Abstract:
This study explores the political significance of ancient temple paintings in Anuradhapura
through an examination of classical Buddhist literature. While ancient cave and temple
paintings are acknowledged as a significant element in the history of Sri Lankan paintings,
representing distinct traditions of art of different ages, the blossoming of Sri Lankan art is
strongly associated with the Anuradhapura era. However, little is known of the sociocultural
and political significance of the paintings of this time which influenced the different painting
traditions. As archaeological factors alone are inadequate to identify such influences on ancient
art, this study attempts to enrich this inquiry by examining written sources such as the
Mahavansa, Vamsatthappakasini, Visuddhimargaya, Samanthapasadika, Thupavanshaya and
Mahabodhivanshaya of the thero Fa-Hien.
