tananaca, Laula, Galle and Cande. Iohn Hugo reporteth in his Itinerary Cap. 14. that a certaine Chyrurgion being a potent man of the Kingdome was called •aju, being wise, and of an excellent wit, and skilfull in warlike affaires, but faithfull to none. The Cingales, as the same Writer reporteth, were enemies to him hating his so great Tyranny, and yet were constrained through feare to shew obedience to him. He being also a cruell enemy to the Portugalls, the yeere before the departure of the aforesaid Hugo from India, besieged the Columbo Castle: but in vaine, for it was relieved by the Portugals. In this Iland there are 8. Citties, the chiefe whereof is Colmuchi. Here many Ships are loaden with Cinamon, Elephants, and Pretious Stones. The Portugals have a Castle here which they built by the Kings permission. The Haven is large and safe. Moreover it hath 6. chiefe Havens, besides others of lesse account. The Iland is very Mountainous, and there is a high Mountaine which the Inhabitants doe call Pico de Adam. For the Indians doe verily beleeve that Paradise was there, and that God there created Adam, and moreover they say that the print of our first Parents feete may be yet seene, being above two hand-breadths long. Ludovick Patritius writeth from the relation of one Mercator a Mahometan, that there is on the top of this Mountaine a certaine Cave, in which all the Inhabitants of this Country did dwell in memory of our first Parents: for the Inhabitants doe report, that Adam after his fall, did there with penitence, teares, and continence, redeeme and ransome himselfe from his first fault. The same Author doth report that there is another very high Mountaine, at the foote whereof Carbuncles are found, which are commonly called Rubies. Here is such great store of excellent Cinamon, so that they have whole Woods of Cinamon trees. The Inhabitants of the Sea Coast are for the most part Mahumetans: the Mediterraneans Gentiles, (whom they call Cingales) they are of a white colour, a large statute, and great bellies sticking forth, for they love to feed their bellies. But they are weake, cowardly, and unfit for matters of Warre. The same Ludovick writeth that they doe not use Ordnance, Gunnes, nor Iron: but their armes are reedes, so that they are seldome slaine in the warres. But they are uery ingenious, and doe make many curious workes of Gold, Silver, Iron, and Ivory. And now they make Musket Barrels, as if they were cast by some Artificer. The aforesaid Linscotanus doth often tell us, that an Image of the Crosse was presented to an Archbishop, which an Artificer of Zeilon had made of Ivory, being an Ell long, and so cunningly he had wrought it, that the haire, the beard, and the face of it, did resemble a living man, and likewise the stature: so that the like hath not beene seene in Europe. So that the Bishop having put it in a Chest sent it to the King of Spaine, as a precious Jewell worthy to bee esteemed of so great a King. They are excellent Actors, and have a gracefull and comely speech and utterance and so doe travell thorow all India▪ to the great admiration of the beholders. Their food is Milke, Butter, Cheese, and Rice: Their drinke is the juyce of Date trees. Their Garments beneath the Navell are of Silke and Cotton, for they doe not cover their upper parts. But that they cover their head with a thin kinde of Stuffe. They weare Earerings of Gold, and Pretious Stones, and Golden Girdles embroydered with Pretious stones. This Iland is very fitt for trading, in regard it hath many Havens, and an overflowing abundance of all things.

And let so much suffice concerning the Iland Zeilan, and of Asia the third part of the World, wee proceed to America, which is the fourth, the last, and greatest part of the world, being joyned together by a famous Istmus, and so devided into the Northerne and Southerne America.

1638. The merchants mappe of commerce wherein by Lewes Roberts.

Of SILON and the Trade thereof.

SILON lyeth in the gulph of Bengala, in length 250, and in bredth 140 miles; found so fruitfull, that the grasse groweth, and the trees beare fruit all the yeare long without intermission: it is commanded in chiefe by the great Mogul; the principall Townes are Zilan, the Metropolis of the Iland, and Columbo, fortified by the Portugals; and as it is conceived commanding over the best harbour in India.

For commodities it hath many, and almost all things that are found in India, through all the severall Provinces and places thereof; first it hath nutmegs, cloves and pepper trees good store, and the best cynamon in all India, which is here had and found growing in whole woods, and hence dispersed into all parts of the World: also it affords all kinds of precious stones (except dyamonds) as Saphirs, Rubies, Topasses, Spinals, Granati; also a plentifull fishing for Pearl, yet not accounted so good as at Bareim by Ormus; it hath likewise mines of gold, silver, and other mettalls; also iron, flax, brimstone, ivorie bones, and sundry other commodities. Here is also a hil•… of that great height, that the Inhabitants hold it the highest in India, and call it Adams hill, upon which they say Paradise stood, and that Adam was there created; whose footsteps, if they may be beleeved, doe remaine yet ingraven there in the Rocke, and goes not out: but the Inhabitants being most active in their bodies, may be imagined to be so also with their tongues, for throughout India they practise nothing but jugling, and Hocus Pocus, and other feats of activity; being the most excellent mannagers of hobbyhorses, and tumbling, by which trade they get money throughout all the neighbour regions; and therefore not surveying this their traffique further, I will leave them to their come aloft jack, passe and repasse, and passe my selfe over to the next Ilands, being those famous of the Moluccoes, the onely Ilands of all India, affording in such store and plenty, that excellent and admirable spice, knowne to us by the name of cloves.

1652. Cosmographie in four bookes by Peter Heylyn. OF THE ORIENTAL ILANDS.

VVEst of Sumatra, somewhat inclining to the North, is the Iland of ZEILAN, ten Degrees distant from the Aequator, and neer adjoining to the Promontory in the hither India which Ptolomy calleth by the name of Cory. The length hereof computed at 250 miles, the breadth at 150 miles only; the whole circumference at 700 or 800 miles. Conjectured by the situation, and other probable inducements, to be the Taprobane of the antient Writers. Ortelius and most other intelligent men of these later times are of that opinion. Onely Morcator, who hath carried the Golden Chersonese to the Isle of Japan; and fixed Taprobane in that of Sumatra, (in which last I must confess he hath many Partners) will have this Iland to be that which Ptolomy calls Nanigeris, though that be four Degrees more West than the Promontory of Cory, to which this Isle in former times seems to have been joined.

Taking it therefore for an evident and undoubted truth, that this Zeilan or Ceilan is the Taprobane of the Antients, we will a little look on the State of that Iland, with reference to the times when those Authors lived. By Ptolomy affirmed to be plentiful in Rice, Honey, Ginger, Gold, Silver, Precious Stones, and all kind of metals; By Pliny, that the Gold is purer, and the Gemmes fairer, than any in India; that there were also Groves of Palm-trees, and great store of Elephants, is declared by Aelian and some others. Watered with many fair and pleasant Rivers, viz. 1. Soana, 2. Azanus, 3. Baracus, 4. Gandes, 5. Phasis: the hills in many places having a full prospect over the adjoining Vallies; the chief of which were Malea, and those called Calibi, the vales perpetually enriched with the choicest fruits. Exceeding populous for the bigness, and stored with many Towns of note. Of which Magrammum only hath the name of a Metropolis. 1. Marga•a, 2. Jogana, 3. Sindocanda, 4. Hodoca, 5. Nabartha, 6. Dogana, 7. Dionysiopolis, 8. Bocana, 9. Abara•ha, 10. Procurum, 11. Nagadiba, and 12. Anubingara, have the name of Cities. 13. Moduttum, and 14 Talaco•um, noted for the Towns of trafick; 15. Priapis, 16. Mardus, 17. Rhizala, 18. Spa•ana, and 19. that of the Sun, for commodious Havens; 20. Anurogrammum being honoured with the Title of Regia, or the Royal City. As for the name, it is said by Ptolomy to have been first called Taprobane, then Simondi Insula, and finally in his time Salice, and the People Salae; from whence the name of S•lan or Seilan seems to be derived.

To take a view of it at the present, I find it said to be of an Ovall form, divided from the main land by a narrow Channel, the Heavens refreshing it with their dewes, the Air with a fragrant freshness, and the waters with their many Rivers and Fountains; the Earth diversifyed into lofty hills, and lowly Vallies; her inward Chambers filled with Metals, and Jewels, her outward Coat of the pleasantest colour, stored with whole woods of Cinnamon; besides Fruits, Limons, Oringes, &c. bettering those of Spain. Of Fouls and Beasts great plenty both wild and tame; and the best breed of Elephants in all the world. Destitute only of the Vine, the want of which supplyed with a pleasant drink made of the juice of fruits, more natural to them than the other, and so preservative of life that the people are reported to be longer lived than in any other parts. In a word so abounding in all contentments, that the Indians hold it to be Paradise, and take upon them to point out some of Adams footings, left for a memorial in some parts of it. And to confirm them in their Error, they have an Hill there which the Spaniards call by the name of Picode Adam, affirmed to be seven Leagues in height, from whence Adam ascended into Heaven: for that cause visited by the M•ores or Arabians, with continuall Pilgrimages.

The people for the most part tall and strait of body, naked from the girdle upwards, unwarlike, and much given unto ease and pleasures; So queasie stomached that the poorest of them will not eat that meat which another hath touched; inclined to bravery, and therefore make wide holes in their ears, which they stretch out with Jewels to their very shoulders. Cunning Artificers in all metals, one of them making a Crucifix of such exquisite workmanship, that it seemed to give life to the dead; and was sent by the Arch-Bishop of Goa to the King of Spain, as the rarest Jewell which had evergraced his Royall Cabiner. They are also very active, and well skilled in Iuggling, both men and women, travelling thorow India with their tricks and Hobby-horses, by which they get themselves both delight and money. In matter of Religion, they are generally Idolaters, especially the Natives, whom they call Cingalas, which live in the Inlands; the Sea-coasts (as in other Ilands) being filled with Mahometans. No Christians that I hear of but in Columbo, a Town of the Portugals.

Cities of most repute amongst them, 1. Candie, the Seat of one of their Kings, supposed to be the Sindocande of Ptolomy, memorable for the statues of their supposed Adam, most artificially wrought, of five or six Fathoms high, Symetrically proportionable to the print of his foot, which they conceive to have amongst them. 2. Ventane, of great renown for an Idol-Temple, in compass 130 paces, of great height, and all white except the top, which hath the Spires thereof so gilded, that when the Sun shines, men are not able to look upon them. 3. Janasipatan, 4. Triqui-Le•ale (supposed to be the Tarichi of Ptolomy, 5. Batecolom, 6. Vilassem 7. Tanamaca, 8. Laula, 9. Galle, the Seats of so many of their Kings. 10. Nagarita, conceived to be the Nagiri; as 11. Agena, the Jogana of Ptolomy. 12. Colmuchi, the Seat Royall of the chief King of this Iland, situate on a capacious Bay in the Southwest of it, and of most trade in all this Country: many great ships laden with Cinnamon, Gemmes, Elephants, and other Indian commodities, going yeerly hence. Fortified by the Portugals (by whom called Columbo) with a very strong Castle, built with the Kings leave at first, to secure their trading; but since used by them as a curb to hold him in with, and to compell him to pay tribute.

This Country first discovered to be an Iland by Onesicritus, Admirall of Alexanders Fleet, was in the time of Ptolomy inhabited by severall Nations. The principall of which were the Galthi, and Muduls dwelling in the North, the Rhogandani, and Nanigiri in the South; the Sindocandae in the West, and the Tarachi in the East: the middle parts being taken up by the Anurogrammi, Nagadibi, Soani, Semni. But little or nothing is said of them in the way of story, but that they were good Mimicks, did imitate the tunes of birds, and could speak to two at once, as if double-tongued; that they were very studious of Astrology, and worshipped the Sun and the Host of Heaven; that some of their Ambassadors coming to Rome, in the time of Claudius Caesar, Solem a Laeva oriri mirati sunt, &c. admired to see the Sun rise on the wrong side of them; and finally that the King was chosen by the people with respect had to his age and clemency; who being inthroned, appointed thirty Judges to administer Iustice to the Subject, without the Major part of whom, sentence of death was to pass on no man. In following times this Monarchy (for such it was in the time of those Authors) was broken into many peeces: the Portugals finding nine Kings in it, at their first coming hither, all homagers or Tributaries to the King of Colnuchi. After that this their chief King was wickedly murdered by his Barber, who drove the other Kings out of the Country, and for a while usurped the Monarchy to himself. Since which time, having once again recovered their Kingdoms, six of them (as I have somewhere read, but remember not where) put themselves under the protection of the Great Mongul, and became his Feudataries.

Neer hereunto on the Coasts of Malabar, are the Ilands which they call Maldivae, many in number, but so called from the principall of them, as that from Maldiva, a noted and well-traded Empery, where the King resideth. Not very plentifull of necessaries for the use of man, did not the Palm alone supply them in all other wants. Inhabited by an industrious and sober people, who make themselves long garments of Silk or Flax brought from other places, wherewith more modestly adorned than the rest of the Indians: and by their fishing draw up shels of such mingled colours, that they serve amongst the Siamites instead of money.

1685. Geographia universalis: the present state of the whole world by Pierre Duval.

The Isle of Ceylan. CEylan is said, by the Insularies, to have been much greater formerly than it is at this day; of four hundred Miles, which it was then in compass, it is not now above three hundred. 'Tis made to resemble a Pearl, and several do believe that it is the Taprobana of the Ancients. Its Air is the purest and most healthful that is in all India: Some call it the Land of Delights; and say, that it is the place where was the Terrestrial Paradise; that the Pico of Adam, whither the Pagan Priests go in Devotion, is a Testimony thereof, as well as the Crystal Mountains, the Forests of Cinnamon, and the Rivers of precious Stones, which are all to be found there, except the Diamond. Doubtless, the Cinnamon which is gather'd in this Island, is by much the best in the World. It affords excellent Ivory: The fishing for Pearls is perform'd in its neighbourhood, upon the Coast of the Isle of Manar. This Island abounds so with Rice, that they give it their Horses, instead of Oats. The Pike of Adam, afore-mention'd, is a high, sharp Mountain: The Fables of the Countrey say, that Adam was there bred and buried; that the Lake of Salt Water, which is at the top of it, is a Flood of the Tears Eve shed during a hundred years, for the death of her Son Abel. The Inhabitants of Ceylan, are of divers Religions; active, well shap'd, black and very ugly. Their Forces consist in Elephants, which are reckon'd the most couragious and docible of all India, from whence it comes they are called Noble. They say, moreover, that the Elephants of other Countreys, seeing them, do them Reverence, and that the Ivory of their Teeth does never turn yellow. There was formerly a white Ape in Ceylan, in such veneration amongst the Inhabitants, that this Ape falling into the hands of the Portugals, they offer'd to the King of Portugal, tho' in vain, three hundred thousand Crowns, to purchase him again. The Bannians, who reckon, amongst their false Divinities, Ramo one of their Heroes, say, amongst other follies, that he desiring to pass, from the Western Peninsula of India, into this Island, all the Scale-fish join'd together, upon the surface of the Sea, to make him a Bridge. The Streight of Manar is but a Musket-shot broad, by reason of the small Islands which are daily made, by the stones that are cast in there, that they may approach the nearer to a Pagod, or Temple of Idolaters, which is in the Terra firma of India, upon the Coast of the Fishery. There are none but small Vessels, which can pass through this Streight: So narrow a space of Sea, makes it believ'd, that the Island was formerly joined to the firm Continent. The Portugals have nothing more in Ceylan; the Hollanders stand now possess'd of most of the Places upon the Sea. There are in this Island several Cities, with the Title of Kingdom, Candea, Das sette-Corolas, Ceitavaca, Galle, Colombo, Chialo, Jaffanatapan, Trinquilemale, Baticala, Jala. The King of Candea is the most powerful of the Countrey, and a sworn Enemy of the Hollanders. He commonly causes his Blacks to burn the Cinnamon, that he may render it useless to his Enemies. The best Town of Ceylan is Candea, towards the midst of the Island.

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