These tables should probably be called 'teapoys' a Colonial Indian term derived from the Hindi 'tin' 'pai' meaning three-legged. These Indian tables were direct copies from European candle stands; a nice circular inspiration.
With their recessed stone tops, it could be argued that these were originally intended to be used as hookah stands (see attached image). From the collection of the Rjiksmuseum, there is also a late 18th century watercolour showing the 'King of Kandy' with an occasional table beside his chair. Not the same design but showing such tables were in use by the islands inhabitants as well as Europeans.
