Constitution of the Kandyan Kingdom. 203 
according to the exigency of the service, and the numbers liable; it is 
usually from about twenty to fifty. 
The rest pay a fixed fine or commutation of money, called mura ridi, 
being two ridi each person for the fixed term of thirty days. 
Of these defaulters, ten persons, or rather the commutation paid by 
them, are given up to the Atapattu Lekam, and five to the Aratchies. ‘The 
rest is the perquisite of the Desave. But certain persons, who are opulent, 
in each Korle, are accustomed to deliver, instead of the mura ridi, a load 
of rice (equal to about twenty-five measures); and the Aratchy usually 
obtains rice from the five sufficient for his subsistence during his term of 
duty in Kandy. 
The Atapattu people keep guard in a building appropriated to them near 
the Desave’s house, called Atapattu Madawe, where they have in charge 
the great banner, the Lekam Mittiye (records), the Mura Awnda (arms), 
and have the custody of prisoners confined there. 
Their principal duty is to convey the Desave’s orders throughout his 
desavony, and to call all persons whose attendance he requires, either in 
judicial matters, or for service, or for the collection of revenues. 
They attend the Desave wheresoever he goes abroad, and one of their 
number carries the great banner on public occasions, and the Mura Awnda 
when he goes to the palace or elsewhere. 
Since the time of Desave Leake they have assisted in dragging timbers 
for public works, but it is not considered their proper duty. 
They prepare withes, and weave olas when required for buildings. 
They punish offenders with the open hand under the Desave’s orders, 
and hold them whilst punished with rods by the Koditawaka people. 
They gather and carry flowers and other offerings to the temples. 
When the Desave first comes into his province, they all furnish him, one 
turn only, with adakka, or dressed provisions. 
When the Alapattu Lekam proceeds upon service into any Korles, or the 
Atapattu Aratchies into their respective Korles, they are supplied with 
adakka by the Atapattu people. 
The Atapatiu people are not liable to the payment of kada rajakareya 
(provisions) or any other duties to the King. 
The principal people of the desavony hold Atapattu lands; and, on 
account of its respectability, many persons belonging to the two classes 
