Mandadigé is a uniquely Karáva gé name but unfortunately even Raghavan who published a monograph on the Karávas had been unable to trace it’s origin and therefore referred to it as a name associated with the fishing industry [1]. However since none of the other Karáva family names are associated with the fishing industry but indicates mainly Naval, Military and Administrative occupations conforming to the Kshatriya traditions of the Kauravas, this anomalous association by Raghavan demands further study.

In this connection we are fortunate that a 10th century rock inscription is still surviving with references to a class of officers bearing the title Mandradi. The relevant section of the inscription reads as follows :

"When the subordinate officials of the Magistrate in charge of this market of Hopitigama come to this village, they must attend the council comprising the Mandradi, the Corporation of merchants and the Mahágrámas, who will, in keeping with former customs, levy fines." [2]

According to this inscription the Mandradis appear to have presided over the council of members of Trade Corporations, Mahagramas (chief's or great men f the town) and visiting officials of the magistrate. This council determined the fines to be levied from the traders of that Market town [3]. As such it is clear that Mandradis of royal times were important administrative officials or local Ministers of Trade.

Although the above is so far the only Sri Lankan reference to such officials, several Tamil inscriptions from South India refer to officials known as Manrádis. They are mostly mentioned in such inscriptions as having received gifts of sheep from the villagers for providing sacred lamps to temples [4].

As such it is clear that the ancestors of the Kauravas bearing the gé name Mandadigé were important royal officials both in India and Sri Lanka. However after the European conquest of the Indian region and Sri Lanka, local dynasties and all Kshatriyas lost their power and status. The status of the Mandradis too appear to have dropped from around the 18^th century to eventually end up as officials in charge of the fishing industry, known as Mandadi Rálas.

The Karáva Mandadigé gé names are:

Maha Mandadige, Migel Mandadige, Pála Mandadige, Phillippu Mandadige, Unga Mandadigeand Víra Mandadige.

Whether the Karava family name Andradi is also derived from Mandradi is a subject for further study. At present it is assumed that Andradi is derived from the European name Andrado.

References

[1] The Karáva of Ceylon - Society & Culture, M. D. Raghavan, 1961, page 106.

[2] Epigraphia Zeylanica, vol III, page 78, Badulla pillar inscription

[3] Manra ? means ‘village assembly’ in Tamil.

[4] Madras Epigraphist’s Report for 1909, No. 251, The Annual Report for 1911, copper plate No. 13 etc.