An Inquiry into the Health Principles and Their Uses Made by the Ancients for Social Compassion (Based on Rajarata Civilization)

Abstract

Since ancient times, health has been given priority among humans. This research aims to identify the health policies made by the ancients during the Rajarata civilization period. The research problem here is how the developed health policies were used for social solidarity and what is their utility. The historical research method was used as the research method here. Sourced facts confirm that the ancient Sri Lankan people also thought of health as an absolute profit. If the health system is of high quality, it is an indication that society at that time acted with compassion. Traditional folk beliefs also prevailed among the people at this time. Accordingly, the ancients strongly believed that diseases are caused by angering the forces called Va-Pit-Sem and other beliefs. It is a mandatory factor to have medical facilities in a state in case of emergencies such as epidemics, pneumonia and war. Therefore, based on these factors, the ancients worked to support the government in making health policies and to raise the health sector. It is stated in the Mahavamsa that ancient medicine was concerned with medical services such as various methods of treatment, style medicine, psychological treatment etc. According to the Mahavamsa, King Dutugemunu has fondly remembered the medical facilities he provided for the public as one of the highest services he did at the time of his death. King Buddhadasa played a special role in the ancient medicine service. The king, who worked with great kindness and compassion to cure the sufferings of his people by performing the affairs of the state well, was a physical and mental doctor who understood it well. During the Polonnaruwa era, King Maha Parakramabahu showed special interest in improving the health of the country's inhabitants. In the continuous history of several centuries, the implementation of the state policies applied by the rulers of the Rajarata Civilization period also on health shows the nature of formal governance. It can also be recognized that Sri Lankan society is not only concerned with public health but also with compassion towards animals and implemented those health policies.