At Dambulla, Sri Lanka there stands a rock temple created by those who sought to protect the Buddhist religion in Sri Lanka. In the first century BC the Sinhalese King and his followers were exiled and lay in hiding on this rock after being usurped by South Indian invaders. During his time here, he established this monastery and started creating these amazing rock paintings, many of which survive to this day.

Naturally as time went on kings added more and more as kings are wont to do. The result are five caves from different times, each painted floor to ceiling with Buddhist paintings and adorned with rock sculptures.

Unfortunately since this is still an active religious shrine, religious doctrine overrides archeological needs. As such, I was able to use my flash to take photographs within and none of the paintings are preserved in anyway. The acidity of visitors' breath is rapidly breaking down these paintings and destroying the ancient beauty. Perhaps Sri Lanka should consider the future importance of such shrines and bring more of the archeological needs to bear to protect the religious heritage.

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Sri Lanka: Sigiriya

Sigiriya is a famous and nearly impregnable natural fortress, at whose base the parricide Kasyapa built a palace where he lived from 477 to 511 in fear of his brother's revenge. It came, and the fortress proved of little use: in the heat of battle, a wheeling movement by Kasyapa was interpreted by his own troops as retreat. They fled, leaving him to kill himself. The palace and refuge were abandoned.