Know about Nepali Sculpture

Nepali Sculpture 

The work of art done by craving wood, stone, clay, metal, wax and glass in various shapes is called sculpture. Sculptures are mainly concerned with religious and cultural traditions. The tradition of carving sculptures of various deities had been in practice since ancient time. The Nepali sculpture is explained under the following topics. 

(i). Lichchhavi Period : sculpture in nepal was begun during the lichchhavi period. The image of Baman Trivikram established by Lichchhavi king Mandev was the earliest sculpture of Nepal. The image of Yakshya and Birupakshya are the other examples of ancient sculptures of Nepal. The temples of Changunarayan, Palanchok Bhagawati, Budhanilkantha and stone water taps are the striking examples of this period. 

(ii). Malla period : the development of nepali sculpture reached its climax during the malla period. This period was famous for metal, stone and wooden images. The images of Mahisasur Mardhini of Pharping, Surya Nath of Banepa, Vishnu of Bhaktapur, Ugrachandi, Bhairab and saraswati of Kathmandu, Narasimha of Hanuman Dhoka and Garuda of Mahakal are the examples of the sculpture of the Malla Period. Similarly, Gate of Taleju Mandir in the Kathmandu valley, Golden Gate of Bhaktapur Darbar Square, Golden taps of Patan, statues of Malla kings and doors of temples are the examples of metal sculptures. 

(iii). Shah and Rana period : a number of statues were erected during the shah and rana periods in various places of Nepal. The images of martyrs, god and goddess and idols of Durga, Kali and Devi are the examples of the sculptures of this period. In the terai region of Nepal there is the tradition of using clay and straw to make beautiful, coloured images of deities like Durga, Saraswati and Kali.