Nepali Architectures (vaastukala) II Architectures of Nepal

Architectures of Nepal 

The style in which a building is designed and constructed especially relating to a specific period, place or culture is called architecture. In Nepali language, "Vaastu" means a place of dwelling and "kala" means art. So, Vaastukala is the art of dealing with a place of dwelling. Thus, by architecture, we mean the art of building houses, palaces, monasteries, temples, forts, inn, etc. 

The ancient architecture of Nepal is found to be excellent even from the scientific point of view. They are considered to be very important cultural heritage of Nepal. Older statues were available in more numbers in comparison to old temples, chaityas or stupas. It is because they are carved on the stones that can remain for thousands of years but the temples, stupas are built from the clay, wood bricks, etc. and cannot exist for a long time. We don't have any concrete proof of the Lichchhavi period architecture at present. But by examining the old sculptures of the Lichchhavi period we can assume that there must have been some temples or architectural structure built to place and protect them. For instance, the existence of Mangriha of Mandeva, Kailashkut of Amshuverma, and Bhadradhiwas of Narendra Dev could not be found at present. 

Palaces, temples, Buddhist monasteries and stupas, built in the medieval age have survived till today as the cultural treasures of Nepal. Nyatapola, the 5-storey temple of Bhaktapur was built in medieval age by King Bhupatindra Malla to keep the goddess Laxmi inside the premises of his durbar. The Malla period is considered as an important period in the development of architecture in Nepal. Like other aspects of art, Nepali architecture is noted for its originality and magnificence. Nepalese architecture can be studied under the three categories: Pagoda Style, Stupa or Chaitya Style and Shikhar Style. 

Pagoda Style 

Pagoda style of architecture means the multi-stored temples having more than one roof with the broader base and gradually narrowing tops. Pinnacle (Gajur) is placed at the top. The God and Goddess to be worshiped are placed in the ground floor. The upper stories have space for storing properties that belong to the temple. Mangriha of Mandev, Changunarayan temple, Kailashkut building of Amshuverma, Bhadradiwas of Narendra, Dattatreya and Nyatapola of Bhaktapur, Kasthamandap of Kathmandu, Pashupatinath temple, Taleju Bhawani, Palanchowk Bhagawati, Nine store palace of Basantapur, Nuwakot palace, etc. are the examples of pagoda style. 

Stupa or Chaitya style 

Stupa is mainly a buddhist style of architecture. Emperor Ashoka is believed to have introduced this style of architecture in Nepal, Many Stupas were dedicated to Lord Buddha. Ashoka Stupa of Patan, Buddhanath, Swayambhunath, Charumati of Kathmandu, Mahabouddha close to Tudhikel, Mayadevi temple of Lumbini, etc are the excellent example of Stupa or Chaitya style of architecture. Ashoka stupa of Patan is believed to be the oldest stupa of Nepal. The Buddhist society bury some sacred things relatetd to their community into the land before building monuments over it. The monument in hemispherical dome that has pinnacle with Buddha's eyes painting painted on the outside is called Stupa or Chaitya. According to the Buddhist tradition, the style of architecture having a broad base and gradually tapering upwards is called a Stupa or Chaitya style. 

Shikhar Style 

The Shikhar style is also a fine traditional architecture. It is believed that it was developed in the 4th century and entered from India. Shikhar style building is roofless with several towering and tapering tops with golden pinnacles. The original material for its construction is stone. In Nepal this type of architecture was popular during the 17th and 18th century. Krishna Mandir of Patan, built by King Sidhi Narsingh Malla, is a typical example of shikhar style. Mahabouddha temple of Patan, Batsyaldevi temple of Bhaktapur, Shiva temple of Indrachowk, Kathmandu, Pratappur, and Anantapur temple of Swayambhu are also the excellent examples of Shikhar style temples. 

Nepalese architectures were influenced by the European style during Rana rule. Singha Durbar, Keshar Mahal, Thapathali Durbar, Shree Mahal, Rani Mahal, etc. are the examples built in European style. There are buildings and religious shrines built in Gumbaj sttyle and Mugal style also, janaki temple of janakpur is the example of Mughal style. The structure of Gumbaj style are also found in the Kathmandu valley and in the Terai. 

Our art and culture is our important heritage and it must be preserved. There are few people who are professionally engaged in this field. They have been attracting number of tourist as well. Some individuals and organizations are working in the field of preservation of Nepali art and culture . A college of fine arts (Lalitkala Campus) in Kathmandu has been established. Nepal Academy, Nepal Association of Fine Arts (NAFA) , Nepal Tourism Board (NTB), etc. are also contributing for the preservation and promotion of Nepalese art. Department of Archeology, a government agency, is working in the exploration and  preservation of things and places of archaeological significance. Efficiency of these  existing organizations and their number need to be increased for better promotion and preservation of our art and culture.