Impression of Dance and Music: expression on rock surface (Iconographic study based on Naranamula cave in Toppigala)

Sri Lanka has a rich tradition of rock art, and the first attempt to study on rock art was reported in the 19th century with the investigation made by H.C.P. Bell. According to Bandaranayake (2006), Sri Lanka has a long and rich tradition of rock and wall painting from the 2nd or 3rd century BC to the 20th century, extending possibly from prehistory. There is a few scholars who have contributed to analyzing rock art, but mere attention has been paid addressing the ethnographic and cultural context that represents. Deraniyagala’s classification appears more vital, however, lacking with scientific dating of rock art by comparing with the socio-cultural context. Accordingly, the settlements at Naranmula cave appears to be of an earlier date than what has been identified and can trace some of the authentic cultural elements of Sri Lankan people. Thus, the present qualitative study attempted to analyze evidence found from Naranamula cave to establish that the first Musical instruments are denoted on the rock surface of Naranamula cave, expressing their feelings and emotions by way of engravings/ paintings. It is significant that there is a vacuum in the existing literature, on studying rock art by way of Sri Lanka’s performing arts, especially the history of music and dance. According to the data analyzed, there is a significant amount of information to support that the use of musical instruments is not a new trend in Sri Lanka, but a derivation from the prolonged use of local/ indigenous cultural practices, which were later developed by incorporating new elements.