Sri Lanka Architecture

Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka

The official name of Sri Lanka

1. Preservation of Thervada Buddhism

2. Development of sophisticated system in irrigation

2 factors that characterize civilization

Buddhism

Hinduism

Religious Condition (2)

1. Dry hot zone in the north and east

2. Central wet region

3. Low-lying hot wet zone in the south and southwest

Climate Condition (3)

Cave Temple

Dagobas/Stupas

Temples

Buddhist Architecture in Sri Lanka (3)

Sigiriya

Lion rock; Gigantic ancient megalithic Sri Lankan rock; 200m high natural formation; Ruins of an ancient fortified palace; UNESCO world heritage site in 1982

Temple complex of mihintale

It is where the earliest evidence if cave temples were found.

Use of a drip ledge carved along the rock which stopped rainwater from

sunning into the cave.

Unique feature of the Sigiriya

Thuparama Dagoba

King Devanampiya Tissa; Also known as "Thuparamaya;" Paddy-heap (cone-shaped); Bell-shape

Ruwanveliseya Dagaba

White Dagoba (Maha Thupa or Great Stupa); Bubble-Shape solid brick dome in the center of 2 spacious square terraces.

Abhayagiri Dagaba

Sinhalese King Vattagamini; "protection mountain" or "fearless mountain;" Second tallest brick-built monument of the time

Lankatilaka Temple

The temple is known for its unique architecture and impressive carvings. It has a towering image house and intricate stone carvings depicting deities and mythological scenes.

Dalada Maligawa

The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic situated in Kandy, this temple combines various

architectural styles, including Dravidian influences. It houses the sacred tooth relic of the Buddha and is a

UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic

Other name of Dalada Maligawa

Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil

Located in Jaffna, this Hindu temple is a prime example of Dravidian style architecture with its ornate design and towering gopuram (entrance tower)