ARCHITECTURE IN NEPAL

A. INFLUENCES: I. Geographical and Topographical Influences: Lies between two great eastern civilization: - India - west, south and east - China - Tibetan autonomous region of the People's Republic of China in the north Total land area is 147,181 square kilometers Three old capitals - Katmandu - Patan - Bhatgaon Topographically divided into 3 regions: - Himalaya to the north o Mt. Everest (8,848 m) - highest point - Hills consisting of the Mahabharat range and the Churia Hills - Terai to the south II. Climatic Factors: Ranges from sub-tropical in the low lands to Arctic higher altitudes. Seasons: - Winter (December - February) - Summer (March - May ) - Monsoon (June - August) - Autumn (September - November) III. Geological (Materials) Influences: Clay bricks Timber Stone II. Religious Influences: Emperor Asoka brought Buddhism in the 3rd c. and built many stupas to commemorate his missions. Hinduism, Buddhism with Tibetan Tantric influences have existed side by side Only country that is a Hindu state - Hinduism predominate religion with 86.5% of the population. - Buddhists, 7.8% - next largest religion. - Muslims, 3.5% of the population. Temples, shrines, monuments and monasteries are extremely active with devotees burning butter-lamps, singing hymns, chiming temple bells and playing drums. The only country that has living goddess "Kumari" II. Historical Influences: Newars and Gurkhas (of Tibetan Mongol stock) settled in early times and established an indigenous style in art and architecture which has never been modified. Art flourished during the reign of Mulla Rajas (13th 18th c.) Rajaput Gurkha dynasty was established by Grukha Raja. B. ARCHITECTURAL CHARACTER Drawn both cultures India and China Characteristic architectural heritage: 1. Stupas oldest monuments: - Hemispherical mound faced with brick masonry, surrounded by a brick plinth (base/platform) serving as processional path - Best Examples: a. Swayambhunath b. Bodhnath 2. Temples: - Types: a. Sikhara Indian influence b. Pagoda Chinese (Burmese) influence

3. Towns: - Typical formal feature is the monumental pillar supporting a metal superstructure adorned with mystical symbols, group of divinities and portrait statuary of royalties. - Secular architecture is made of wood, but brick is used for structural purpose and metal for ornament. - Street facades of houses, usually planned with interior courtyards are elaborately treated - Buildings are of three storey: Ground floor- served as a shop, recessed beneath an overhanging first floor which is overhung by the upper level. - Each floor is supported by brackets and struts, ornately curved and sometimes painted. - Windows have intricate lattice screens. - Fully decorated with carvings, embossing, tinkling bells and hanging lamps. - Makara rain water spouts which are characteristic of Buddhist iconography Examples: 1. KATMANDU VALLEY - Consists of three main cities: a. Kathmandu b. Patan c. Bhadagaon - Ancient monument, relics of architectures and fine arts have been well preserved. 2. SWAYAMBHUNATH STUPA, Katmandu - Originally an Asoka tumulus on a hill - Stands on a low narrow plinth (base or podium) - Medieval addition of an immense finial - Conical spire in 13 diminishing tiers symbolizing the 13 Buddhist heaven with umbrella apex. - Square base which has a large pair of human eyes symbolizes the All Seeing One embossed in metal and ivory on each of the 4 sides. 3. BODHNATH, Katmandu - 3 platforms - 12.0 m. high - 14.0 m. high spire resembling the finial of Swayambhunath - Revered by both Buddhist as well as Nepalese Hindus. - Gaya-jatri - festival to worship the holy cows. 4. PATAN - Ancient name of the city is Lalitpur (the city of beauty). - Circular in shape and situated about 3 miles south-east of Kathmandu, a short distance from the southern bank of the river Bagmati. - The Durbar Square, built in the reign of Raja Beer Deva in 299 A.D . o City full of Buddhist monuments o Shiva temples with fine bronze gateways, deities and endless carvings. 5. KRISHNA TEMPLE, Patan - Typical sikhara spire with clusters of small pavillions on each side of the 3 arcaded storey - Carved stone frieze depicting romantic Krishna legend. 6. DURBAR SQAURE, Patan - Ancient royal residential square of Malla Kings. - Consist of the following: a. Golden Gate o Dates from the reign of Raja Ranjit Malla in 1786 AD. o Famous as the richest piece of art in the whole Kingdom. b. A place of 55 windows o Old palace of brick walls remarkable for its carved balcony with 55 windows. built by Raja Yasksha Malla in 1427 AD. c. The Lion Gate d. Statue of Bhupatindra Malla o Famous for its arts in column. o Erected by Raja Yaksha Malla in 1427 A.D. e. The biggest bell in the whole Kingdom f. Pagodas and Sikhara temples

7. SACRED TOWN OF PASUPATI (17th c.) - Stands on the banks of the Bagmati, dedicated to Lord Shiva - Holy Region of Hindu, and community of Nepalese Buddhists. - Consists of stone and wooden temples, with a burning ghat by the river 8. PASUPATI NATH TEMPLE - Original pagoda styled temple before 6th c. - One of the most famous places of Hindu pilgrimage in the world. - Dedicated to Lord Shiva the guardian deity of Nepal - Temples and shrines with golden gilt roof and large richly carved silver gates. - All the dyings are brought for cremation. 9. BHAIRAB TEMPLE - The Kali (black) Bhairab is one of Shiva's forms. 10. CHANGU NARAYAN TEMPLE - One of the oldest Hindu temples of the valley dedicated to Vishnu constructed in the 3rd c. - One of 7 structures cited by UNESCO that make the Kathmandu Valley a World Heritage Site. 11. BHADGAON - Also known as Bhaktpur(Bhaktapur) "city of devotee". - Home of medieval art and architecture . - Regarded as the oldest city of the valley . - Has its origin in the time of the Lichhavi rulers. Later in 889 A.D . - The city has as altitude of 4600 feet above the sea . It is 9 miles east of the Kathmandu. 12. NYATAPOLOA TEMPLE - Mark of Nepalese temple designed in 1700 AD. - Shows significant innovations o increase of roof storeys and plinth steps on the one hand o Introduction of an open gallery surrounding the shrine cella on the other - Integrated various styles of near-contemporary monuments to make a convincing political and religious statement while erecting a temple to his personal deity. - The result is a building of the utmost harmony, defining mature rules and canons of temple design to be observed until the end of the Malla rule.

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BIBLIOGRAPHY Books: Harris, Cyril M. Historic Architecture Sourcebook. Mac Graw Hil, Inc. USA.1977. Palmes, J.C. Sir Banister Fletchers A History of Architecture. 18th ed.The Athlone Press, University of London. London Other Sources: Internet Sources

College of Architecture University of Santo Tomas HISTORY OF ARCHITECTURE 3 1st Semester AY 2008-2009 Prepared by: Archt. Clarissa L. Avendao August 2008