Nepali Architecture

Nepali Architecture 

The art of desigining, styling and constructing buildings is called architecture. Nepal is rich in the field of architecture. The architecture of ancient and medieval Nepal has been scientifically proved excellent in the world. The architecture of Nepal is explained under the following topics. 

1. The Pagoda Style : Pagoda is a multi-roofed temple or a tall tower with several levels which has a large base and proportionately decreasing upper part with a pinnacle (Gajur) at the top. This style of architecture is called pagoda style. The groung on which a building is made, is a little raised with some carved steps decorated with images on both sides. Tundals are the important attractions which contain beautiful carvings. Pagoda style was started in the 13th century in Nepal. This style is believed to be popularized by Araniko and his friends who took it to Tibet and China. Temple of Changunarayan , Mangriha of Mandev, Kailashkut Bhavan of Anshverma nd Bhadra-dhibas Bhavan of Narendra Dev are the example of pagoda style.

Nytapola, Dattatraya of Bhaktapur
nepali Architecture

Kasthamandap of Kathmandu
Nepali Architecture

Similarly, Nytapola, Dattatraya of Bhaktapur, Kasthamandap of Kathmandu are some examples of the Malla period pagoda style. The Nine-storied Durbar of Basantapur, Seven storied Darbar of Nuwakot, Pashupati temple, Taleju temple and Palanchowk Bhagawati temple are other examples of this style of buildings and temples. 

2. The stupa or Chaitya style : the building style with flat bottom and shrink top without the roof is called Stupa style. Emperor Ashoka introduced this style of architecture in Nepal and it was practiced from ancient period. The examples of this style are the temple of Mayadevi temple of Lumbini, Swoyambhunath and Baudhanath. Charumati chaitya of Chabahil was also built in Chaitya style. Ashoka Stupa of Patanis the oldest stupa in this style.

Baudhanath-
Nepali Architecture

The followers of Buddhism bury some important thimgs related to their community under the land and build monuments over it. The monument is a hemispherical dome that keeps pinnacle with Budha's eyes painted on the outside. This style of architecture has a broad base and gradually tapering upgrades. There are festooned prayer flags extending from the central part and prayer wheels around the basal Circumference. 

3. The Shikhar Style : this style looks like a mountain peak or the Egyptian pyramid. Its outer part is divided into five or nine parts in a vertical manner. Pinnacles (Gajurs) are placed on the top of each part. Shikhar style architecture is roofless with several towering and tapering tops. The original material of its construction is stone. When bricks are used for wall, doors are carved in stone. Wood is rarely used. It is believed that this style of architecture was developed in the 4th century and entered from india. In Nepal this style of architecture was developed well during the 17th and 18th century.

janaki Mandir of Janakpur-
Nepali Architecture

Krishna temple in Patan-
Nepali Architecture

The examples of this style are the Krishna temple and Mahabauddha temple of patan. Siddhinarsingh Malla had constructed Krishna temple in Patan. 

4. Other style : There are many buildings and temples built in other style. Other main styles are Dome style, Mughal style and Gandhar style. Janaki temple of Janakpur is an example of Mughal style. The example of Dome style can be found in terai region.

Rani Mahal-Nepali Architecture

The example of modern architecture in Nepal are the 55 window palace of Bhaktapur built during the Malla period is an example of modern architecture in Nepal. Singhdurbar, Kesharmahal, Thapathali Durbar, Sreemahal and Rani Mahal built during the Rana period were constructed in a European architectural design.