For the first time in Sri Lankan art history, Evolving Traditions of the Buddhist Image House boldly examines how Buddhist art and architecture have transformed over two centuries, reflecting shifts in cultural and political influence. This groundbreaking volume explores the fascinating transition of patronage from the Upcountry Kandyan tradition to the southern and western lowlands, an evolution shaped by the colonial-era economies of the Dutch and British. The rise of a new elite, the Mudaliyars, reshaped the artistic landscape as artisans migrated from hill regions to coastal areas, blending local traditions with Western architectural features—such as arched verandas and Tuscan columns—to form hybrid Buddhist Image Houses that echoed the mansions of this Westernized class.
 
Through 24 insightful essays, the authors reveal how feudal and colonial shifts impacted religious spaces. The volume delves into the architectural innovations of the Tampita Viharayas and Soldara Viharayas, as well as the intriguing appearance of Queen Victoria’s likeness in Buddhist temples. Lavishly illustrated, the book provides a visual journey, with a picture gallery that ties directly to each essay, offering readers a rich context for understanding how Sri Lankan Buddhist art continually adapts to new patronage and stylistic influences.
 
Published by the Samkathana Research Centre, this book encourages readers to engage deeply with Sri Lanka’s heritage through both the text and accompanying documentaries. Evolving Traditions of the Buddhist Image House Part I is essential for anyone interested in the dynamic interplay of art, architecture, and cultural history within Sri Lankan Buddhism.