Mediaeval Sinhalese Art c6.27

c6.27

But it is necessary to return to the history. In A.D. 332, Jeṭṭhatissa II. succeeded Śri Mēghavaṇṇa, who was king when the relic first came to Ceylon. Jeṭṭhatissa “was a skilful carver. This monarch, having carried out several arduous undertakings in painting and carving, himself taught the art to many of his subjects. He sculptured a beautiful image of the Bodhisatta, so perfect that it seemed as if it had been executed by supernatural power; and also a throne, a parasol, and a state room with some beautiful works in ivory made for it; and having administered the Government of Laṅkā for nine years, he also fulfilled the destiny due to him” (Mahāvaṃsa, Ch. XXXVIII).