[An Historical Relation Of The Island Ceylon In The East Indies by Robert Knox]@TWC D-Link bookAn Historical Relation Of The Island Ceylon In The East Indies PART III 21/205
The greatest part of the Inhabitants of the Land are of the degree of Hondrews. All Christians either White or Black are accounted equal with the Hondrews.
The Whites are generally Honourable, only it is an abatement of their Honour that they eat Beef, and wash not after they have been at Stool; which things are reckoned with this People an Abomination. [An Honour like unto Knighthood.] Among the Noblemen may be mentioned an Honour, that the King confers, like unto Knighthood; it ceaseth in the Person's death, and is not Hereditary.
The King confers it by putting about their Heads a piece of Silk or Ribbond embroidered with Gold and Silver, and bestowing a Title upon them.
They are stiled Mundianna.
There are not above two or three of them now in the Realm living. [Goldsmiths, Blacksmiths, Carpenters, &c.] Next after the degree of Hondrews may be placed Goldsmiths, Blacksmiths, Carpenters and Painters.
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