STONE CARVINGS OF THE ANURADHAPURA PERIOD

    These stone carvings are very valuable creations as they were created in the Anuradhapura era.After the construction of the dagoba, many works of art were created based on it.There are moonstones, watchtowers, Korawakgala and stone stairs and tam carvings.With the construction of the shrines, the fine craftsmanship of the Anuradhapura craftsman, using low-grade, semi-high and high-altitude techniques, is able to show the genius of Anuradhapura

MOONLIGHT

           The moonstone is considered to be the greatest work of art created during the Anuradhapura period.The semicircular flat stone slab, which is considered to be half a moon, became a precious carving due to the genius of the craftsman.The moon lamp is divided into five circular columns and is engraved with the flame, the animal line, the scroll, the swan row and the lotus flower respectively.Attempts have been made to show the movement of the rising flames in a patterned manner by carving the first passing flame.Finishing reminiscent of the palapethi design, it creates a rhythmic pattern.Second, elephants, horses, cattle, and lions show their movement and energy through a line of animals that follow each other.Thirdly, it shows the biological rhythm of a growing plant that writes from link to letter.Fourthly, the swan carrying lotus buds in its mouth and following each other is a journey in search of truth.The lotus flower in the center is carved as a ring mollusk.The uniqueness of the moonstone carving is the delicate finish of the carvings which are handled according to a slightly advanced technique.It is generally accepted that the moon represents the chakra.It is said that the flame represents lust, the animal line represents four fears, the leaf line represents greed, the swan line represents truth and the lotus flower represents nirvana.The Bisho Malaga moon lamp is considered to be the best moon lamp created in this era.

WATCHTOWER

        The two carved panels on either side of the moonstone are called watchtowers.Based on the image of King Na, standing in a rhythmic and comfortable posture in the shape of a thivanka, this carving is accepted as a symbol of the watchtower.Wearing a helmet with Na foam, the Na king carries a punkalasa in one hand and a valviduna in the other. A dwarf figure near the foot.This high quality carving is a perfect example of the genius of the Anuradhapura craftsman.The watchtower near the Ratnaprasada is considered to be the best artistic watchtower found in the Anuradhapura era.

KORAWAKGALA

       The two stone slabs used as handrails on either side of the stairs are called corrugated stones.The name Korawakgala is derived from the curved shape of these stone slabs which are shaped like a ivory trumpet.The exterior of the cobblestones is finely carved.Lion figures are common among these carvings.

TAM CARVINGS / GATE CARVINGS

     Wahalkada is a valuable work of art built in association with the Chaitya.Facing the four directions of the dagoba, such valuable works of art can be seen in several Anuradhapura dagobas.The entrance of Ruwanweli Maha Seya is of a very high finish.The most valuable Wahalkada carving of art found in Anuradhapura is found in the Kantaka Chaitya in Mihintale.

  Thus we can see many such precious artistic heritage in the stone carvings of the Anuradhapura period which show the artistic knowledge and genius of the artist of the Anuradhapura period.