An Investigative Study of Indian Influences in the Creation of Native Dance Costumes

Abstract

Dancing has a significant importance in the Sri Lankan culture. There are three main dance traditions in our country. They are known as Up Country Dance, Low Country Dance and Sabaragamuwa Dance. In the past, dance was used for different purposes. Since ancient times, dance has been used for various royal functions, festivals and rituals. The costume is the best way of expressing the idea of the dance. In the past, traditional dance was restricted only to men, but nowadays, women are also involved in the dance. Accordingly, the problem of this research is how Indian influence aspires to the creation of local dance costumes. Traditional dance costumes have been inspired by India for various reasons. However, our traditional traits were also assumed to be preserved. The primary objective of our research is to study the changes in the Indian influence that influenced the local dance art and native dance costumes at different times. The other research objective is to study the archaeological influence of local dance costumes on local dance traditions. Data was collected through the study of primary and secondary sources and interviews. This research follows historical research methodology. Conclusions were drawn following the logical analysis method. Consistently, the royal marriages between the two countries during different kingdoms and the influence of the Nayakkar dynasty led to the Indian influence on Sri Lankan dancing clothing. Also, it was concluded that the presence of Indian characteristics in temple dances and the dancers going to India for education also influenced it.