Question

Read the following source carefully and answer the questions that follow:

The orders of the king Thus speaks king Devanampiya Piyadassi: In the past, there were no arrangements for disposing affairs, nor for receiving regular reports. But I have made the following (arrangement). Pativedakas should report to me about the affairs of the people at all times, anywhere, whether I am eating, in the inner apartment, in the bedroom, in the cow pen, being carried (possibly in a palanquin), or in the garden. And I will dispose of the affairs of the people everywhere.

1. Who was referred to as Devanampiya Piyadassi?
2. How did Devanampiya’s approach differ from past arrangements regarding the handling of affairs?
3. In what way did Devanampiya receive reports and disposed of the affairs of the people?

Answer 1

1. In the verse, the king is referred to as Devanampiya Piyadassi.
2. Previously, there were no plans in place for handling matters or getting frequent updates. Devanampiya Piyadassi, however, instituted a new system in which people known as Pativedakas were required to constantly report to him on the people's issues, regardless of their whereabouts or activities.
3. No matter where he was eating, in his inner apartment, in the bedroom, in the cow pen, being carried (maybe in a palanquin), or in the garden Devanampiya Piyadassi gave the Pativedakas instructions to constantly update him on the people's issues.
   He went on to say that he would deal with the problems of everyone, suggesting that he would base his choices and actions on the information that the Patlvedakas provided.