Page 264 - Proceedings book

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Introduction
The main objective of this research is to examine the involvement of mosaic art in

stūpa architecture of Sri Lanka. Therefore, this research on “Mosaic Art in Stūpa
Architecture of Sri Lanka” was directed through the research question of what factors

influenced the incorporation of mosaic art into stūpa architecture in Sri Lanka? This

study highlights the significance of material evidence and iconography in mosaic art,
emphasizing its archaeological values, as mosaic art in Sri Lanka can be seen as a

reflection of the country’s diverse aspects of cultural heritage and influences during
the colonial period, and as mosaic art form became a medium for Buddhists to

visually assert resistance and preserve cultural identity.

A substantial body of scholarly literature has been produced on stūpas in Sri Lanka,

encompassing diverse perspectives on their origin, development, architectural features,
ideological foundations, and symbolic significance. Notable among these works are

The Stūpa in Ceylon by S. Paranavitana; Stūpa (in Sinhala) by Chandra
Wickramagamage; Lankāve Stūpaya (in Sinhala) by T. G. Kulatunga; Bauddha

Stūpaye Prabhavaya saha Vikāsaya (in Sinhala) by M. Somathilake; and Stūpa

Puranaya (in Sinhala), edited by Ven. Nelumdande Wimalasara Thero and Ven.
Wauve Dhammarakkhitha Thero. Further, contributions include Thupa, Thupaghara

and Thupa Prāsāda (in Sinhala) by Roland Silva; Sri Lankāve Purāna Stūpa (in
Sinhala) by Malinga Amarasinghe; and Stūpas of Sri Lanka: A Technological Study

by Munidasa P. Ranaweera. These publications offer comprehensive insights into the

historical and cultural significance of Sri Lankan stūpas. However, these research
publications do not provide any evidence or discussion of mosaic art in stūpa

architecture in Sri Lanka.

Addressing this research gap, the study highlights the significance of material
evidence and iconography in mosaic art, emphasizing its archaeological value within

the broader framework of Sri Lanka’s socio-cultural history. It focuses on exploring

the presence, significance, and characteristics of mosaic art in stūpa architecture in Sri
Lanka. Accordingly, the research focuses to analyze the artistic aspects of mosaic art

associated with stūpa architecture and to understand its cultural and symbolic
relevance within the wider context of Buddhist architectural heritage.

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