Kandyan Paintings in Kerala: The Sacred Wall Art Influenced by Sri Lankan Buddhist Traditions

Kandyan paintings are a stunning but often overlooked form of art that beautifully blends Sri Lankan Buddhist traditions with Kerala’s indigenous aesthetic. These murals, with their intricate details, bold colors, and deep spiritual meaning, can still be found in a handful of old temples in Kerala. But with time, they’re fading away, making them a fragile yet powerful reminder of the rich cultural and historical connections between Kerala and Sri Lanka.

This article delves into the history, artistic styles, and influences of Kandyan paintings in Kerala’s temple art. It also highlights the few surviving examples of this rare art form and why it’s crucial to preserve them before they disappear entirely.

Kandyan-style paintings found their way into Kerala thanks to centuries of cultural and trade connections between the Malabar region and Sri Lanka. These ties were strengthened by maritime trade, Buddhist missionary activities, and diplomatic exchanges. Over time, Sri Lankan art—especially the Kandyan school of painting—began to influence temple murals in Kerala, particularly during the late medieval and early modern periods.

The Kandyan painting tradition took shape in the Kingdom of Kandy (present-day Sri Lanka) during the 17th and 18th centuries, flourishing under the patronage of the Nayakkar rulers, who had South Indian roots. Deeply embedded in Theravāda Buddhist traditions, these murals often depicted stories from the Jātakas (tales of Buddha’s past lives), episodes from the Buddha’s life, and various celestial beings. But as Buddhism gradually faded from Kerala, these artistic influences didn’t disappear—they merged with Hindu temple art, blending with local styles while still retaining their distinct Sri Lankan character.

Kandyan paintings in Kerala stand out because of their unique artistic style, which includes several distinctive features:

1. Bold Colors Made from Natural Pigments
   These murals use a vibrant color palette dominated by red, yellow, white, black, and green, all sourced from natural materials. The backgrounds are often deep red or ochre, making the intricate white outlines and details of the figures stand out strikingly.
2. Stylized Human and Divine Figures
   The figures in Kandyan paintings have a distinct look—elongated, almond-shaped eyes, arched eyebrows, and calm, serene expressions. Rather than focusing on anatomical realism, these figures follow a set artistic style, emphasizing ornate detailing instead.
3. Intricate Floral and Geometric Borders
   One of the most eye-catching aspects of Kandyan murals is their elaborate borders, filled with floral and geometric patterns. Lotus flowers, vines, and concentric circles are common motifs, adding both beauty and deeper symbolic meaning to the artwork.
4. A Flat, Two-Dimensional Perspective
   Unlike European Renaissance paintings, which use perspective and depth, Kandyan murals are completely flat. Figures are arranged in horizontal bands, making the storytelling clear and easy to follow, rather than focusing on lifelike realism.
5. Religious and Mythological Themes
   While these paintings have Buddhist roots, many of the ones found in Kerala depict Hindu stories, including scenes from the Ramayana, Mahabharata, and Puranas. This blending of Buddhist and Hindu iconography reflects the rich cultural fusion that shaped Kerala’s temple art.

Even though Kandyan-style murals hold immense historical and artistic value, only a handful of temples in Kerala still preserve them. Some of the most notable examples include:

1. Pallimanna Siva Temple, Thrissur
   This temple is home to some of the finest Kandyan-style murals in Kerala. The paintings vividly depict scenes from Hindu mythology, with clear Sri Lankan influences seen in the stylized figures and intricate floral designs.
2. Thiruvanchikulam Mahadeva Temple, Kodungallur
   Located in central Kerala, this temple’s murals beautifully blend Kerala’s traditional mural art with Kandyan elements. The influence is especially evident in the way celestial beings and narrative scenes are depicted.
3. Padmanabhapuram Palace, Kanyakumari (Formerly Part of Travancore)
   Although it’s technically outside present-day Kerala, the murals at Padmanabhapuram Palace bear a strong resemblance to Kandyan paintings. They feature detailed mythological scenes framed by elaborate floral patterns, reflecting the deep artistic exchange between Sri Lanka and Kerala.

The decline of Kandyan paintings in Kerala happened due to a mix of cultural, historical, and environmental factors:

• Religious and Cultural Shifts – As Buddhism gradually faded from Kerala, the artistic traditions influenced by it also lost their prominence. Over time, Hindu temple art took center stage, and many Buddhist-inspired styles, including Kandyan murals, were left behind.
• Colonial Impact – With European colonization came new artistic styles and techniques, which overshadowed traditional mural painting. As Western influences grew stronger, indigenous art forms like Kandyan paintings started to fade into obscurity.
• Neglect and Environmental Damage – Many temples that once housed beautiful Kandyan murals have suffered from years of neglect. Exposure to humidity, poor conservation efforts, and general wear and tear have caused these paintings to deteriorate, with little being done to protect or restore them.

To preserve Kandyan paintings in Kerala, a few key steps need to be taken:

• Documenting and Digitizing – It’s crucial to record and digitize the remaining murals before they disappear. This will help create a lasting archive for future generations.
• Restoration by Skilled Artists – Restoration efforts should involve artists who specialize in traditional techniques, using natural pigments and methods that stay true to the original art form.
• Raising Public Awareness and Government Support – More exhibitions, research programs, and awareness campaigns are needed to highlight the importance of Kandyan paintings. Government initiatives can also play a big role in funding conservation projects and ensuring these murals aren’t forgotten.

Kandyan-style paintings in Kerala are a beautiful blend of Sri Lankan Buddhist traditions and Kerala’s own Hindu temple art. Though only a handful of these murals have survived, they hold immense historical and artistic value, offering a glimpse into the deep cultural exchanges between Kerala and Sri Lanka. If we make an effort to preserve them, this rare art form can continue to inspire future generations.

To keep this legacy alive, we need to document, restore, and promote these paintings as part of Kerala’s rich mural heritage. With increased awareness and dedicated conservation efforts, we can stop this unique tradition from fading away and ensure it remains a vibrant part of our history for years to come.