1. Malaya. A mountainous district in South India. E.g., J.iv.327; Cv.lxxvi.195.
2. Malaya. The mountainous country of Ceylon, originally the home of the Pulindá (Mhv.vii.68; see Mhv.Trs.60, n. 5). When Dutthagámaní fled from his father's wrath, it was in Malaya that he hid (Mhv.xxiv.7). In Malaya was the Ambatthakolalena, from which Dutthagámaní obtained silver for the Mahá Thúpa (Mhv.xxviii.20). The hill country provided protection from marauders who invaded Ceylon (E.g., in the case of Vattagámaní; Mhv.xxxiii.62; also xxxv.26), and also from those causing danger to the rightful ruler (E.g., ibid., xxxvi.50; Cv.xli.20; l.20). When Buddhism was threatened by the activities of unbelievers who had obtained possession of Anurádhapura, it was to Malaya and to Rohana that the monks fled in order to save themselves and their teaching (E.g., Mhv.xxxvii.6). Malaya also afforded shelter to rebels against the government both during preparations for attack and, if necessary, during their flight (E.g., Cv.xli.10; xliv.62; xlviii.98; li.112f.; lvii.47, 57).
In later times Malaya was treated as a special province, and was in charge of an official called Malayarája, who was generally the king's younger son, the elder being viceroy in charge of the Eastern Province (Pácínadesa). The district of Dakkhinadesa was included in Malaya (See Cv.xli.33ff.; lii.68; Cv. Trs.i.54, n.4; but see Cv.xlii.6, 10; xliv.43 li.13; liii.36), but it was later separated (Cv.li.8). The Yuvarája himself was sometimes Malayarájá, particularly when the other provinces were in the hands of enemies (E.g., Cv.lviii.7). Mention is also made (Cv.lxix.6) of a Malayarájá who was in charge of a Damila army (probably of mercenaries). In times of war the people of Malaya usually gave a great deal of trouble as the country was difficult of access (E.g., Cv.lxx.30). Some of the villages in Malaya were composed of only one house. Sp.ii.298.
3. Malaya. The mountainous district of Rámańńa. Cv.lxxvi.22.