Consumer perception of the ancient system of gift giving: The head gear of the king Rajasimhe II (1635-1687), Kandyan kindom of Sri Lanka

Abstract

The concept of the ancient system of gift giving focuses primararily on the function and effect of giving among ancient societies where the market economy did not hold a dominant place. Gift exchanging was gradually replaced by the market economy during the middle ages and the early modern period.The gift giving had been an exclusive and essential historical custom of ancient societies. As it will appear from this essay on gift giving at the Kandyan court of King Rajasimhe II (1635-1687), gifts and favours continued to play an important role in the organisation of power and society. Special emphasis was placed on a gift of Western fashioned headgear from the Dutch to the King Rajasimhe II who ruled the Kadyan Kingdom. It is possible to suggest that Western fashion influenced dress was a sign of political, economic, social stability of Kandyan Kings in their Kingdom. As well, the gift was signifier of the traditional Sinhalese King's perception of fashion. This is a historical study to find out the influence of foreign gifts in changing the King's perception of a royal dress. Social order based on reciprocal relationship has psychological meaning and understanding. The King dressed the headgear at the royal court instead of a golden crown which had been the royal insignia since ancient times. The King wore it in the courtly presence, indicating a deeper affection to the donor. Gift giving tradition can be recognized as the practice of exchanging things with others for mutual benefits, specially for privileges during the Kandyan Kingdom.