An Introduction to Concept and Evolution of the Guardstone and Its Architectural Visualization of the Contemporary Religious and Cultural Diversities

Authors

  • Sasni Amarasekara Buddhist and Pali University of Sri Lanka

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18533/journal.v6i3.1135

Keywords:

Ancient Sri Lankan Architecture, Buddhist Architecture, Building Entrance, Stone Sculpture.

Abstract

This specific study deals with a unique piece of Buddhist architecture, the Guardstone found almost in every part of ancient kingdoms in Sri Lanka spanning from Anuradhapura to Kandy period significantly. The Guardstone is an excellent piece of structure placed on either side of the first step of the flight of stairs at the entrance of ancient religious buildings or palaces in Sri Lanka. The origin of this architectural masterpiece is still to determine. Nevertheless, it is widely accepted in an evolutionary point of view that the guardstone has passed through several developmental stages from a simple slab to a highly sophisticated artifact in its dimensions, complexity and artistry. The numerous inclusions as well as exclusions from time to time to this artifact still remain uncertain as to whether they were due to secular or ecclesiastical reasons or simply due to the creators own culture influenced imagination. This study will peruse all the possible evidence that are available architecturally and to develop a logical reasoning for any identifiable characteristic and to elucidate with reasonable legitimacy as to how and why such a character is present or absent in a particular guardstone. This study in no way has any intention of rejecting or amending any proposition available at present but will pursue its best to shed light only on the attributes of a guardstone and to concentrate on the diversities of this beautiful monastic artifact that deserves serious academic study and meticulous aesthetic evaluation.

Author Biography

  • Sasni Amarasekara, Buddhist and Pali University of Sri Lanka

    Head of the Department,

    Department of Archaeology,

    Buddhist and Pali University of Sri Lanka

References

Basnayake, H.T. (1986). Sri Lankan Monastic Architecture. Sri Satguru Publications, New Delhi

Balasooriya Jayasinghe (1999). The glory of Ancient Polonnaruwa. Parakum books, Polonnaruwa

Basham, A (2004). The wonder that was India. Pan Macmillan Ltd., India

Bandaranayaka Senake (1997). Sandakada Pahana Vardhanaya, Dinamina Vesak Kalapaya. G.H. Perera Edition, Colombo.

Coomaraswamy, A.K. (1965). History of Indian and Indonesian Art, New York.

Devendra, D.T. Moonstone Motifs, Journal of Ceylon Branch of the Royal Asiatic Society, New Series

Ekanayaka Akiriyagala (2011). Hela Katayam Puranaya. Godage Sahodarayo, Colombo

Godakumbure, Charles (1982). Guard Stones. Colombo.

Nanayakkara, Mohan Nandana (2011). Sri Lankawe Katayam Saha Murthi Kalaawa. Wasana poth Prakashakayo, Colombo.

Parker, H. (1984 Reprint), Ancient Ceylon, Delhi.

Paranavitana, Senarat,The Significance of Sinhalese Moonstone Artibus Asiae

Smither, J.G. (1894). Architectural Remains of Anuradhapura, London

The Mahavamsa, ed. By W. Geiger (2000). (Reprint), Asian Educational Services, New Delhi, Madras.

Wikramagamge, Chandra (1998). Entrances To The Ancient Buildings In Sri Lanka. Academy Of Sri Lankan Culture, Colombo.

Downloads

Published

2017-03-19

Issue

Section

Article

Similar Articles

1-10 of 101

You may also start an advanced similarity search for this article.