Anuradhapura-era Frescoes in the Ancient Cave Temple of Handagalakanda, Kabithigollewa

This research paper examines the Anuradhapura-era wall paintings found in the cave of the archaeological site known as Handagala Kanda, located near Kabithigollewa. By studying the murals associated with the Handagala Kanda Cave Temple, several unique features can be identified. The objectives of this research are to study the murals of the Handagala Kanda Cave Temple. The research questions focus on determining whether these murals belong to the Anuradhapura period and identifying the classical painting characteristics evident in them. Field studies were used as the primary resource, while literature reviews served as the secondary resource. Visual analysis was employed as the methodology, and both stylistic and content features were examined through iconographic analysis. The cave temple is believed to have been constructed between the 3^rd century BCE  and the 1st century CE. Murals belonging to two different periods can be observed within the cave. Specifically, two styles of painting-applied over two distinct layers of plaster on the same surface-can be identified. As the original paintings gradually faded, they appear to have been retouched using a very thin layer of lime-mixed plaster. Therefore, the murals can be attributed to two separate eras. Lime-mixed plaster was used for these murals, incorporating a binding medium of lime, sand, and organic fibers. A tripartite composition of plaster components can be recognized in the surviving sections. The remaining imagery includes a male figure in a dancing pose and a red-colored female figure. The research concludes that the murals of the Handagala Kanda Cave Temple, which exhibit early stylistic characteristics, can be interpreted as classical paintings. It can be determined that these murals belong to both the early Anuradhapura period and the 5^th century CE