Browsing by Author "Kakulandala, K."

Now showing 1 - 3 of 3

Categories of Dance in Sri Lanka during Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa Periods: An Archaeological Study Based on Dancing Figures
(Research Centre for Social Sciences, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2016) Kakulandala, K.; Bogahawatta, C.
Literary sources from the 3rd century BC and archaeological sources from the 2nd century AD provide adequate evidence about ancient dances in Sri Lanka. Through investigations of both sources of Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa periods, religious or semi-religious dances and the dances performed for the king and the royal court can be identified. Categories of dance represented by the dancing figures which are found particularly in Buddhist and Hindu architectural premises as well as unrecorded venues have not been substantially examined yet. Literary sources make repetitive indications towards the practice of dance in ancient Sri Lanka, rather than demonstrating the categories of dance specifically. Thus the main objective of this research was to discover the categories of dance in Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa periods. Features of dancing depicted by the dancing figures were thoroughly examined to achieve the research objective. In attempting to distinguish dancing events from other human figures, the postures of the figures, surroundings and the purpose of creation were analyzed, adhering to standard theoretical frameworks. Through methods of detailed and comparative analysis the categories were recognized. It has been drawn as the conclusion that there had been categories of dance as solo/group dances, female/male and mix gender dances, religious dances and celestial dances as a conceptual dance type during the periods concerned.
Sri Lankan Elephant in 17th Century - A Historical Record of Robert Knox: A Review
(Centre for Asian Studies, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2016) Kakulandala, K.; Bogahawatta, C.
Sri Lankan Elephant in 17th Century Historical Record of Robert Knox: A Review
(Centre for Asian Studies, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2016) Kakulandala, K.; Bogahawatta, C.
Robert Knox was a British sailor who was held captive in Ceylon for nineteen and a half years. After escaping from captivity, he wrote the manuscript, 'An Historical Relation of the Island Ceylon' and later published it in London in 1681. It was a descriptive account with illustrations of his experiences on Ceylon. Knox recorded many aspects of the country and its society, including royal administration, agriculture, religion, culture, education and bio-diversity. One of the significant aspects of his account was the description of Sri Lankan elephants at that time. Although many travelers who visited Sri Lanka had previously recorded the presence of elephants, they commented on them as a famous and luxurious commodity. Knox's record was the first descriptive travel account of elephants, rather than an emphasis on their commercial value. His statement "…the creature that this country is famed for above any in India" defined the deep-rooted idea of Sri Lankan elephants among foreigners at the time and expressed why he was interested in writing such a long narration on them. Further, it emphasized the need to review Knox's work based on a historical perspective when we are studying any aspect of the Sri Lankan elephant. Therefore the main objective of this study is to review his account to identify the condition of elephants at the time. Accordingly, it can be stated that the details of the nature of Sri Lankan elephants, attitudes of people, activities, capturing and taming of elephants as well as damages to the people by them can be followed from Knox's account.