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Cultural exchange and decorative motifs in Polonnaruwa, Sarnath, and Angkor Wat: 12th-century regional traditions and bilateral relations
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Former Deputy Director Samkathana Research Center and Archive, Faculty of Humanities, University of Kelaniya, Kelaniya, Western Province,
Sri Lanka
AC, 4205 https://doi.org/10.36922/ac.4205
Submitted: 11 July 2024 | Revised: 12 January 2025 | Accepted: 13 January 2025 | Published: 18 February 2025
© 2025 by the Author(s). This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution -Noncommercial 4.0 International License (CC-by the license) ( https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ )
Abstract
This study delves into the artistic and cultural connections among Polonnaruwa, Sarnath, and Angkor Wat during the 12th century, focusing on their decorative motifs within the context of bilateral relations and contemporary political dynamics. Through an analysis of historical sources, architectural remnants, and artistic styles, the research identifies significant parallels and influences shared among these ancient centers. Polonnaruwa is highlighted as a critical hub where artistic expressions flourished amid external pressures and environmental changes. The city’s advanced carving techniques are seen as a developmental link between the artistic traditions of Angkor and Sarnath, even as foreign invasions and climatic impacts obscured aspects of Polonnaruwa’s artistic legacy. This study underscores the pivotal role of Polonnaruwa, Angkor, and Sarnath in shaping the cultural landscape of South and Southeast Asia during this period, demonstrating how artistic innovations and diplomatic interactions fostered a shared visual language across the region.
Keywords
Polonnaruwa
Sarnath
Angkor Wat
12th century
Decorative motifs
Funding
None.
Conflict of interest
The author declares no conflicts of interest.
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