Building Livable Cities 2010

It is evident that India is slowly but steadily started the dialog on urban sustainability and now the livability iitself. who would have thought this 10 years back. Most people then, would have in fact taken India as the proof of impossibility of such things in this part of the world.

Building Livable Cities is a multi city investigation on ideas that can make Indian cities Livable. This year theme is Environmental Sustainability. As part of the initiative , The EcoCities India symposiums will take place in 5 cities – Bangalore , Mumbai , Delhi , Chennai ,and Ahmedabad between Oct 18-22. The “Urban Visioning“Program titled the Blueprint featuring the urban visions of a number of leading Indian architects will be showcased at the symposiums. The outcome will be presented in a book where a call for contribution was announced. The series will also be podcasted.

Building Livable Cities 2010: Bangalore, Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Chennai
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Kathaluwa Poorwarama Viharaya, Galle - IV

Kathaluwa Poorwarama Viharaya, Galle - III

Kathaluwa Poorwarama Viharaya, Galle - II

 Interior

 

Wall Paintings

Kathaluwa Poorwarama Temple, Galle - I

Documentary and temple records indicate that the modern temple structure was formally established in 1840 under the patronage of Rev. Kathaluwe Gunaratana Thero.

In 1886, major artistic updates and renovations were carried out at the site. A notable feature above the image house entrance is a British royal crest complete with a portrait of Queen Victoria. This unique emblem reflects the complex interplay between the local Buddhist revival and British colonial rule in the low country during the 19th century.

The temple is especially renowned for its murals, which belong to the distinctive southern coastal tradition. These artworks offer a rich ethnological, sociological, and cultural window into the period, capturing the dress, household items, social mannerisms, and occupational tendencies of the era.

The influence of successive Portuguese, Dutch, and British periods is vividly reflected in the mural details:

• Attire and Furnishings: Figures are depicted wearing Western costumes (such as gowns, coats, and trousers), alongside contemporary furniture like almirahs, four-post beds, chairs, and tables. Other period details include swinging lamps and Roman-numeral wall clocks.
• Architecture and Transport: Architectural elements feature round-pillared open verandahs and Romanesque arches. Additionally, the paintings portray soldiers carrying guns and horse-drawn carriages serving as transport for royalty.

This temple stands as a fine example of southern coastal temple mural heritage shared by several other historic shrines along the coastal belt.

Image House

Preaching Hall

Stupa

Library

Priests' Abode

Ancillary Building

Wall Paintings - 1

First day cover issues by the Sri Lanka Postal department commemorating murals of the Kathaluwa Poorvarama Temple in 1980.

Location 7 -  Kathaluwa Poorwarama Temple

Photos: Author