3.2 THE CENTRAL KANDYAN TRADITION

Kandy the last capital of pre-modern Sri Lanka, came into prominence in the 18th century and lasted till 1815, when the Island became a British colony.

Paintings and sculpture of this period are found in numerous temples in Kandy and other regions where authority of the Kandyan royalty could reach.

Stylistically, the Central Kandyan Tradition is the anti thesis of classical naturalism of early and middle historical periods; it is a highly stylized art idiom that forms the basis of the pictorial language of the central Kandyan School.

Illustrations

Top:
An episode from the Uraga Jathaka, the famer (the Bodhisattva) and his grieving wife, daughter-in-law and servant.

Bottom:
Detail from the suvisi vivarana.  Lankatilaka temple, Handassa.  Latter half of the 18th century.