An Investigation into the Artistic Evolution of the Elephant Image Depicted in Paintings of Kandy Period (Based on Selected Temples)

Abstract

Art in Sri Lanka has a long history. There is a historical evolution of art since prehistoric Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Kandy, etc. Among those eras of art, Kandy era of art has a special place. Humans, animals and botanica as well as imaginary objects are depicted in these paintings. Among them, image of elephants has a prominent place. Elephants in Degaldoruwa Vihara, offering elephants in Degaldoruwa Temple, NavanariKujjeiya, which is created using nine female figures in Ridivihara, as well as Mara Parajaya, etc., also depict elephants in different ways. It is believed that the elephant image was used as a symbol of prosperity and good luck. The main purpose of this research is to study the artistic configuration of the exquisite elephant images under different architectural styles during the Mahanuwara period. The research problem of this research is to find out if there is more identity than the idols created in that era? Does it have a similar sociocultural impact. This research was conducted under the qualitative research methodology, using the paintings of Ridi Viharaya, DegaldoruwaViharaya and Dambulla Viharaya as primary study sources and paying attention to literary and archeological sources. This will focus on how the shape and size of the hand has been prepared in the paintings of selected places such as Degaldorowa, Ridivihara, Dambulla, etc., with paintings of this period. Through this study, a good understanding of the artistic background of the hand image in the paintings created in the Kandy period can be gained.