Nepali Architecture
Architecture is the art of planning, designing, and constructing buildings, houses, palaces, forts etc. It is called Vaastukala in Nepali language. Vaastu refers to the place of dwelling and Kala is art. Therefore , the planning, designing and constructing the place of dwelling is called Vaastukala. The study of architecture includes both the religious and residential constructions in Nepal. The study includes the study of temples, monasteries, palaces, inns, forts, etc.
Nepal has a long history of architectures in the world from the scientific and cultural point of view. The existing temples, palaces, and buildings of Nepal demonstrate excellent pieces of Nepali
architecture and superb design, skill, idea, and devotion of our ancestors in this field.
Malla period is considered to be the golden area in the history of Nepal in the development of architecture. It is said that Nepali architecture had great influence to other countries as well during that period.
Nepali architecture can be divided into three main categories according to the styles of construction.
Pagoda style
The Pagoda style of architecture is the multi-storied temples with multiple roofs. The border base and gradually narrowing top is the unique feature of Pagoda style architecture. Pinnacle (Gajur) is palced at the top. The ground floor is used to place the gods and goddesses to be worshipped. the upper stories are used for storing the properties of the temple. Pagoda style is the ancient style of Nepali architecture. It is believed to have been introduced in Nepal in the beginning of the thirteenth century.
Pashupatinath Temple
It is said that Araniko and his friends were expert in constructing buildings of Pagoda style. They even spread Pagoda style in Tibet and China by constructing many magnificent buildings. Mangriha of Mandev, kailshkut Bhawan of Amshuvarma and Bhadradiwas Bhawan of Narendradev, Dattatreya and Nyatapola of Bhaktapur, Kasthamandap of Kathmandu, Pashupatinath temple, Taleju Palanchwok Bhagawati, Nine storey palace of Basantapur, Nuwakot palace etc. are some of the examples of the Pagoda style.
Stupa or Chaitya Style
Stupa is a mainly Buddhist style of architecture. It is quite different from Pagoda style. It has flat bottom and shrunk top but no roof like in pagoda style. Stupa or Chaitya is a monument in hemispherical dome that keeps golden pinnacle with Buddha's eyes painted on the outside. Stupas have praying wheels around them. they are erected for the memory of important Buddhists personalities. Some Buddhists even burry some things related to their community under the land and build monuments over it. Some of the magnificent examples of Stupa or Chaitya style of architectures of Nepal are : Ashok stupa of Patan, Baudhanath, Swayambhumnath, Charumati stupa of Kathmandu, Mahaboudha, Mayadevi temple of Lumbini etc. Emperor Ashoka of India is believed to have introduced Stupa style of architecture in Nepal. Ashoka Stupa of Patan is believed to be the oldest stupa of Nepal.
Boudhanath stupa
Shikhar Style
The Shikhar style architecture is also our traditional architecture. The temples or buildings of Shikhar style look like the pyramid. They are roofless with several towering and tapering tops with golden pinnacles on them. they are constructed by using stones. The bases of such temples or buildings are broader and the tops are narrower. this style is believed to have entered Nepal from India. Krishna mandir of Patan, built by king Siddhi Narshigh Malla, is the best examples of Shikhar style. Some other temples of shikhar style are: Shiva temple of Indrachwok, Kathmandu, Mahaboudha temple of patan, Batsalyadevi temple of Bhaktapur, Pratappur and Anantapur temples of Swayambhu etc.
Singha Durbar
Apart from above mentioned styles, dome Mughal and European styles are also used in Nepali architecture. Nepalese architectures were influenced by European style during Rana rule. Singha Durbar, Keshar mahal, Narayanhiti palace, etc are the examples built in European style. Janaki temple of Janakpur is an excellent example of the architecture built in Mughal style.
