The establishment of Buddhism throughout Sri Lanka helped to support the development of a unified and stable monarchy on the island. The kings patronized Buddhist temples, monasteries and clergy, whilst the latter supported the royal government, helping to give the Sinhalese kingdom great strength and endurance. This mutual support has beautified the capital, Anuradhapura, with many splendid shrines and temples.
Sinhalese society is, like that of Aryan India, divided into castes, despite the egalitarian teachings of Buddhism. However, these castes are nothing like as rigid and numerous as in India itself.
Sinhalese agriculture is characterized by distinctive irrigation systems based on large stone-built water tanks. This system pre-dated the coming of the Aryans, but has been extended under Sinhalese rule.
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