Delve into the vibrant interplay of politics, culture, and art with Evolving Traditions of the Buddhist Image House Part II. This volume presents an engaging exploration of the intersections between empire-building, nationhood, and visual culture across Sri Lanka, Southeast Asia, and Europe. Through five introductory essays, the authors transport readers to the 1920s—a time when the British Empire’s influence on Sri Lanka fueled local discussions of self-governance and national identity, as seen in the rise of local media, transport, and communication networks.
 
Unpacking the cultural imagination of Colombo's emerging capitalist class, the authors reveal how these new patrons drew inspiration from archeological discoveries and British aesthetics, immortalizing their images in portraits and donor inscriptions akin to ancient kings. The essays also shed light on culinary practices, religious movements, and shifting artistic styles, showing how Western influences and Indian nationalist ideals mingled with Sri Lankan heritage.
 
Complete with annotated case studies and a rich gallery of visual imagery spanning 200 years of temple art, this volume invites readers on an immersive journey through the artistic and monastic landscapes of Sri Lanka’s Upcountry, Southern, and Western Low Country regions. Evolving Traditions of the Buddhist Image House Part II is essential reading for anyone interested in Buddhist art, colonial history, or the evolution of Sri Lankan identity through the lens of visual culture.