344 



JOURNAL, R.A.S. (CEYLON). [Vol. VIII. 



in the consideration as almost to justify us in rejecting this 

 explanation of the nomenclature of the river. 



Another section of pandits, less courageous in their 

 convictions, explain away the name by a reference to a 

 general belief that the river was looked upon at one time 

 as being haunted by a malicious water-sprite. 



As, then, the antiquity of the Kali Kovila seems to be so 

 well established, the excavation of its supposed site cannot 

 fail to be advantageous from an archaeological point of 

 view. About fifteen years ago some natives, while in the 

 act of removing gravel from this site, were rewarded 

 with the discovery of an earthen jar containing some old 

 coins. More systematic excavation cannot, therefore, fail to 

 unearth even more valuable treasures. I would therefore 

 suggest that a small sum from the collections now being- 

 raised among the Members of the Society for purely 

 archaeological purposes be devoted to the exploration of this 

 ancient kovila, as I feel sure that while a great deal of 

 information of purely archaeological interest will be gained, 

 we are likely also to be rewarded with historical information 

 of not less importance. 



It is the intention of the people of Bentota to revive the 

 interest in the Kali Kovila by starting a subscription for re- 

 building it. It is also contemplated to inaugurate its 

 completion with a procession, and a fair, after the manner 

 of the Dondra fair ; and if it prove a success, it is further 

 intended to hold this fair annually. Of the advantages 

 that will accrue to the people therefrom, the experience 

 gained by the Dondra fair makes it almost superfluous for 

 me to say anything. The facilities such a fair will afford 

 the inhabitants for the sale of local produce cannot be 

 exaggerated ; and it will be no small saving to them, if, 

 instead of having to resort to the larger towns, they are 

 enabled to provide themselves with the more expensive of 

 their every-day requirements at their very doors, as they 

 will doubtless be able to do, by the attraction to this fair, if 

 properly advertised, of traders from different parts of the 

 country. The existence, besides, of a shrine in Bentota 



