The Politics of Daegaya

In the political system of Daegaya, king was its apex. Moreover, it seems that in its late period Daegaya used the title of ‘great king’ which means king of kings. It is believed that the title was endowed because Daegaya among several Gayas was in the most central position. This fact also indicates that in Daegaya the reinforcement of the regal power and the centralization of power were to some extent advanced.

Considering the lotus flower pictured in the Goa-dong Tumulus in Goryeong, it appears that Buddhism was introduced by Daegaya around the fifth century. In addition, the sites and tales related to Buddhism show that after the mid-sixth century such Buddhist terms as ‘Jeondalyang’ were used daily and the burial custom and the idea of the world after death were naturally accepted.

Also, Buddhism was introduced to ideologically support the enforcement of the power of the king. This fact may also be true for the case of Daegaya. It would appear that Buddhism in Daegaya played as an ideological role for domination.

In Daegaya Buddhism was introduced and the title of ‘great king’ was used. These were accomplished during the period of the development and completion of the ancient state. According to Ilbonseogi (Chronicle of Japan), in the early sixth century the king of Daegaya married a royal princess of Silla, and she was pregnant.

However, since 100 female servants, whom she brought, raised a disguise incident, the marriage was broken. These servants were not slaves but guards and chamberlains of the Silla royal family.

This is shown by the fact that they had an official post and wore a dress and ornaments according to the official uniform system of Silla. After these servants arrived in Daegaya, the color and style of an official dress chosen was important for the idea of ancient people.

The fact that Daegaya like Silla was enforcing the official uniform system is important. Due to such an official uniform system, the color and style of an official dress that those people who came from Silla chose was problematic. If it was not so, the disguise would have never been problematic. The fact that the official uniform system existed implies that Daegaya had a developed system of official post.

This is evidence which reflects the existence of differences in social status. People would have worn clothes with different colors in accordance with their social status. Given the above facts, it is correct to say that Daegaya had a number of statues: king, ranked nobles and other lower statues.

In addition, it is believed that Daegaya practised bu (an administrative unit) system in governing the area enlarged. This is identified by the pottery which was found in Jeopo-ri of Hapcheon and had an inscription. The existence of bu indicates that Daegaya was not a simple small state but a centralized state which governed a given area.