Govi, Govigama is the most influential and the dominant caste in Sri Lanka. The term Govi denotes (paddy) farmer, deriving from the root word 'goyam', meaning paddy plant. From time immemorial the Govigama have been responsible for the cultivation of the lands (along with Bathgama) of the island country in accordance with the traditional Rajakariya system (Sri Lanka’s Tenurial system of land holding). However, 'Govigama' is a Dutch period creation as traditionally there was only 'Govi. Traditionally all land was owned by the king and the rajakriya system meant you were duty bound to work the land. Private land ownership by ordinary folk came about only after European colonization . Sri Lanka has like most other countries traditionally been an agrarian civilization for 2500 years and hence the relationship between cultivator, land-owner and feudal authority is understandable. Cultivation common to most human societies was so important to the sustainability of kingdoms, that the kings even built reservoirs in villages throughout Sri Lanka. The specialist craftsmen/builder caste known as Navandana, soldiers and slaves had played a cruical role in the construction of these ancient dams and Stupas.
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Read more about Govigama: History, Ancient Period, Medieval Period, Kandyan Period, Govigama Sub-castes, Rise of A Govi Caste Elite in The Late 19th Century, Rise of The Govi Caste in The 20th Century, Current Political Power, Religious Power, A Few Prominent Members of The Govigama Community