Statues of king Dutthagamini and three buddhas 1896

This is a photograph by Henry William Cave, of statues representing King Dutthagamini alongside three Buddhas. Cave was a British photographer active in Ceylon, now Sri Lanka, in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. His work reflects the growth of British interest in the island and its culture, especially its ancient history and Buddhist monuments. Dutthagamini, a Sinhalese king who reigned in the 2nd century BCE, is revered for his role in defending Buddhism and unifying the country. The statues, their placement and their veneration, reflect the ways in which the institutions of religion and state power shape the cultural landscape. The image itself participates in the colonial gaze, framing the statues as objects of curiosity and historical significance for a western audience. To understand this image fully, it is important to consult a range of sources including historical accounts, religious texts, and postcolonial analyses, to gain a more complete understanding of the complex relationship between art, culture, and power.