Nepal History of Architecture 3 Geographical and Topographical 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

Clay bricks Timber Stone 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.

Total land area is 147,181 square kilometers Three old capitals - Katmandu - Patan - Bhatgaon

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" 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. Architectural Character Stupas, temples, picturesque townships and intricate native craftsmanship are her characteristic architectural heritage. Two kinds of temple survive, the Sikhara and the Pagoda. The first reflectin Indian and the second Chinese (Burmese) influence. In either case the temple is a Shrine enclosing a cella for the god or divine symbol. A typical formal feature of a Nepalese town is the monumental pillar generally supporting a metal superstructure adorned with mystic symbols, group of divinities and specially, portrait statuary of royalties. The Pagoda Style

Topographically divided into 3 regions: - Himalaya to the north -Mt. Everest (8,848 m) - highest point - Hills consisting of the Mahabharat range and the - Terrain to the south Churia Hills - Winter (December - February) - Summer (March - May ) - Monsoon (June - August) - Autumn (September - November)

Climatic Factors Ranges from sub-tropical in the low lands to Arctic higher altitudes. Seasons:

Geological (Materials) Influences

The Pagoda Style

- This style refers to multi-roofed structures with wide eaves supported by carved wooden struts. - Windows, either latticed or grilled, are usually projecting, while the roof is generally topped off by triangular spires enclosing an inverted bell of stucco or burnished gold. Examples Kasthamandap located in Katmandu Valley. a wooden pagoda built in the Malla period this is also the structure from which the capital city is derived. Basantpur Palace The nine-storied Basantpur Palace built by King Prithvi Narayan Shah is another outstanding pagoda specimen. The Pashupati, Taleju and Changu Narayan temples are also notable examples. Changu Narayan temple The temple is one of the oldest Hindutemples of the valley, and is believed to have been constructed in the 4th century. Changu Narayan is the name of Vishnu, and the Temple is dedicated to him. A stone slab discovered in the vicinity of the temple dates to the 5th century, and is the oldest such stone inscription discovered in Nepal. Pashupatinath Temple Pashupatinath Temple is one of the most significantHindu temples of Lord Shiva in the world, located on the banks of the Bagmati River in the eastern part of Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal. The Stupa Style The Stupa Style -This style is purely Buddhist in concept and execution. - The outstanding feature of stupas is a hemispherical mound topped by a square base supporting a seried of thirteen circular rings. - The four sides of the square base or the harmika, as it is called, are painted with pairs of mystic "all-seeing eyes."

Every stupa (Buddhist shrine) in Nepal, there are pairs of eyes staring out from the four sides of the main tower.The mysterious eyes, painted on all four sides of the stupa's spire, represent the eyes of the Buddha and face the four cardinal directions--east, west, north, and south. Examples Swayambhunath

Swayambhunath is an ancient religious complex atop a hill in the Kathmandu Valley, west of Kathmandu city. It is also known as the Monkey Temple as there are holy monkeys living in parts of the temple in the north-west. Boudhanath Boudhanath is one of the holiest Buddhist sites in Kathmandu(Yambu),Nepal. It is known as Khsti by Newars Jyarung Khasyor BY TAMANG as Bauddha orBodh-nth by modern speakers of Nepali. Shikhara Style Shikhara Style The super-structure of this style is a tall curvilinear or pyramidal tower whose surface is broken up vertically into five or nine sections. The final section consists of a bell-shaped part at the top. Examples The Krishna Temple The Krishna temple in Patan, consecrated by Kind Siddhi Narasingh Malla is the finest specimen of the relatively less popular Shikhara style. Other Styles Newari house - A multi-purpose area Vertical room arrangement, not dependent on the size of the house Symmetry is the aim of faade design Generally three storied, uniform depth with extension of equal heights with narrow windows Courtyard or chowk providing both security and privacy Single narrow and low gateway (the only access to the courtyard)

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Entrance doors are barred with two massive planks Windows are closed by fine wooden latticework; shutters too are an equal

Roof spaces is used except for the bell shaped pinnacle above the shrine or Gajur

3. Hindu Priest House or Math Has the location, orientation and its internal planning corresponding to that of a standard dwelling house Large Maths comprise of several smaller house units called Ghars, centered possibly on a courtyard has no fixed orientation but they are normally three-storied building central load bearing wall and the design of the faade resembles that of a residential building location of the shrine is generally not fixed. The ground floor consists of servants quarters, stables or stores; the first floor as a grain storages, guestrooms or bedrooms; the kitchen is located in the top floor or the attic.

San Jhya windowthe most important communication to the street in the main living room Pitched roofs Commonly used materials are burnt brick and timber Has a simple interior furnishing and decorations Buddhist Monastery Popularly known as Vihara A two court style building

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4. Palace or Lakyu Examples of Buddhist Monastery Large squares and temples surrounding the palaces are named either after the various Tols in which they are situated, the streets they adjoin or the important buildings or section of the buildings

Bahil Built on a platform above the street level Two-storied building surrounding a sunken square tiles Ground floor is totally sealed off from outside except for the doorway in the front wall Projecting balconies enlarge the upper floors Roof comprises of a wide overhanging roof and used roof space

Bahal

Two-storied court style with its floor divided into different rooms overlooking the courtyard Building rest on a low plinth-like base Staircase in the four corners leads to a group of three rooms above The four group have no intercommunicating door or passages