NO. 61. — 1908.] ANNUAL REPORT. 



49 



Excavation. 



Gal Vihdre. — The first site attacked in 1907 was the Gal Vihdre. 

 The colossal figures and rock-hewn shrine of this picturesquely 

 wooded site renders it probably the most impressive antiquity 

 preserved in Ceylon. 



Altogether four images exist carved from the live rock. 



Two are ot-pilima or sedent figures of the Buddha. 



The largest, 15 ft. 3 in. by 14 ft. 8 in. , is seated in the cross-legged 

 meditative mudrd, upon an elaborate dsanaya, beneath an elabo- 

 rately carved torana (arch) of makara design ; the other, in similar 

 attitude, is at the back of a rock-hewn shrine. 



The third, on the extreme right, is a recumbent image (seta 

 pilima) 46 ft. 2 in. from head to foot. The figure is represented, in 

 orthodox fashion, lying on its right side, with right arm and hand 

 on a pillow under the head, the left arm being straightened along 

 the body. 



But it is the solitary life-like figure, traditionally styled Ananda, 

 the favourite disciple of the Buddha, standing erect with 

 crossed arms on a lotus pedestal 24 ft. from the rock floor, which 

 appeals specially to the imagination, from its sorrow-stricken 

 expression and natural attitude of deep mourning. This statue 

 is, par excellence, the most artistic and well conceived to be found 

 anywhere in the Island. 



Each of the four images was originally enclosed within its own 

 massively walled brick shrine, and could thus be seen but darkly, 

 in that " dim religious light " which nearly all creeds seem to affect 

 for their sanctuaries. 



The superincumbent earth and debris which hid the basements 

 of all these shrines has been wholly removed, and the ground 

 between them cut down to the former level. 



Siva Devdle No. 1. — This magnificent granite ruin of the Hindu 

 cult — strangely for years past mistermed the ' ' Daladd Mdligdwa" 

 or " Shrine of the Tooth Relic," the palladium of Buddhism — lies 

 just south of the main quadrangle, in which are situated that 

 wonderful coterie of Buddhist shrines where architectural features 

 of Ceylon, of Southern India, Kambodia, and perhaps Burma, 

 mingle in strange yet happy proximity. 



The extensive premises of the Devale were dug from end to end. 

 Comparatively little excavation was needed at the main shrine, 

 which must have been freed of earth and gutted at no distant 

 period. It consists of the customary triplet of rooms, a mandapam , 

 open to the sky, preceding the vimdna and its vestibule, both 

 walled and ceiled with stone slabs. The domed roof of the adytum 

 has wholly disappeared, after being probably dug through to get 

 at the contents of the shrine, which no longer remain in situ. 



The style of the architecture of this ruin is pronouncedly 

 Dravidian, and of striking beauty. Not a finer example exists 

 in Ceylon. 



E 20-08 



