Revlining Buddha, Gal Vihara in Polonnaruwa before 1872

This photograph, taken by Joseph Lawton before 1872, depicts the colossal reclining Buddha statue at Gal Vihara in Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka. The image captures the scale of the statue, which is carved into the rock face, as well as the surrounding landscape and the figures of people standing near the monument. It is a classic example of 19th-century travel photography that documented historical and cultural sites, offering a glimpse into a distant and exotic land for Victorian audiences. The photo showcases the artistic and religious significance of this prominent Buddhist site in Sri Lanka.