Known by many names–Ceylon, Serendip, Sihalam–the island nation of Sri Lanka historically was vital for connecting the eastern and western networks of Indian Ocean trade. Foreign ideas mixed with indigenous cultures to create vibrant traditions of art and architecture. Robert DeCaroli, a professor in the department of history and art history at George Mason University, examines some of Sri Lanka’s most remarkable works of art. He places royal palaces, expansive Buddhist monasteries, and grand temples in their historical context and examines the paintings and sculptures that adorned these spaces. The kingdoms of Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, and Kandy are the primary focus. DeCaroli also discusses the colonial influences of the Portuguese, Dutch, and British, each of which vied for control of this lucrative nation.

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