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Stone carvings of ancient Sri Lanka – by Dr. Subashini Pathmanathan Source:Sunday Observer Some beautiful slabs were excavated at Sri Lanka’s archaeological sites. Elaborate dance figures were excellently carved on some of these brown flat stone slabs. Different dance postures are well depicted on the carved stone slabs. These dance poses resemble the typical Thandava Karana poses of Bharatha Natyam. According to Hindu mythology, dance was created and originated from the dance of Lord Shiva. Each Thandava Karana of the Lord is associated with certain dance poses which have a certain philosophical meaning behind them. Many of the Thandava Karana poses resemble the excellent gymnastic and aerobatic body positions. All the carved sculptures might have been crafted by the outstanding ancient local sculptors of Sri Lanka. All these stone crafted and curved sculptures reveal the typical Indian influence. Especially the decorations of the carved sculptures reveal the Indian cultural, traditional ...