Importance of child protection: A study from ancient temple murals

Abstract

Background: In today's rapidly changing society, children face many problems under the influence of various factors. It is our duty to identify the challenges faced by children in the current society and provide solutions to them. The definition of a child can depend on various factors such as economy and religious beliefs in a society. The aim of the study was to understand the importance of child protection from a cultural point of view in Sri Lanka. Method: The 19th century Jataka Katha murals of the Arambhegama Sudassanarama Tampita temple in Kegalle district was used as the primary source. A field study was conducted in the selected temple and observed murals to collect primary data. Iconography analysis method was used for data analysis. Results: The importance of child protection has been emphasized to the ancient village people with the children's characters of Jaliya and Krishnajina in the story of Wessantara Jathaka. Jujaka Bamuna is depicted as persecuting and tying two children with a rope after being given children by Wessanthara. In Chulla Dharmapala Jataka murals, hands and feet of the Bodhisatva child has cut off and the Bodhisatva prince brutally killed by the command of the father. This incident reminds that every child has a right to live. It was possible to identify in this study that temple murals have been effectively used since ancient times to create social awareness of the physical and mental pressure faced by children in Sri Lankan society. Conclusion: This shows the restraining of the children with a rope indicating violation of child rights. Further, children granted to Jujaka Bamuna indicated that the ownership of the children is vested on parents. In addition, the Chulla Dharmapala Jataka murals indicated physical abuse and also the right to live.