Appuhami

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Appuhami (Sinhala: අප්පුහාමි) is a Sinhala surname and an honorific title used for men in Sri Lanka from the 14th to the 20th century. It was also the title given to the Dugganna Nilame of the Kandyan kings. The Appuhamy title was similar to other royal titles like Rala, Nilame, and Banda, and at times could be used interchangeably with them.

Origins and role
- The title began among the king’s chamberlains who served as guards and watchmen for the royal bedchamber, the royal timekeepers, and the royal armory.
- Appuhamy was a mark of respect and could also be called Dugganna Rala or Dugganna Nilame.

Hathapenage and timekeeping
- Hathapenage Appuhamys served under the Maha Hathapenage officials, the secretary, and Kankanama.
- A group of about a dozen guards carried stabbing weapons (Illukkole) and wore a protective mouth guard as part of their service.

- Atapattu Murapola (Royal Time Keepers): this unit managed the king’s time and schedules. They placed water clock plates, rang bells to signal time, and divided the day and night into specific periods. The number of timekeepers was reduced from 50–60 to 48 under the later kings.

Royal tours and duties
- Ran Avudu Mandapa: when the king toured, Appuhamys carried weapons for the king. They used lacquer-worked handles supplied by craftsmen from Matale.

Status and privileges
- Appuhamys came from loyal, respected families and were important to the king’s security and daily life.
- The position was competitive and linked to other high offices. They enjoyed lands, incomes, and various privileges, and were bound to perform rajakariya (a royal duty to provide rice), though sometimes exemptions existed.

Village and labor duties
- For each Appuhamy, a village and a man were allocated to work his lands. Villagers supplied the monthly rice needed by the Appuhamy.
- A royal tester, called agubalana nilame, checked the king’s food for poison and was also considered part of the duggannarala.

Other uses
- The term Appuhamy appeared in various other contexts beyond these roles.